Hempstead PAL Lacrosse Program Bonds During Disrupted Season

As with all sports at all levels since March, Hempstead PAL Lacrosse was required to cancel its spring practices and games due to the COVID-19 virus. At that moment, fourth, fifth and sixth graders, several from single-family households and many of the 22 team members learning the game for the first time, had been preparing for a challenging season while anticipating another successful season for this nine-year program.

Since 2012, the Tigers, who play in the Nassau-Suffolk County Police Athletic Lacrosse League, have been led by Coach Alan Hodish. He has introduced the game to more than 100 African-American and Hispanic youngsters. Coach Hodish, who is a Garden City attorney, is a revered former lacrosse and football coach at Hempstead High School. He also has coached youth lacrosse on Long Island for many years and recently was inducted into the Long Island Metropolitan Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

Long-time coach Bernard Williams has assisted the Hempstead PAL program along with former high school players and other Long Island lacrosse standouts who serve as assistant coaches, role models, communicators and friends for the kids who are eager to succeed on the lacrosse field.

“We had a team selected for this year and worked in a couple of practices without equipment,” said Coach Hodish, “and then everything had to stop. We have been cleared by the village to begin non-contact practice for up to 25 players. When permitted, I hope that I can arrange some scrimmages or games with other teams so the kids can put their instruction to work and have some fun.”

The 2020 team was preparing to rival last year’s championship Hempstead team.

“Each year, we have a very diverse selection of players,” said Coach Hodish. “In addition to our players, we always enjoy excellent parental support.”

Philanthropic Contributions

The team’s benefactors include James C. Metzger, founder, chairman and CEO of the Whitmore Agency, an insurance and financial services company headquartered in Garden City. Metzger is a former star lacrosse player at Half Hollows High School East in Dix Hills and at Hofstra University. His jersey numbers have been retired at both schools.

“Jim Metzger is our Mr. Lacrosse,” added Coach Hodish. “He has been with us since our inaugural season and he has been a great supporter of our program.”

Shortly after all competitive youth athletics was suspended in Nassau County, Metzger, in honor of the commitment of Coach Hodish, donated an additional $10,000 to the Hempstead PAL Lacrosse program. This gift supports team operations, equipment, uniforms, expenses for officials and league registration, and an awards presentation at the end of each season.

One of the awards, The James C. Metzger Award for a player’s “strong work ethic and improvement made throughout the lacrosse season,” is presented annually by Mr. Lacrosse, who also speaks with all the players and parents about the lessons of teamwork that the youngsters learn through instruction, practice and games. Commitment to the game and to teammates, according to Metzger, also is a vital lesson provided by the program.

“Even if lacrosse is not pursued in high school, college, or professionally, the lessons and camaraderie that touches each of these players will be a positive experience that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” said Metzger. “I am very proud of all the kids who have experienced the Tigers program and I enjoy helping each player discover this fabulous game and convert their experiences into future successes.”

2020 Hempstead PAL Roster

The 2020 Hempstead PAL Lacrosse Tigers roster consists of 22 players from fourth to sixth grades.

• KayJay Benjamin – sixth grade
• Jaden Bolling – fifth grade
• Bentley Cannon – fourth grade
• Amare Collins – sixth grade
• Jonathan Davis – sixth grade
• Keon Grier – sixth grade
• Josh Hagler – sixth grade
• Blake Harris – fourth grade
• Jeremy Henderson – fifth grade
• Tristan Herron – fourth grade
• Jordan Hines – sixth grade
• Steph Love – fifth grade
• Julius McCloud – fifth grade
• Zayden Mendez – fifth grade
• Seth Montgomery – fourth grade
• Aaden Sarduy – sixth grade
• Riley Sarduy – fifth grade
• Zyaire Thompson – sixth grade
• Michael Toney – fourth grade
• Morrell Toney – fifth grade
• Ramon Washington – sixth grade
• Jalil Watts – sixth grade

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Mike Virgintino is the author of Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History, the story about America's theme park located in The Bronx. Published by Theme Park Press, it can be found on Amazon, eBay, Goodreads and other retailers.