The Wildcat Athletic Foundation witnessed a most exciting Second Annual Wildcat Spirit Event on Friday, Jan. 11 and Saturday, Jan. 12. The Wildcat Sports Spirit Weekend was expanded from a single afternoon and evening to a multi-day, multi-sport, girls and boys participating, high spirited happening.

On Friday, Jan. 11, the middle school seventh grade girls' volleyball team began the extravaganza, competing against the Garden City team. In a highly competitive match, the Wildcats fell short; however, both teams displayed the spirit and effort that would carry on throughout the weekend.

Competing at another location in The Wheatley School, the Wildcat varsity girls' and boys' fencing team was dueling Jericho. Under the direction of Coach Terry Grace, the fencers put on a display of agility, stamina and coordination. The competition between the two schools was fierce with the outcome not nearly as important as the display of talent.

The varsity girls' basketball team, coached by Brian McConaghy, Christina Cambria and Alicia DeFino, won a one point battle against Hewlett: Wheatley 53, Hewlett 52. Amanda Affigne (six points) scored off a feed from Erica Melchione (12 points) with 10 seconds left in the game to lift Wheatley. Wheatley junior guard Morgan Laverty had 15 points, including her 500th point, which came on a free throw in the first quarter. Strong performances were turned in by Kristie Kalenka (10 points), Stephanie Dobranski, Grace McCracken and Kristin Winters.

Prior to the finale of the first day of activities, the East Williston School District recognized the great loss suffered by its community with the untimely death of Brandon Lustig. Brandon, a 17-year-old senior, was more than a student-athlete at The Wheatley School; he was an integral part of all aspects of the community. He lived life and loved people. Brandon was not one to sit by and watch life pass him by; he was the star in the motion picture of his life. Brandon played hard and never forgot to smile and laugh. We are all better for having had the opportunity to cross paths with a young man who had an interest in us; he knew you and cared about you. We are reminded that Brandon's spirit will be kept alive each and every time we play hard, smile and laugh.

This moving tribute was not lost on the Carle Place varsity basketball team, who all purchased and wore B-Lust sweatbands in a moving show of support for the East Williston community. The emotions of the young men from Wheatley, who dedicated this game to Brandon and his family, did not get in the way of their performance. The Wildcats would not be denied victory aided by strong scoring performances from Daniel Rogers (16 points), Noel Abraham (13 points), Daniel Schmertz (eight points) and Billy Wasserman (seven points) and the outstanding defensive contributions from Zach Libresco, Lucas Mayrsohn, Jesse Reich, Andrew Messer, Dan Levine and Amandeep Singh. The Wildcats, coached by Jim Curcio and Vin Maffatore, finished the night on a very positive note.

The varsity cheerleaders provided constant encouragement throughout the basketball games. The greatest pep band ever assembled, led by Steve Fitzko, kept pace with the ebbs and flows of the activity. The junior varsity and varsity dance teams performed with the precision and energy of a finely tuned machine.

The gym was transformed overnight into a wrestling arena, readying it for the 18th Annual Wheatley Wrestling Tournament. Thirteen teams, including the Wildcats led by coaches Ken Richards and Joe Cerulli, would compete for 15 individual championships and one team title. Will Forero and Dan Mageau placed fourth in very difficult weight classes. Other strong performances were turned in by Greg Tannenbaum, Darius Izad, Gabe Hogan, Justin Casale, Alec Sherman and George Braun.

While the athletes were competing, the Wildcat Athletic Foundation was selling and raising funds to support Wheatley Athletics. This relatively new foundation has already made a contribution to the program by donating a Wildcat mascot costume. The Wildcat made its debut and contributed to the spirit and excitement of the weekend.

The weekend was not only an opportunity to compete as athletes, it also gave us an opportunity to remember and honor Brandon Lustig. Anyone wishing to contribute to the Brandon Lustig Fund should mail their donation to: The Wheatley School, 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568. Please make checks out to the Brandon Lustig Fund/Wheatley. Thank you for your support.