R.I.P ‘Les’ Pinder
Leslie “Les” Pinder, an honorary member of the St. Francis Prep, Fresh Meadows, Class of 1959, died peacefully from natural causes on Jan. 15. As a freshman, he earned a spot on the Prep’s varsity team and quickly established himself as the best sprinter in the Northeast.
Pinder won 28 consecutive major meet events while amassing 11 school records in the sprints and long jump. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the “Terrier Red and Blue Ring of Honor” in March 2014.
Two Xaverian H.S., Bay Ridge, senior girls’ varsity basketball players have announced their college commitments. Daniella DeBiase will continue her collegiate hoops career at Hartwick College, Oneonta, N.Y, while Olivia Vero is heading to Montclair State University, N.J.
Holy Cross H.S., Flushing, junior Samantha Rodriguez was awarded the prestigious Leaders of Tomorrow Award, given to an outstanding student track athlete who demonstrates leadership qualities. The award is given out by the 27th Battalion of the U.S. Air Force.
At the CHSAA practice meet held Jan. 23 at Ocean Breeze on Staten Island, two Msgr. McClancy H.S., East Elmhurst, student-athletes had record-setting performances in the high jump. Hannah Finnerty set the top girls’ high jump mark at 4’8”. Matthew Wenz set the boys’ top mark at 6’2”.
