Martin Van Buren High School - Futura Yearbook (Queens Village, NY)

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. lg. sr G i' tl With the introduction of gymnastics as a P.S.A.L. interscholastic sport, Van Buren sent its first gym team into action this year. Twenty-one other New York City high schools were selected to initiate gymnastics competition, and four of these teams faced Van Buren in divisional matches. Gymnastics has always been an integral part of Van Buren's general health education program, and the gym team was a nat- ural outgrowth of the school's interest. Mr. Wallach, coach of the gymnastics team, feels that the sport is capable of developing strength, courage, agility, and self-reliance. No borough or city championship playoffs were held this year, although this innovation is planned for the future. Gymnastics covers a wide variety of events which in itself makes the sport interesting. The events include rope climb, horizontal bar, side horse, parallel bars, tumbling and free exercise. The last cate- gory is a combination of tumbling and body control. Under the leadership of Mr. Wallach and captain Duane Prack- elt, the gymnastics team has engineered a good start in an ever- expanding sport. r f I

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Coach Meyer Diller's soccer squad had a disappointing season this year. After a 2-l victory over Far Rockaway High School in their second game of the year, the team went into a pro- longed slump and finished the season with a l-lO record, placing last in the league. The Junior members of the squad look hopeful, though, and prom- ise an optimistic season next year. Senior standouts on the squad include Jack Rohfritch, Marty Kove, Mark Reis- ner, the team high scorer, Doug Teub- ner, Dennis Mascio, Steve Koshel, and Geoff Hurwitz. A visitor to the new wing in late af- ternoon may be surprised at the sight of gym-suit clad sprinters traversing the halls. Mr, Meyer Diller, coach of the Track Team, believes that use of the new wing for his group's practice ses- sions has helped a great deal. One goal of track is to develop physical fit- ness in the team members. Track is also a prime builder of both mental and physical discipline. The track season is divided into three aspects-cross coun- try in the Fall, indoor track during the Winter, and finally an outdoor season in the Spring. Mr. Tom Collins, a iunior high school teacher, served as cross- country coach this year.

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- Under the guidance of Miss Rizitiello, the Leaders have estab- lished a fine reputation both at Van Buren and on a city-wide level. This year they were selected to participate in a Tennis Dem- onstration sponsored by the N.Y.S. Physical Education Association, sent three delegates to the first City-Wide Leaders' Weekend, participated in a N.Y.C. Health Education Teachers Association conference, attended a Sokol Gymnastic Workshop, and sent representatives to high school playdays throughout the city. Their purpose is to promote the aims of physical education through active participation in sport and dance activities and give service to the Girls' Health Education Department. Among the traditional functions are the Father-Daughter Bowl- ing Party, the Installation Tea when new Leaders are inducted, the Alumni Reunion and Volleyball Challenge, and Sophomore Open House, for those interested in applying to Leaders. ln June, an invitation to all alumni is extended to ioin Leaders in the Mother- Daughter Dinner. For the Seniors this is their last official function together, but memorable and rewarding experiences and close friendships they have acquired will remain with them.