Finley Student Captains MLL All-Star Game

A Glen Cove lacrosse player was one of two nationwide to be named winners of the Ultimate Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Fan Fantasy.

student Michael Hatala, 13, served as an honorary captain for the 2011 Sports Authority MLL All-Star Game on at Harvard Stadium in Boston.

Hatala went head to head with Nathan Solomon, 14, of Alpharetta, GA Friday night.

Both Hatala and Solomon – who picked their own MLL All-Star Team from the field of 40 players – were chosen based on essay submissions after being randomly selected among 20 finalists in an internet contest. All written entries were judged by MLL athletes.

Hatala's essay honed in on a youth who turned to lacrosse as a way to overcome being bullied as a child, according to an MLL news release.

“It means so much to be chosen,” Hatala said. “It gave me a chance to encourage lacrosse kids to feel better about themselves. I’m honored to represent Glen Cove Lacrosse.”

MLL Commissioner David Gross said this contest was the first of its kind that would put fans in control of picking teams.

“We are thrilled by the success of the contest. We received entries from all over the country, which is a testament to both the growth of the league and the sport itself."

The essays were judged by seven of the league’s athletes: Paul Rabil of the Boston Cannons, Max Seibald of the Denver Outlaws, Drew Westervelt of the Denver Outlaws, Max Quinzani of the Boston Cannons, Martin Cahill of the Boston Cannons, and Nicky Polanco of the Long Island Lizards.

“I think it’s great that Michael wants to promote the feeling of confidence that comes with having teammates,” said Polanco. "MLL players are proud to be ambassadors for the game and to leave lasting impressions on kids like Michael.”