Mary and Frank Messina - Bowling

• Years Coaching at HT: Mary – 24 years; Frank – 17 years
• Total Years Coaching: Mary- 30 years; Frank-23 years
• Previous Coaching Experience: Mary – LSA youth swimming, learn to bowl program youth bowling, Levittown Little League West T Ball coach; Frank- TOH Fire Department softball league, men’s softball. Levittown West Little league youth baseball.
• Playing Experience: Mary- 4 years varsity swimming, 4 years varsity track. LSA swimming, Nassau County swim team, bowling leagues, fire department ladies auxiliary softball league; Frank-HS Varsity track, bowling adult leagues, TOH Fire department softball 25+ years.

How would you describe your coaching philosophy?
Mary-a positive attitude, dedication, and respect. Keep an open mind, everyone has something to learn.

Frank – Learning your strengths and weaknesses of each athlete.

Is there a particular personal athletic experience that has helped shape your coaching philosophy?
Mary –As a competitive swimmer I was traditionally a second-place finisher. Through hard work, determination and the help of my coaches, I learned how to be a well-rounded swimmer by learning all 4 strokes with quicker starts and turns. Later in life, I finally accomplished my goal and took first place in the I.M..

Frank- Through working hard at practice and being repetitive with instruction, helped me become a better bowler and softball player.

In your opinion, what is the advantage of being a Holy Trinity Titan athlete?
Mary- Making friends and learning skills to last a lifetime. TITAN SPIRIT!
Frank- Family atmosphere where everyone is treated equally.

Best moment as a Holy Trinity Coach?
Mary- My best moment as a coach was the first season of our girl's varsity bowling league in the NSCHSAA, bowling was a boys sport. Only a handful of girls bowled on those teams even though many girls tried out. By forming a girls league, it gave the opportunity for more athletes to compete. For me, it was very satisfying seeing the multiyear effort come to life.

Frank- The 2010 bowling season when the boys and girls teams each won the regular season & league championships.

What is your advice to current middle school student-athletes as they prepare for High School Athletics? 
Mary & Frank-Join a league, get your own equipment and practice.