Crusin' for a Cause - Moonlight Cruise out of Captree

 West Islip High School's own Peter Gonzalez has been invited to take part in the 2012 Summer Olympic Style Lacrosse Games held in Scotland. Peter spent his high school career a determined and outstanding wrestler, earning all-county honors as a freshman. Despite suffering a career ending injury, Peter stayed strong and focused after being stripped of his NCAA wrestling dreams. He then turned to an equally competitive, yet less physically torturous, sport in Lacrosse.

       His freshman year attending SUNY Cobleskill Peter's great drive and athletic ability allowed him to go back to the sport he had not played since his 9th grade. Peter was now a College Lacrosse player. After two seasons as a Cobleskill Fighting Tiger Peter has stood out, earning great honors both on and off the field. Peter has had several articles posted about his play and relentless approach to the sport. He has also earned the following honors : 2011 NEAC and ECAC Player of the week (in the same week!) for his  spectacular 27 combined points over only three games, Cobleskill single season assists record (35), Most Game Winning Goals (3), Most Assists in Cobleskill History (68) , and most points in Cobleskill history with 123. On top of his on-field accomplishments, Peter was also granted Dean's List Honors with a 3.29 GPA last semester. USA Athletes International is inviting a team to compete in an international sporting/cultural opportunity. Peter is one of only a select few of scholar-athletes invited to be a part of this wonderful opportunity. These players will both compete in an international lacrosse tournament as well as explore Scotland’s culture and history via organized tours.

Peter is currently up for a scholarship that will help account for a small portion of the price for the trip. But funds are low and this is the main reason for this letter. As we all know times are tough, but I cannot allow such a great opportunity to pass Peter by due to money. I am asking for help fundraising and both my family and Peter will appreciate every penny and ounce of support in toward sending one of West Islip's own to represent our town, state and country in the Scotland Games. I just want to take one more second to thank everyone who can help in any way for Peter to go on this once in a lifetime trip.