Innaugural Paul Limmer Invitational

Today, on the very track where he worked for 33 years, we honored the man who led us as our coach. It would be impossible to measure the influence of this single man on so many young men and women. Coach Dave Frazer wrote, "Paul Limmer has given so much to many young student athletes. He has always shown confidence in the abilities of his charges. The confidence that he showed us in the field of atheltics has continued to grow with us in the fields of business, education, law, and medicine as well as or family lives."

He cared (and still cares) deeply about all of us. It was so appropriate that this meet took place today. It too was a reflection of how well respected this man is not only among Mepham runners but the whole Island and beyond. I think I speak for everyone of us who ever wore a maroon jersey and heard the words of Paul Limmer encouraging us on that we were a privileged group.

What a privilege to be at the Innaugural Paul Limmer Invitational!

Thanks Coach!

The official Tee Shirt

Robert Sanfilippo, Peter Graber and the Coach as he arrived this morning

Coach Dave Frazer and His Wife
Great job guys!!!

He graduated from Mepham in 1994 and was coached by Paul Limmer. His dad (with his back to us) has been a Bellmore Volunteer Fireman for 35 years and served a chief for twenty of those years. His brother coaches Valley Stream North and another brother assists him. The four Frazer brothers have been 11 Nassau County Champions, 2 New York State Champions and one National Champion. Mama Frazer has been the host of Mepham Cross Country Pasta Dinners since 1992. Coach Limmer said to me that they are one incredible family. Mom and Dad Frazer treat us Alumni as part of their family.

God bless you guys!

One of the best story tellers I know.
He has some very interesting stories,
many of which include us!
He has one incredible memory!

Alex Cuozzo (75) and Coach

Some of the action today
53 schools
1,500 participants in Mepham's largest track meet
in the history of the school

We had a great time just talking to each other, laughing and remembering.

Art McQuillan, Retired Mepham Prinicipal and Robert Sanfilippo
Art's seven children have been on Mepham Track and Cross Country
spanning the years 1980 through 1999.
His son, Mike, is the coach of Valley Stream Central,
the team winner of the meet!
Congratulations Mike!
And to you Art! You and the Frazers have raised some wonderful kids!

Coach Limmer and Coach Frazer

Alex holding an old picture of Mr. Limmer

Here it is!
No wonder they used to think you were one of the students, Coach!

Group Shot(s) there were so many alumni we couldn't all fit in one picture!

Mr. Limmer told me that Mike Rozea was there - somehow I missed him. The place was a madhouse. The administation had no idea there was going to this many people (and buses). It was quite a sight for sure! I wonder who else I missed. We'll need to set up an Alumni Booth or something next year. They had a varsity baseball game going as well as a kids soccer practice and LaCrosse during the day.

For me it was pretty cool to see Mepham's Track Team and the man that made it great begin to get some of the recognition it deserves. It was Paul Limmer who brought everyone there. It was his day!

Here is the combined shot done by my good friend who is a runner himself, John Foster

Thanks John! Next year I hope you can join us in person!

The Concession Stand
run by team member's parents

Some of today's runners

Coach recruiting for the 2021 Team

A personal note: It is an added blessing for me to live 17 minutes from the coach today (and for the past 23 years). Many have been the times I have stopped by to still find a man who will listen and encourage me as well as get some incredible plants. Some of you know that in his "retirement" he has also become known around the Island, country and even the world as a Day Lily Hybirdizer Par Excellent. Check out his backyard at these sites: http://www.lidaylily.org/MemberGardens/Limmer.htm http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=5767626&uid=1790830
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=11615367&uid=1790830

God bless you Coach!