Newsday’s high school sports section honored Mother’s Day by featuring letters from student-athletes to their moms.
Sachem East’s Steven Casali and Sachem North’s Gio Santiago were both featured among the dozen athletes. Casali was this year’s Hansen Award winner as the top football player in Suffolk County and Santiago won his second straight Suffolk County wrestling championship and placed at states.
To Susan Casali, from Steven Casali
Dear Mom,
It seems like yesterday that you were with me at the bus stop for my first day of kindergarten. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you. I just want to thank you for everything you do for me; like cooking me food, doing my laundry, and being there for me when you know something is wrong even when I say I’m fine. I see how much you do for me that can at times be taken for granted. The most important thing you have done for me was teaching me the work ethic that I have today and how to keep my head up even through the tough times. I’m going to miss seeing you everyday when I leave for college. I just want to say I love you so much mom and thank you for not just being my mom, but also my best friend.
Love, Steven
To Maritza Santiago, from Gio Santiago
Dear Mom,
Thank you for all that you have done for me throughout my wrestling career and what soon will come. You have been my number one fan since the beginning. I strongly believe that I would not have been able to accomplish it all without you. Thanks for all the times you’ve brought me food … and kept me from eating too much – because I had to cut weight. You inspired me as you followed me around from gym to gym, and state to state to support me anywhere I’d be wrestling. When I won my first county title in the big arena in Stony Brook, your voice was the loudest sound out of the whole crowd, especially when I won the county and shot that arrow! The best mom I could ask for is you. Happy Mother’s Day!
Love, G