It might have happened in Anne Arundel County but it could easily have happened here or any other county for that matter.

Two weeks ago, Meade High School self-reported the use of an academically ineligible player on its boys track team. The penalties for the transgression were severe but justified. The Mustangs had to forfeit the county, regional and state titles that they won this spring.

In other words, the transgression of one person cost the entire team, the school and its supporters what essentially was the entire 2009 track season.

Howard Coutny has had troubles in the past. It has had academically ineligible players, students who live out of district and even over-age students.

I point the Meade case out only to drive one point into the minds of the athletes or coaches who think that they can get away with using ineligible players. Eventually, things seem to come out in the wash. Just think of the consequences before you do anything that undermines the integrity of your school or jeopardizes your teammates and their season.

I'm sure those Meade athletes worked extremely hard the entire season only to see all of their work go for naught because of one teammate.

Remembering Bill Kantoski

Last week, I wrote briefly about the Central Maryland Dive League's plan to hold a tree dedication in honor of the late Bill Kantoski. On June 7, I attended the dedication at the West Howard Swim Club. I went because people rarely have these type of dedications.

While listening to the tributes to Bill, who died nearly a year ago, I understood how important he was not only to the dive league but to the community as a whole. Bill was a dive official and CMDL league president but he was so much more. He was a mentor, a trusted adult and a friend to all who sought his counsel.

The league chose a crepe myrtle tree to honor Bill because the particular tree blossoms every summer just when the league schedule opens. The plaque that will go with the tree reads, "In loving memory of Bill Kantoski our friend and dedicated official of the CMDL."

His favorite expression, "When in doubt, give the benefit to the diver," will also be on the plaque.

Women's lacrosse awards

The colleges have come out with their post-season honors in women's lacrosse. Howard Countians Megan Bosica (University of North Carolina) and Alex Mundy (Vanderbilt) were named to third-team All-America at the Division I level. Robyn Bishop (Salisbury) was named to the Division III All-American first team.

American Lacrosse Conference honors went to Mundy (first team) and Alayna Markwordt (Ohio State, second team and Rookie of the Year). The America East picked Corcoran Downey (Boston University) to its second team. The Atlantic Coast Conference named Bosica to its first team and picked Maryland's Cathy Reese as coach of the year. In the Atlantic 10, Suzy Herlihy (St. Joseph's) was first team and Defensive Player of the Year, Sarah Cates (Duquesne) was named to the second team and Katie Rekart (Duquesne) to the rookie team. The Colonial Athletic Association put Mary Teeters (Towson) and Monica Zabel (James Madison) on its all-rookie team. Ashley Levering (Robert Morris) was a Northeast Conference second-team selection.

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