Schreiber Track and Field Team Competes in Paul Limmer Invitational

The Schreiber track and field team was one of more than 50 teams that competed in the Fourth Annual Paul Limmer Pirate Track & Field Invitational at Mepham High School earlier this month.

There were mote than 2,500 athletes taking part in this annual event honoring Paul Limmer, a Mepham teacher and coach from 1963 to 2000.

"It was a suprise to me the first year that they had it," Limmer said. "I am gratified and honored that they would name a meet in my honor."

Limmer's 36-year high school coaching career spanned five decades. During that time Mepham High School won numerous titles ranging from local to National: Footlocker Champions, National Champions men and women, three Penn Relay, Championships of America (two Boys DMR, one girls 4 x 800), NYS Champions, Sectional Champions galore. Mepham's Girls DMR held the National Record for 20 years. During his tenure Mepham's Girls XC squad compiled an enviable 153 wins with only two losses.

"I worked 36 years in Bellmore, but I never worked a day in my life," Limmer said. "I never saw it as a job. I enjoyed the kids and I enjoyed myself every single day."

When Limmer retired in 2000, he retired as the winningest combined boys and girls track coach in state history with over 700 wins. He was National High School XC Coach of the Year in 1990 and NYS Coach of the Year numerous times. In 1993, he was the Honorary Referee of the Penn Relays. Perhaps his finest achievement is the legions of former athletes who currently coach all over the U.S.

All of the proceeds from the event went directly to support the Mepham High School Track and Field team.