Ribby Goodfellow (f.l.) and Jennifer Gerson (f.r) present congratulatory letter from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton to NY Sharks Owner/Quarterback Andra Douglas (r.) and General Manager Crystal Turpin (l.) for winning the National Championship of the IWFL on July 6, 2002. Celebration took place at Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant on July 25th.

ill Liederman, owner of Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant provided the perfect place for a grand evening as the New York Sharks celebrated their National Championship victory on Thursday, July 25th.

Among the guests were Cris Reeves from Governor Pataki’s office, Ribby Goodfellow, representing Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and Sports Commissioner Ken Podziba from Mayor Bloomberg’s office.

Goodfellow read one of the letters presented to the winning team. “It gives me great pleasure to send greetings to each of you celebrating the accomplishments of the New York Sharks Women’s Pro Tackle Football Team.

A mere three weeks ago, the New York Sharks made history. The Sharks broke new ground in women’s athletics in 2002 by completing a shutout season and then winning the Independent Women’s Football League’s inaugural Championship Game. True to the ‘larger-than-life’ energy that embodies New York, the Sharks displayed finesse and force in their 24-4 win against the Austin Outlaws.

Each member of the New York Sharks embodies the determination that has led the team to its extraordinary success. I especially commend the work of Andra Douglas, the New York Sharks’ owner and quarterback, for her dedication to advancing women’s football here in New York…Sincerely, Hillary Rodham Clinton.”

The proud team members got to hear another letter that Ken Podziba brought along adding: “On behalf of the City of New York, I commend all those associated with the New York Sharks for an outstanding, undefeated season. You are tru champions and an inspiration to young girls throughout our great City”.

Was this all that defined history for this awesome team? Andra Douglas shared a letter that she had received after the Director of Exhibits at the Women’s Museum in Dallas, Texas had requested a team uniform: “We are very excited at the opportunity to exhibit a New York Sharks uniform! It will be the perfect accompaniment to the other Objects in the exhibit. Your uniform will be alongside Babe Didrickson’s golf bag, Christy Barrett’s snowboard, Althea Gibson’s Wimbledon trophy, and Michelle Kwan’s skate among other notable items.”

What’s next? Hmmm…seems there was a women named Bev who was interviewing the players for a Queens cable tv program. I’ll let you know when it will be aired.

-by Merle Exit