By Claude Kasman

My teaching career began more than 30 years ago as a physical education teacher in a Manhattan High School, which is part of New York City schools, a system that I myself graduated from in 1978 at Forest Hills High. After six years as a teacher and coach, I became the assistant principal of health and physical education, however, I continued teaching and coaching and served as the athletic director.

In 1996 I made the transition to Suffolk County where I became the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics for the Westhampton Beach School District. In 2000 I became the Director at the Bay Shore School District, which is where I am today.

In my early days I fondly recall teaching five daily physical education and health classes, some of those classes had between 50 and 100 students. My day would continue afterward as I coached all three seasons. I coached volleyball, basketball, softball and baseball.

It always amazed me and continues to do so, the level of commitment, dedication and enthusiasm that student-athletes demonstrate every day. I am in awe of how much pride students and their families take in representing their school and community. Seeing the joy on the faces of student-athletes as they practice and compete is one of the best perks of the job.

Many students are playing with the friends they have known since elementary school. The bond is evident as I observe them laughing and enjoying each other’s company.

Too often I believe people forget that for most high school student athletes, the day begins before 7 a.m., and usually doesn’t end until well past 6 p.m. Students spend all day attending classes before attending practice or contests. Most don’t go home until late afternoon or early evening where they then begin addressing their homework, studying and projects. Most embark on the same routine six days a week, including Saturday.

The interscholastic program provides student-athletes an opportunity to represent their school, community and family within the context of an educational environment. Throughout New York State, a school district’s interscholastic athletic program, under the rules and regulations of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), provides a level playing field by ensuring students compete in a fair and equitable environment. Only certified personnel that meet NYSED regulations and standards are able and approved to coach an interscholastic team.

In New York an interscholastic athletic programs mission is to promote the qualities of character, competency, civility, and citizenship; the 4 C’s of the NYSED Educational Frameworks for Athletics. Coaches are entrusted to promote these qualities and characteristics in their daily coaching responsibilities.

As we know, most students enjoy participating not necessarily for the goal of achieving a scholarship, but to be part of a team and the camaraderie of playing with their classmates and friends while representing their home town.

The interscholastic athletic program, as evident by the coverage provided by Newsday and MSG Varsity, has become an integral component and the fabric of every community on Long Island. It provides memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. For many of our students, it is the ultimate experience.

Claude Kasman is the Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics at Bay Shore.