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Section XI News

Section XI Mourns the Loss of Dennis McSweeney

Section XI is saddened about the passing of longtime Islip softball coach Dennis McSweeney

McSweeney of Islip, NY, on September 18, 2024, at the age of 55. Loving son of Rose. Devoted brother of Theresa (Robert), Billy, Debbie (Brian), and Cindy (Greg). Cherished uncle of William, Justin, Daniel, Meghan, Ashley, Lauren, Gregory, and Caitlin. Beloved nephew of Uncle Charlie.

Visiting will be Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 3-7 p.m. A religious service will be held at 6 p.m. Cremation will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Islip High School, with “Islip Softball” in the memo.

Overton Funeral Home

172 Main Street

Islip, New York 11751

Section XI News

SWR Girls XC Wear K to Honor Coach Koretzki

In the days after the passing of coach Paul Koretzki, the Shoreham-Wading River girls’ cross-country team won against Hampton Bays, taking 1, 3, 4, 5, and 7th places. Coach K would be happy!
They wore the letter “K” on their arms to honor their late coach.
After the meet, the girls laughed and said how he would have told them to “get on with it” and not mess around with orange ribbons and armbands.
We’re thinking about Coach K today and especially the rest of this season!
Section XI News

Longtime Track and Field Coach Paul Koretzki Passes Away

Section XI is saddened to learn about the passing of longtime coach Paul Koretzki.
His coaching career started in 1960 at Oceanside Middle School soccer, and he spent 15 years in Brentwood as a basketball assistant, soccer coach, and spring track coach. However, at Shoreham-Wading River, he cemented his legacy as one of the all-time great coaches in track and field and cross-country since 1980. He recorded a staggering 1,000-plus victories across all seasons and less than 200 losses!
Koretzki has led his teams to 73 League Titles, 36 Conference/Division Titles, 33 County Titles, and 2 State Titles. 14 individuals and 2 relay teams were awarded All-American status. Coach Koretzki was voted League, Division, or County Coach of the Year in Suffolk County 144 times. He was also the New York State XC Coach of the Year in 1987 and 2017. In 2004, he was even featured in “Faces in the Crowd” in Sports Illustrated for his accomplishments.
He also ran six marathons, founded the Brentwood Soccer Club, organized Youth Summer Track Program runs and meets for 47 years, and was the Girl’s XC and Track Coaches Association President from 1989-2013.
In 2020, he was inducted into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame, and now he is a member of the Suffolk County XC and Track Hall of Fame.
Section XI News

Ward Melville Softball Continues Trend of Giving

It might be September, but we can’t let a great community service story from the spring go unnoticed!

The Ward Melville Varsity Softball team proudly presented a check for $5,664.29 to Morgan’s Message, an organization dedicated to mental health awareness for student-athletes.

The team raised funds during its annual charity game last spring, and the softball program has contributed over $20,000 to various charities over the past four years.

Great community work, Ward Melville!