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Athletic Director's Corner, Section XI News

Five Questions with Middle Country AD Joseph Mercado

Joseph Mercado is the Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics in the Middle Country Central School District. We asked Joe about his career, Section XI, and the impact he makes every day in his role.

The best part about your job?

JM: Without a doubt, the best part of my job is watching all athletes practice and compete.  I truly enjoy watching them enjoy spending time competing with their classmates.

What is your biggest challenge every day?

JM: My biggest challenge daily is ensuring that our athletes and coaches have everything they need and want so they can all enjoy their afternoons on the fields, courts, and mats.

How important is building a winning culture in local school communities?

JM: I don’t believe it is the most important aspect of athletics, but I would be lying if I didn’t say that it wasn’t important at all.  A major goal of all athletes and coaches is to win.  When teams win, they feel like they accomplished a major goal.

What advice do you try to give to student-athletes at this point in their lives?

JM: Enjoy every minute of high school.  It goes by fast, don’t waste a second.

Why is Section XI a special place to live, work, and have athletics?

JM: Section XI is a special place to live and work because all of Section XI is one big community.  This year we lost a student-athlete tragically, and the support Middle Country felt and received from all of Section XI has played a big part in the healing process for our district.

Tell us one interesting thing that few people know about your life or career.

JM: One interesting thing about life that many people don’t know about me is that I attended kindergarten in a small town called Salina Cruz in Mexico.  My father, who was an engineer, had gotten a job down there, so I spent a year living there. That experience has given me a clear understanding of how students feel when they transfer in and do not speak the language, as I did not speak Spanish when I first went to school there.

Section XI News

NFHS Learning Center Releases Trio of New Courses for Students

A two-course series focused on student leadership and a course with information on communicable skin infections are the newest additions to the National Federation of State High School Associations’ (NFHS) online education platform, the NFHS Learning Center.

All three new offerings are available to users at no cost:

  • BECOMING A LEADER: Being an effective leader is one of the most important skills students can learn in high school activities. To help students learn leadership skills, the NFHS has partnered with the Michigan High School Athletic Association to bring you this course in our Student Leadership series.
  • LEADING OTHERS: Being an effective leader is one of the most important skills students can learn in high school activities. To help students learn leadership skills, the NFHS has partnered with the Michigan High School Athletic Association to bring you this second course in our Student Leadership series.
  • COMMUNICABLE SKIN INFECTIONS: Nothing is more important than the health and safety of students participating in interscholastic athletics. A common issue that occurs during participation is the presence of communicable skin infections. That is why the National Federation of State High School Associations developed the Communicable Skin Infections course. This course has been designed to help coaches, parents, and students know what communicable skin infections are, identify the various types of them, understand ways to evaluate and treat an infection if it occurs, and know how to prevent future occurrences.
Section XI News

Section XI Mourning Loss of AD Chuck Goering

Section XI is mourning the loss of former longtime Brentwood and Walt Whitman Athletic Director, Chuck Goering.

Chuck passed suddenly and his services will be at Chapey Funeral Home in West Islip.

The viewing will be Wednesday, August 9, from 5-9 p.m. There will be a service at the funeral home on Thursday, August 10, between Noon and 1 p.m. He will be buried at Pinelawn Cemetery.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Chuck’s family and friends.

Athletic Director's Corner, Section XI News

Five Questions with Shelter Island AD Todd Gulluscio

Todd Gulluscio is the Director of Athletics, Physical Education, Health, Wellness, and Personnel of the Shelter Island Union Free School District. He is also the Past President of the New York State Athletic Administrators Association.

We asked Todd about his career, Section XI and the impact he makes every day in his role.

The best part about your job?

TG: By far, it is seeing the expression on a student’s face when they achieve the goals they have worked so hard for. It is truly priceless to share in that joy. Also, I have the pleasure of greeting some of our younger students in the morning. The energy and smiles they bring so early really get me excited for the day. I also enjoy the company of my colleagues and having a few laughs along the way.

What is your biggest challenge every day?

TG: Being able to have roster depth. In a small school, that is very difficult to have and maintain. I also have a variety of responsibilities in our district, so being able to switch gears on a dime is something that challenges me daily.

How important is building a winning culture in local school communities?

TG: A winning culture is important, but I think building a culture of accountability is more important. As we prepare our students for life beyond high school, it is important to set them up with developing habits that will maximize opportunities and success throughout their lives. I also believe that a culture of accountability will lead to a more sustainable winning culture.

What advice do you try to give to student-athletes at this point in their lives?

TG: Grades equal money. A high school education is a job that pays you after all the work is done. So focus on your grades and do the best that you can. Once you finish, it will open up opportunities for more choices and potential money. I also give the advice that I give my own kids depending on the situation. Whatever is going on in your life that is distracting you from your mission may seem like the biggest deal now, but in a few years, when you move on to whatever life beyond high school holds for you, it probably won’t be a big deal at all then so try not to get dragged onto too many dramatic rollercoasters and focus on what helps you succeed.

Why is Section XI a special place to live, work, and have athletics?

TG: It truly is one of a kind. Everyone has a voice and an opportunity to be heard. I’ve been around long enough and have seen other organizations that don’t function that way. The process used here benefits the whole of Section XI, which I enjoy. The camaraderie and working together to benefit the student-athlete experience is something that I enjoy most about working to represent my school within Section XI.

Tell us one interesting thing that few people know about your life or career.

TG: I have visited every MLB ballpark with my family. It started with going to a ballgame while on vacation and became a great experience for my family to share.

Section XI News

NYSPHSAA Announces 2022-2023 Schools of Distinction and Excellence

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. (NYSPHSAA) announces its 2022-2023 Schools of Distinction and Excellence. Several from Section XI earned the recognition this year, as always.

Schools can apply for School of Distinction status by having 100% of their varsity teams qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons. To earn the School of Excellence Award, 75% of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete Team award.

The School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards aim to unite athletic departments in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide academic honor. This year, 84 schools earned the School of Distinction Award, and 219 schools earned the School of Excellence Award.

Winning schools will receive their commemorative awards at their local athletic director workshop this fall.

To be eligible to receive these prestigious awards, schools must submit an application following the Spring Scholar-Athlete submission each school year.

The full list of School of Distinction and School of Excellence Award winners can be viewed using the links below.

School of Distinction

School of Excellence

Section XI News

Section XI Natives Shine in PLL All-Star Game

Five former Section XI student-athletes played in the 2023 Premier Lacrosse League All-Star game this summer:

  • Connor Farrell, Sachem
  • Chris Gray, Shoreham-Wading River
  • Rob Pannell, Smithtown
  • Troy Reh, Rocky Point
  • Sean Sconone, East Islip

Farrell, Pannell, Reh and Sconone were all featured on the Veterans team, while Gray was on the rising stars roster.

Farrell won 13 of 33 faceoffs and scored a two-point goal.

Sconone made 13 saves, good enough for a game-leading 56.5% save percentage.

Pannell recorded six points, including four goals.

Reh had a two-point goal as well.

The Veterans beat the Rising Stars, 26-19, thanks to a big helping hand from Section XI native talent.

Section XI News

Paul Gibson Inducted to NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame

Section XI native and former big leaguer Paul Gibson was inducted to the NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame on July 26.

Gibson, who played at Center Moriches High School, pitched for the Tigers, Mets and Yankees from 1988 through 1996.

For the last 13 years he has worked in the Royals’ organization and was named Senior Director of Pitching Performance in 2021.

Congratulations, Paul!

Section XI News

Section XI Natives to Play in All-America Lax Game

Inside Lacrosse announced the North and South rosters for the boys’ and girls’ teams that will play in the 18th-annual Senior All-America Lacrosse Game on July 29 at Johns Hopkins University’s iconic Homewood Field.

The girls’ game will get underway at 5:30 p.m., immediately followed by the boys’ game at 8:00 p.m. Both games will air live on ESPNU.

Section XI representatives include (Name / Town / College):

  • Jake Spallina, Mount Sinai, Syracuse
  • Keira Rooney, Bayport-Blue Point, Florida
  • Kate Timarky, Centereach, Notre Dame
  • Lacey Downey, West Babylon, Boston College
  • Ava Arceri, Smithtown, Stanford
  • Felicia Giglio, Bayport-Blue Point, Navy
Section XI News

Fundraiser for Mattituck High School Alumnus, Former Student-Athlete

On Saturday, July 29, “Billy’s Will-Power Volleyball Tournament” is scheduled as a fundraiser to support Billy Wilcox, a former Mattituck soccer player who was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, an inflammation of part of the spinal cord.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Breakwater Beach in Mattituck and is being organized to support his family as they make renovations on the family home in anticipation of his return home.

Read more about Wilcox.