Category Archives: Section XI News

Section XI News

Riverhead, Mercy Unite for Senior Night

Moment captured between hometown scrimmage-tailgate with Riverhead and McGann-Mercy.
 
“Such a great night with a lot of smiles and community spirit,” said Melissa Edwards, McGann-Mercy’s Athletic Director. “The coaching staff of Riverhead and Mercy put together a wonderful night for the student-athletes and families.”
 
Blue Wave coaches and players were a class act in giving flowers to the Monarchs as they play their last season this spring.
 
“High school athletics at its finest,” said Edwards. “Proud to be a part of this.”
Section XI News

Milestone Alert: Jason McGowan Earns Career Victory No. 200

East Islip softball has improved to 12-0 this season even after dropping down to a new classification due to enrollment.

This year’s batch of wins allowed him to reach a personal milestone as he now has 200 career victories.

“These are battles and it’s the best thing for us,” McGowan told Newsday. “Going from AA to A, people think ‘They were pretty good in AA, this is going to be easy.’ No. These teams are tough. They are bringing out the best of us.”

McGowan comes from a strong lineage of softball coaches with his dad being Suffolk Sports Hall of Famer, Jim McGowan, the winningest coach in New York State history.

CLICK to see the Newsday game story!

 

Section XI News

John Glenn Retires Uniform Numbers of Pro Alumni

 

At a recent ceremony, formerJohn Glenn High School alumni Ifeanyi Momah and Trevor Coston were honored to have their football uniform numbers retired.

Momah, who played at Boston College, has been with the Eagles, Browns, Lions and Cardinals and is a free agent.

Coston, who played at Maine, spent time with the Lions and Bears before retiring from professional football.

More than 350 community members came out to support the players.

“Thank you for always giving back and bringing pride to the Elwood Community,” said John Glenn Athletic Director, Dave Shanahan.

Section XI News

Combs, Blieberg Announce Jets Draft Pick

You’re not imaging things, that was Section XI Executive Director Tom Combs and Assistant Executive Director Pete Blieberg announcing the Jets’ 6th round pick in this year’s NFL Draft!
 
Representing the Boomer Esiason Foundation and the Empire Challenge All-Star Football Game, Pete and Tom were joined by Westhampton’s Bill Parry, Dylan Laube, Nolan Quinlan, Bay Shore’s Matt Mirabito, Miller Place’s Tyler Ammirato and Oceanside’s Vin Schell.
Blieberg announced that the Jets selected the 180th pick in the draft which was Folorunso Fatukasi from UConn. Fatukasi is a New York native and played football in Far Rockaway.
 
Section XI News

Section XI Natives, Alums to be Inducted to Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame

A number of former coaches and athletes at Section XI member schools will be honored with induction to the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame on May 10.

Congratulations are in store for:

  • Stephen Bowen: Former NFL player from Half Hollow Hills; works in operations for the NFL
  • Robert F. Burkley: Decorated track and field coach in Middle Country Schools from 1964-1998
  • Joe Dooley: Suffolk County football official for 39 years, rated No. 1 for 12 straight seasons
  • Cheryl Klein-Obelar: Record-setting shot/discus thrower at Bellport and University of Houston
  • Edward J. Morris: Former Executive Director of Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame from 2000-2017
  • Matt Ryan: Highly decorated U.S. Olympic Handball player from Miller Place
  • Harry Schneider: Decorated track and field coach in Middle Country Schools for 32 years
  • Shannon Smith: West Babylon native, Hofstra lax coach, All-American, Tewaaraton winner
  • Clem Stancik: Brentwood tennis coach; Winningest tennis coach in New York history
  • Hans Wiederkehr: Babylon football coach and longtime Suffolk football administrator
  • Special Recognition Award: Bay Shore Junior Fire Department Racing Team

Tickets available here.

Section XI News

Carol Rose Reaches Career Win No. 400

The legacy continues to grow for Long Island lacrosse coaching legend, Carol Rose.

The Suffolk Sports Hall of Famer reached career win No. 400 as her Northport Tigers beat Ward Melville, 9-6, in a highly anticipated game between two of the states top schools.

“It’s kind of surreal but I’m honored to have the privilege to coach at Northport for the past 29 years and to work with the most awesome, talented and bright athletes,” Rose told Newsday. “None of it would be possible without them.”

Northport is now 9-0 this season as of April 26.

Rose and husband Al brought the sport of girls lacrosse to Northport in 1990. The community and district was all in and by 1996 they won their first County and Long Island Championship becoming a top program in New York.

Throughout her career the program has achieved greatness at many levels beginning with a state championship in 2011, 11 Class A county championships, six Long Island championships and 22 league titles.

“The success of this program is a testament to the student-athletes that have dedicated countless hours and hard work along with our community youth league for assisting in creating a strong foundation,” said Northport Athletic Director, Mark Dantuono. “Congratulations to Coach Rose for your commitment to the game of lacrosse, our student-athletes and to our school community.”