Vincent Greico, the founder of TicketBash.com, is launching a new sports talk show on 103.9-FM called “Sportsbash.”
Ticket Bash is a sponsor of Section XI.
Listen every Saturday from 8:30 to 9 a.m. as Vincent and Peter Schwartz bring you sports talk.
There will be weekly ticket give aways and special guests. Tune-in this week on August 26 to win two Jets/Bills tickets for the opening game!
You can also stream on LINewsRadio.com/Audio.
The following is a statement from Tom Combs, Executive Director of Section XI …
We are happy that Section XI and the President’s Council of Suffolk County Officials agreed on a contract so there are no interruptions to the 2023 high school season.
The pay rate and contract are commensurate with our expectations of quality officiating and official’s organizations’ growth to provide Section XI’s student-athletes with the best game experience possible.
Section XI officials have always been some of the best in the nation based on ability and quality, and they continue to be some of the highest paid. As a result of these recent contract negotiations, there is also an expectation of staffing at least two officials for every Section XI contest.
We understand it has been difficult to recruit and build the next generation of school sports officials, but we are hopeful that this increase in pay and extension of goodwill between Section XI and the officials’ association will aid in the overall recruitment effort for years to come.
Most importantly, having officials ready for opening games will support our talented and dedicated student-athletes as they pursue their scholastic goals.
Section XI has requested that official availabilities be entered into the system for early fall contests no later than Friday at Noon. We’re ready to start this season strong.
Kathy Masterson is the Director of Athletics, Physical Education, and Health at East Hampton. We asked Kathy about her career, Section XI, and the impact she makes every day in her role.
The best part about your job?
KM: The best part of my job is watching our kids do the things they love. I love watching them learn from the victories and defeats and the lessons they take away from each season.
What is your biggest challenge every day?
KM: The biggest challenge of each day is the unexpected. My assistants know that no matter what I am doing, if one of my kids needs me, everything else takes a back seat to them.
How important is building a winning culture in local school communities?
KM: A winning culture is influential, but if you show your student-athletes that you love and value what they do and believe in them, the winning culture comes from that.
What advice do you try to give to student-athletes at this point in their lives?
KM: Believe in yourself and never give up. Dream big and work hard, and you can achieve everything you dreamed of and more.
Why is Section XI a special place to live, work, and have athletics?
KM: Section XI is family. We fight for our kids and work together to make sure our student-athletes have the best experience they can as high school athletes. I am so blessed to be part of such a fantastic organization that works together for our student-athletes.
Tell us one interesting thing few people know about your life or career.
KM: This is an interesting question because you get what you see. I have been told that I come across as a tough guy, but in all actuality, I am a big teddy bear. I am very emotional and can be seen crying when my kids accomplish something they have worked so hard for. But don’t mess with my kids, or you will get Mama Bear.
Good luck to all Section XI teams starting their fall seasons today, August 21!
Section XI will post about schedules and kickoff times as we get closer to the start of contests. Until then, enjoy every moment of the hard work that goes into your preparation to be great.
USA Lacrosse has named 44 of the nation’s top high school girls’ lacrosse players to the 2023 USA Select U16 and U18 teams. There were two from Section XI: seniors Kayla Gilmore (William Floyd) and Jayden Piraino (Hills East).
The USA Select teams represent the third phase of the National Team Development Program, designed to provide high-level training to players, introduce them to the U.S. National Team Program and offer competitive opportunities.
The USA Select teams will compete against international competition during the USA Lacrosse Fall Classic from Oct. 13-15 at USA Lacrosse headquarters.
In high school sports, the most important achievements aren’t always on the playing field.
Studies show participation can have a significant positive impact on academic and social development.
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.
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:
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.
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.
