Section XI, in partnership with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) is proud to host Coaches Appreciation Day on Wednesday, May 20,  a day student-athletes are encouraged to thank school approved coaches who have had an impact in their life or high school athletic career.

Coaches Appreciation Day was established to recognize all coaches at every level, including Modified, who have coached Fall, Winter or Spring sports within a NYSPHSAA member school. The concept was initiated by the NYSPHSAA Sportsmanship Committee over a year ago and chose the Wednesday of Week #46 on NYSPHSAA’s Standard Athletic Calendar to celebrate coaches around the state. I

NYSPHSAA has offered student-athletes, school districts and fans several ideas to encourage participation in the 2018 NYSPHSAA Coaches Appreciation Day including:

• Like and follow NYSPHSAA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Tag your photos, videos and messages with #NYSPHSAACoachesDay.
• Instagram your favorite picture of your coach with your team on the medal stand after a big win.
• Tweet the best advice you have ever received from a coach.
• Post on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter a photo or video of the team surprising the coach with something he or she likes (coffee, candy, etc.)
• Relive a moment where you witnessed your coach go above and beyond
• Design your own image for NYSPHSAA Coach Appreciation Day and post it somewhere online.
• Hug your coach (if you see them in-person)
• Send a thank-you email or text to a coach of your current or former team
• Post a message on the marquee of your school

NYSPHSAA has also established the hashtag #NYSPHSAACoachesDay for all social media posts for anyone who wants to share their favorite memories and stories throughout the day.

Ward Melville lacrosse was able to come together and raise money to provide 239 meals to the front-liners at Stony Brook University Medical Center.

Huge thank you to Sweet Mama’s and The Bench for providing these delicious meals to the workers as well.

Six feet away. Outside. But the love was there for student-athletes at Kings Park who were able to pose for photos with their families at their school.

For ADs looking for ideas on how to honor the seniors, here is one …

Senior Recognition Day for our Baseball, Softball, Boys and Girls Lacrosse, Boys and Girls Track, Boys Tennis and Unified Basketball teams. pic.twitter.com/yxKses2HZf

— Kings Park Athletics (@KPCSDAthletics) May 16, 2020

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has selected members to serve on a COVID-19 Task Force to examine potential impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the fall 2020 season and the 2020-2021 school year.

Three members of the committee are from Section XI, including Tom Combs, Tim Mullins and Jim Wright.

Task Force members were selected by Paul Harrica, NYSPHSAA President, with input and consultation from NYSPHSAA Executive Director Dr. Robert Zayas. The Task Force is comprised of NYSPHSAA member superintendents, principals, athletic directors and executive directors in addition to representatives from New York State Athletic Administrators Association and State Education Department. It is anticipated the committee will meet for the first time in late May or early June.

“The goal of this task force is to bring together a group of experienced administrators and professionals to examine potential impacts of the COVID-19 crisis on the upcoming school year and to provide guidance and recommendations to the 11 Sections of NYSPHSAA,” said Paul Harrica, NYSPHSAA President.

“At this time we are planning to start fall sports on August 24^th,” Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director said.  “With the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis, I want to make sure we are prepared to focus attention on keeping student-athletes engaged in their school communities and active, while also abiding by Department of Health and Governor Cuomo’s guidelines.  We must have innovative and creative thought to provide beneficial participation playing experiences for students.”

President – Paul Harrica (Section X) *Task Force chair
Vice President – Julie Bergman (Section IV)
2nd Vice President – Russell Bartlett (Section X)
Immediate Past President – Jim Osborne (Section IX)
Incoming 2nd Vice President – Tim Mullins (Section XI)
Past President – Steve Broadwell (Section VII)
NYSPHSAA – Dr. Robert Zayas (Executive Director)
District Superintendent – Jim Dexter (Section 2)
Superintendent East – Dr. Ivan Katz (Section IX)
Superintendent West – Adam Stoltman (Section VI)
Section Executive Director East – Tom Combs (Section XI), Matt Walentuk (Section VII) Section Executive Director West – Carl Normandin (Section X), Kathy Hoyt (Section V)
Principal East –  Jim Mackin (Section I)
Principal West –  Paul Gasparini (Section III)
Athletic Director East – Chris Ceruti (Section VIII), Athletic Director West – Scott Barker (Section V)
NYSAAA – Dr. Jim Wright (Section XI)
Athletic Trainers – Rick Knizek (Section 2)
District Transportation Director – Chris Durdon (Section IV)
Officials – Dennis Burkett
NYS Education Department – Karen Hollowood & Ann Lanoue
NYS Department of Health – TBD

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms across Section XI, past and present! Thanks for all you do and enjoy your day.

Smithtown HS West football is taking action to support frontline workers in hospitals.

They donated 40 meals to St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown to start and continued with other donations that spurred support from Suffolk County football programs across the region in similar fashion.

Thanks to all of our healthcare heroes and essential workers for all they are doing now and always!

NYSPHSAA has been receiving a lot of great questions pertaining to to the COVID-19 crisis and the impact upon interscholastic athletics.

This FAQ document will help provide some clarity and information related to COVID-19… click here!