Congratulations to the Newfield Boys Fencing Team on winning the Suffolk County championship!

Thank you to all the athletic trainers in Section XI who make a difference in the lives of student-athletes and coaches!

March is National Athletic Training Month, an opportunity to spread awareness of the impact athletic trainers have on work, life, and sport.

The slogan for this year’s campaign is “Essential to Healthcare,” which calls attention to an athletic trainer’s commitment to helping people prevent injuries and stay active and healthy.

This was demonstrated more than ever throughout the pandemic, where athletic trainers stepped up to provide COVID-19 screenings, administer tests, and assisting in the implementation of protocols across settings.

Learn more about Athletic Trainers and check out the NATA resource guide.

Congratulations to the East Islip girls and boys bowling teams on winning their respective Section XI titles.

Legendary East Islip bowling coach Harold Cooley passed away earlier this year and he would be proud of this outcome.

The Section XI Athletic Council, in conjunction with the Executive Board, have approved the following regarding spectators for the Fall season, which is taking place in March and April …

Indoor Sports: No more than two spectators per athlete may be permitted, subject to facility capacities. Home spectators only!

Outdoor Sports: No more than two spectators per athlete may be permitted, subject to facility capacities.

*Schools may be more restrictive

Please note, Section XI will release more information about spring sports as that season approaches.

The following is a note from Section XI Executive Director Tom Combs: 

The winter 2021 season will go down as one of the most unpredictable ever.

Having not played sports since March 2020, we finally approved playing low and moderate risk sports and seeing our bowling, winter track, fencing and boys swimming was quite a boost to our athletic passion at Section XI. When the state finally approved high risk sports to begin on February 1, within a weeks’ time many details had to be finalized to allow this to occur at our normal high level.

So many people put it into over gear to ensure our high level of competition we are accustomed with. Section XI Assistant Executive Director Pete Blieberg prepared schedules that were amended numerous times with the assistance of the ADs, sport chairs and the input of the coaches association wishes.

The Section XI sport coordinators were charged with putting it all together by assigning the officials who were willing to work seven days per week, sometimes doing double headers to allow for the maximum number of competitions to be completed.

The student-athletes made a pledge to practice safe behaviors, and the  majority were successful. The coaches were accommodating under the pleading of the ADs to alter past rituals and institute new practices to ensure social distancing, innovative means to not share equipment and many additional Covid related initiatives to allow the season to become a reality. Our parents have been there every step of the way, passionately hoping for sports for their children and keeping them ready and safe through this very trying time. We are also so thankful for the nurses and district admins and workers who have been in the thick of the health and safety protocols to keep the programs safe.

It takes a village working together. As we look forward to our “fall” season beginning today, we are battle tested and ready to move forward. We all want to LET THE KIDS PLAY!

Congratulations to Shoreham-Wading River on winning a Suffolk County dual wrestling championship!

And then there were four.

Brentwood, Connetquot, SWR and Glenn move on to today’s Section XI dual wrestling championships.

Good luck to everyone!

The Section XI boys and girls basketball playoffs will run on February 27 and 28. Brackets are officially available.

Good luck to all teams participating. Tag @SectXISuffolk in your social posts about the games.

CLICK HERE for boys basketball brackets!

CLICK HERE for girls basketball brackets!

Keep in mind that a list of all district live streams can be found here.

It has been a journey for all of us since returning to play this winter. We appreciate everyone who has been part of the process.

Still plenty of action ahead, but THANK YOU to the players, coaches, ADs, admins, nurses, trainers, supporters and officials who made it all happen.