Section XI is saddened to learn about the passing of longtime coach Paul Koretzki.

His coaching career started in 1960 at Oceanside Middle School soccer, and he spent 15 years in Brentwood as a basketball assistant, soccer coach, and spring track coach. However, at Shoreham-Wading River, he cemented his legacy as one of the all-time great coaches in track and field and cross-country since 1980. He recorded a staggering 1,000-plus victories across all seasons and less than 200 losses!

Koretzki has led his teams to 73 League Titles, 36 Conference/Division Titles, 33 County Titles, and 2 State Titles. 14 individuals and 2 relay teams were awarded All-American status. Coach Koretzki was voted League, Division, or County Coach of the Year in Suffolk County 144 times. He was also the New York State XC Coach of the Year in 1987 and 2017. In 2004, he was even featured in “Faces in the Crowd” in Sports Illustrated for his accomplishments.

He also ran six marathons, founded the Brentwood Soccer Club, organized Youth Summer Track Program runs and meets for 47 years, and was the Girl’s XC and Track Coaches Association President from 1989-2013.

In 2020, he was inducted into the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame, and now he is a member of the Suffolk County XC and Track Hall of Fame.