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Section XI News

Recap of Section XI Nick DeCillis Awards Luncheon

We are proud to recognize the outstanding individuals recently honored at the annual Section XI Nick DeCillis Awards Luncheon. These honorees represent the very best of our community and continue to make Section XI proud!

  • Mike O’Brien, George Duffy, John Stimmel – Honored by SCOPE Education Services

  • Sophia McInnes, Bayport Track Athlete – Recognized for her outstanding achievements

  • Michael Oliveto, Hauppauge – Recipient of the SCOPE Award (accepted on his behalf by AD Dan Butler)

  • Douglas Annicelli, Comsewogue – Recognized by the NYSPHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee

  • Addison Romanowski, Sachem East HS – NIAAA Student Essay Scholarship Award winner, sponsored by Suffolk Transportation

  • Michael Ramos, Newfield High School – NIAAA Essay Scholarship Award winner, sponsored by Suffolk Transportation

  • Pietrina Patrizi and Dr. Ryan Cox, Sayville – Pietrina received the Judith A. Martens Secretarial Award of Excellence

  • Joe Mercado, Athletic Director, Middle Country and President of SCADA, alongside Jason Lambert, AD, Smithtown Schools – Recognized for leadership and excellence

  • Liam Frawley, NYSAAA – Recipient of the Emerging Athletic Administrator Award

  • Jennifer Quinn, Superintendent, Comsewogue, with AD Matt DeVincenzo – Matt received the Chapter XI Athletic Administrator of the Year Award

  • Todd Gulluscio, AD, Shelter Island – Honored for 15 Years of Service by NYSAAA

  • Scott Reh, AD, Mt. Sinai – Honored for 25 Years of Service by NYSAAA

  • Chris McKeveny, Section XI – Celebrated her retirement after years of dedicated service

  • Section XI Office Staff – Recognized for their outstanding service to our schools

  • Rob Neugabauer, AD, Longwood High School; Andrew Cornicello, Northwell Health; Anthony Fraser, Longwood Student-Athlete; and Michele Mensch, Longwood/Northwell Health Athletic Trainer – Anthony was awarded the Northwell Health Scholar-Athlete Scholarship

  • Ray Nelson for his support from Orlin & Cohen Sports Medicine

Thank you to all honorees and partners who continue to support student-athletes and school communities across Suffolk County!

Section XI News

Port Jeff Hosts Aidan Kaminska My Day Foundation Memorial Lacrosse game

The Port Jefferson Royals Boys Varsity Lacrosse team hosted the Eastport-South Manor Sharks in the inaugural Aidan Kaminska “My Day” Foundation Memorial Lacrosse Game — an event marked by an overwhelming outpouring of support from fans and generous online donations.

Head Coach Taylor Forstell described the atmosphere as one where Aidan thrived: “It was the type of environment where Aidan gave every ounce of his energy to help win lacrosse games. The crowd was lively, and both teams left it all on the field. I hope we can build on today’s success and continue to grow this game for years to come.”

The event raised over $3,000 for the Aidan Kaminska “My Day” Foundation, which supports mental health initiatives and academic resources for high school and college student-athletes nationwide. Every player from both teams received a wellness box, one of the many ways the foundation gives back through scholarships and mental health awareness tools.

A senior captain and former teammate of Aidan shared his thoughts:
“This day was a perfect reflection of who Aidan was as a player and teammate. From Mr. Kaminska’s speech to the fans and former players who showed up, to the wellness boxes we received — it was an amazing experience. I’m already looking forward to coming back next year and being part of the fan support.”

Section XI News

Lindenhurst Hosts Morgan’s Message Lax Game

The Lindenhurst Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team, led by Head Coach Erica Romeo and Assistant Coach Angela Oliveto-Crawley, hosted a Morgan’s Message event.

Organized by team members Emma Colford, Gianna Diaz, and Isabella Wolff, the event promoted mental health awareness and overall wellness among student athletes.

The Bulldogs were also joined for the day by athletes from the Lindenhurst Youth Community Lacrosse League (Grades 1–7) and their opponent, East Hampton.

Prior to the game, attendees colored a Morgan’s Message Butterfly to reflect on mental health.

Learn more about Morgan’s Message! 

Section XI News

Section XI Official Larry Gualtieri Selected for NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has announced it will formally induct its Hall of Fame Class of 2025 on Wednesday, July 30, at Rivers Casino/The Landing Hotel in Schenectady, NY.

The Class of 2025 is Bill Bryant (Administrator, Section IV), Don Cupertino (Coach, Section I), Larry Gualtieri (Official, Section XI), Terence “T” McMahon (Coach, Section VI), Marty Sherman (Contributor, Section 2), and Carl “Rollie” Stichweh (Athlete, Section VIII). Inductees were chosen using a two-level selection and rating process involving a screening committee and a selection committee. Nominations were endorsed by each inductee’s member section of the Association—a preliminary requirement in the nomination process—before going on to the NYSPHSAA Screening Committee for consideration, then finally to the Selection Committee.  

The 2025 NYSPHSAA Hall of Fame Class will be inducted on Wednesday, July 30th, with a reception at 5:30 p.m. and dinner to follow. Tickets and other Hall of Fame event information will be released later.

Larry Gualtieri is one of the most highly respected officials in New York State, having officiated the sports of soccer, basketball, and baseball in Suffolk County (Section XI) since 1974.

Over the last several decades, Section XI has selected him numerous times to represent the section as an official at the NYSPHSAA Boys Basketball and Boys Soccer State Championships. Almost annually, the section also chooses Gualtieri as a top-rated official to officiate in the sectional playoffs in all three sports.

He has been a member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Board 40 (IAABO) of New York State since 1974 and has been a member of the Suffolk County Soccer Officials Association since 1994, serving as President and Vice President of NYS IAABO Board 19.

Larry served as the President of the IAABO Board from 1985-87 and from 2012-17.  He has compiled numerous awards for his continued consistency, officiating, and leadership in the field. Gualtieri was recognized with the Larry Chizever Award (Official of the Year) twice and earned the President’s Award (IAABO Board 40) in 1993, 1997, and 2018.

In 2011, Suffolk County Soccer Officials Association awarded him Man of the Year, and five years later, the Section XI Coaches Association voted him Referee of the Year.

In 2014, he was inducted into the Center Moriches High School Hall of Fame. Gualtieri graduated from Center Moriches High School in Section XI in 1972, earned a degree from Suffolk Community College, and then completed schooling at Suffolk County Police Academy to become a detective.