Congratulations, Maddy Herr!
Maddy reached an incredible milestone — her 100th career point as a junior at Shoreham-Wading River High School! This achievement highlights her outstanding skill, leadership, and the huge impact she’s had on her team throughout her high school field hockey career.
Have a milestone to share? Email SectionXIMilestones@gmail.com.
From our friends at Team Up 4 Community …
In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Daniela Conte Foundation launched its 3rd Annual Gold Shoelace Campaign — and once again, communities across Long Island rallied in extraordinary ways. What began as a simple act of solidarity has evolved into a powerful regional movement, with more than 30 high schools and over 15 youth sports programs participating this year.
Schools and athletic programs hosted Gold-Out Games, filled their fields with gold, and encouraged student-athletes, coaches, staff, and families to lace up their cleats and sneakers with gold shoelaces to show children fighting cancer that they are not alone. The visual impact was striking, but the emotional impact was even greater.
Teams shared photos, videos, and heartfelt messages of support, sparking conversations about the realities of childhood cancer and inspiring new levels of community engagement. The campaign not only raised awareness but also generated critical funds to support local families whose children are in active treatment. Donations help offset medical expenses, transportation needs, and everyday costs, easing the burden so families can focus on what matters most — caring for their child.
Year after year, the Gold Shoelace Campaign continues to grow — more teams are joining, more families are being supported, and more communities are choosing to stand with children battling cancer. What started as a grassroots initiative has become a Long Island tradition rooted in compassion and collective strength.
The Daniela Conte Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to every athlete, coach, parent, school, and community member who participated. Thanks to your commitment, awareness continues to transform into action, and hope becomes tangible support for families in need — one gold shoelace at a time.
Section XI Student Media team member Keira Kenny wrote the following story.
As the Ward Melville Varsity Cheer team transitions from their Game Day season into their Traditional season, senior captain Ian Licavoli has taken time to reflect on both his personal growth and the team’s evolution.
Following their recent trip to states, we caught up with Licavoli about the dynamics of his team, the impact of leadership, and his goals for the months ahead. As a key contributor to the program’s recent success, Licavoli offered meaningful insight into what makes Ward Melville Cheer a standout.
One of his primary personal goals for the Traditional season is to increase consistency and confidence in his skills.
“Last year, I wasn’t prepared going into competitions, and it showed when I competed,” Licavoli explained. “Every chance I get, I want to do my skills, whether it’s tumbling or my stunts.”
By focusing on repetition and preparedness, he believes he can elevate both his own performance and the team’s success. As a captain, he also views it as his responsibility to keep the team focused and resilient.
“Once you find something that works, stick with it and don’t change it,” he advised when asked about the mindset needed for the next phase of the season.
When reflecting on what has contributed most to the team’s achievements, Licavoli immediately pointed to their bond.
“We are a family and that’s something I’ll forever be grateful for,” he said. “We all trust each other, and when we compete, you can see our bond on the mat. It sets us apart from other teams, and I think it sends a message when we hit a perfect routine.”
He also emphasized the coaching staff’s role in building that foundation.
“They want what’s best for the entire team and will do anything for us. They’ve helped me whether it’s been a bad day or I needed help with a skill,” he added. “They’ve helped build the program through their technical knowledge and the care they put into everything we do.”
Having been part of the program since ninth grade, Ian has seen how consistent dedication, from both teammates and coaches, has shaped the team’s unity and success.
As he enters his final season, Licavoli hopes to leave a meaningful impact on the program. When asked what message he wants to leave behind for future teams, he spoke about regret, resilience, and unity.
“Walking off the competition mat, I want everyone to do the best they can and not have any regrets,” he said. More importantly, he wants his teammates to remember that scores don’t define their worth: “I’d always rather have the bonds with my team than random judges telling us our worth.”
It’s clear that he has already left a mark on the Ward Melville Varsity Cheer program, and he hopes to continue doing so during his final season.
“I want Ward Melville Varsity Cheerleading to go further than I have taken it and see the underclassmen do the unthinkable,” he said.
With leaders like Licavoli and a team grounded in trust, unity, and hard work, the future of Ward Melville Cheer looks bright.
GAME OF THE WEEK! Tune in tonight at 6 p.m. 📺
🏑 Long Island Field Hockey Championships
📍 Hosted by Section XI at Sachem High School East (Farmingville, NY)
🗓️ Sunday, November 9
Come out and support our student-athletes as the best of Long Island compete for field hockey glory!
🎟️ Tickets must be purchased in advance on the GoFan app:
👉 https://gofan.co/app/school/NYSPHSAAXI
Good luck to our Section XI representatives:
🏆 Class A: Sachem East
🏆 Class B: Eastport-South Manor
🏆 Class C: Bayport-Blue Point
Suffolk County Football Playoffs are here!
This week’s Orlin & Cohen – Rockline Wealth Management Game of the Week is the Suffolk County Division I football matchup between No. 6 Lindenhurst and No. 3 Sachem North. Kick off is at 6 p.m.
You can watch it LIVE through the TD Sports YouTube channel.
Congrats to Whitman boys varsity soccer head coach John DiGiacomo on reaching his 200th career victory this season.
This achievement is a testament not only to Coach DiGiacomo’s consistent success on the field but also to his unwavering dedication, loyalty, and leadership within the Wildcats Soccer program. Over the years, he has helped shape a culture of excellence, teamwork, and sportsmanship that extends far beyond the scoreboard.
The entire community celebrates this impressive accomplishment — a milestone that cements Coach DiGiacomo’s legacy as one of the program’s most respected leaders.
The following is a story from Keira Kenny, a member of the Section XI Student Media team.
Though their season has recently ended, the Ward Melville Girls Volleyball Team experienced tremendous success this year. I had the opportunity to interview team captain Chloe Borch before their quarterfinal match against Patchogue-Medford. Borch spoke at length about how the team’s strong bond and unity fueled their achievements this season and last. Having played a key role in the team’s trip to the state tournament last year, she brought those lessons into her leadership as captain.
When asked, “What elements have you tried to carry over from last year’s team into this year’s team as a captain?” Borch explained that she and the other captains focused heavily on togetherness. She emphasized that the friendships and positive atmosphere within the group were essential to their success. Their mutual support and trust, she said, were the foundation of the team’s accomplishments.
Borch also agreed that unity played the most significant role in their success. She elaborated that long-lasting friendships are substantial in a sport like volleyball, where teamwork and communication are vital. It’s crucial, she said, to “rely on your teammates for that next-point mentality” and to have people who “build you up instead of beat you down” in such a fast-paced game. She praised the culture within the Ward Melville program, noting that positivity has been a driving force behind their continued success.
Heading into their match against Patchogue-Medford, Borch expressed confidence in her team’s dedication, leadership, and effort — and that confidence paid off. Ward Melville defeated the Raiders 3–1 to advance to the semifinals against Connetquot. Though their season ended there, the team finished with an impressive 16–1 record in regular-season league play, perfectly illustrating Borch’s belief that teamwork and unity are key ingredients to success.
Suffolk Sports Hall of Famer Paul Kenneth Brodmerkel, 76, of West Islip, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025. A true legend in Long Island wrestling and a beloved figure in his community, Paul’s life was defined by dedication — to sport, to education, and to family.
Born and raised in Lindenhurst, Paul was a standout wrestler at Lindenhurst High School from 1964 to 1967, where he captured the Section XI Championship at 130 pounds in 1967 and was later inducted into the Lindenhurst High School Hall of Fame.
Continuing his athletic journey at Lock Haven University (1968–1971), Paul posted an approximate .900 winning percentage, serving as a two-time Pennsylvania State College Wrestling Champion (1970 and 1971), three-time finalist, and two-year captain of the varsity team. He represented Lock Haven in two NCAA Division I Championships and the 1970 NAIA Championships. His remarkable college career earned him induction into the Lock Haven University Hall of Fame.
In 1972, Paul won the Northeast Regional Olympic Trials at Springfield, earning a spot in the Final Olympic Trials before a hand injury sidelined him.
That same year, Paul began a lifelong commitment to officiating and coaching. He officiated NCAA dual meets in New England and USA/USWF national tournaments in both freestyle and Greco-Roman divisions. In 1972, he joined Springfield University as an assistant wrestling coach under Doug Parker, and in 1973, returned home to Lindenhurst as head wrestling coach, succeeding his mentor Jack Stanbro. Later, he served as an assistant coach at Hofstra University under Nick Gallo before returning to Lindenhurst to lead its junior high program until his retirement.
Paul also served as Section XI Wrestling Chairman during the late 1980s and early 1990s, continuing to coach while overseeing the sport’s growth and governance across Suffolk County. His tireless service was recognized nationally in 2009, when he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for Lifetime Service to Wrestling.
Beyond the mat, Paul dedicated his career to education as a physical education teacher in the Lindenhurst School District. He cherished his summers as a lifeguard at Cedar Beach, where his energy and humor became part of the community’s fabric.
Paul was the beloved husband of Susan Brodmerkel (née Zere), devoted father of Jaymee Gagliardi (George) and Christopher Brodmerkel (Kathy), and adored grandfather of Alexandra, Kaileigh, Makenna, T.J., and Reed. He is also survived by his loving siblings Billy, Diane, John, Ricky, Kenny, Jeanne, Mary, Susan, David, and Dennis. His parents, William and Regina (Vogl) Brodmerkel, and his brothers, Donald and Bobby Brodmerkel, predeceased him.
Paul loved traveling, hiking, and spending endless hours by the ocean, but his greatest joy came from time spent with his family — especially his grandchildren, who were his pride and joy.
Those who knew Paul will remember his warmth, humor, and ability to make everyone feel like family. His presence filled every room, his encouragement lifted countless athletes, and his friendship enriched countless lives. Paul’s life was one of purpose, generosity, and love — and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
