Dozens of Section XI schools have once again demonstrated that success in athletics begins in the classroom.

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has announced its 2025-2026 Schools of Distinction and Schools of Excellence, recognizing member schools that have shown an outstanding commitment to academic achievement across their varsity athletic programs.

The recognition reflects the dedication of student-athletes, coaches, athletic directors, teachers, administrators and families throughout Long Island, where academic excellence remains a defining characteristic of educational-based athletics.

The prestigious honors are designed to encourage every varsity team within a school to earn NYSPHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team recognition by achieving a team grade point average of 90 or higher during its respective sports season.

Schools earning the School of Distinction Award had 100 percent of their varsity teams achieve Scholar-Athlete Team status, while School of Excellence Award recipients saw 75 percent or more of their varsity teams reach that benchmark.

Statewide, 118 schools were recognized as Schools of Distinction and 237 earned Schools of Excellence honors during the 2025-2026 school year. Both totals represent an increase from the previous year, when 110 schools received Distinction status and 221 earned Excellence recognition.

“The commitment demonstrated by our member schools to academic excellence continues to be one of the greatest strengths of educational-based athletics,” said Dr. Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “These awards recognize entire school communities that value success in the classroom as much as success in competition.”

For Section XI, the statewide recognition reinforces what communities across Suffolk County witness every year: student-athletes are excelling not only on playing fields, courts, tracks and in pools, but also in classrooms where discipline, perseverance and teamwork translate into academic achievement.

The impressive number of Section XI schools earning statewide recognition reflects a culture in which athletics complements education, helping students develop leadership skills, accountability and a commitment to excellence that extends well beyond competition.

As the number of recognized schools continues to grow across New York, Section XI remains well represented among the state’s leaders in combining athletic participation with academic success.

Section XI is deeply saddened by the passing of longtime Bridgehampton coach and athletic director Michael “Bubba” DeRosa, who died on Friday, July 10, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. He was 42.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, July 14, from 4 to 8 p.m. at R.J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 15, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rosalie’s Church, also in Hampton Bays.

Despite the devastating diagnosis, DeRosa faced his illness with remarkable strength and determination, inspiring countless students, athletes, colleagues and members of the Bridgehampton community throughout his courageous fight. His legacy as an educator, coach and mentor will endure for generations.

DeRosa is survived by his wife, Dyana, and their 2-year-old daughter, Mia; his parents, Ralph and Denise; his brothers, Terrance (and partner Thomas Hopwood) and Christopher (and wife Alejandra).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Kanas Center for Hospice Care or to StacheStrong in support of brain cancer research. Family, friends and members of the community are also invited to a lantern release in DeRosa’s memory on Wednesday, July 15, at 6 p.m. at Ponquogue Beach in Hampton Bays.

To every Section XI student-athlete across Suffolk County, thank you for the unforgettable memories, incredible achievements, and the pride you’ve brought to your schools and communities.

It has been an honor to play a part in your journey. As you take the next step, chase your dreams, embrace every opportunity, and never forget where you came from.

Congratulations, graduates. The future is yours. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!

Keira Kenny is a Section XI student media team member. 

It is no secret across Long Island that Ward Melville boasts some of the most competitive and successful athletic programs in Suffolk County. The 2025-26 school year was no exception. With more than 25 varsity programs competing across the fall, winter and spring seasons, Ward Melville athletes continued to showcase excellence, dedication and a commitment to championship-level competition.

Fall Success Sets the Tone

The fall season featured 11 athletic programs, many of which enjoyed remarkable success.

The boys and girls cross country teams each posted undefeated 5-0 records and captured league championships. The boys team went on to win the Suffolk County Championship, finish as runner-up at the New York State Championships and qualify for the Nike Northeast Regional Championships. The girls team earned a division title and advanced to the State Federation Qualifiers, highlighted by Isabella Horn’s appearance at the New York State Championships.

Game Day Cheerleading continued its winning tradition, finishing 4-2 while capturing league and Suffolk County championships before placing third at the New York State Championships.

Field hockey delivered one of the school’s strongest campaigns, compiling a 17-2 record while winning the Division IV title, Suffolk County Championship and advancing to the Long Island Championship game.

The football team enjoyed one of its finest seasons in recent memory, posting a 10-2 record, winning the Suffolk County Championship and earning a trip to the Long Island Championship.

On the soccer field, the boys team finished 10-6-1 and qualified for the postseason, while the girls team posted a 14-4 record, won its league title and advanced to the Suffolk County semifinals.

The girls swimming and diving team finished 6-1 and sent two seniors to the New York State Championships. Girls tennis posted a 12-4 record and finished second in league competition.

Both volleyball programs enjoyed successful seasons. The boys team finished 10-6, while the girls compiled a 16-4 record. Both squads advanced to the Suffolk County semifinals.

Winter Programs Continue the Momentum

As fall championships gave way to winter competition, Ward Melville’s athletes continued to excel despite the challenges of overlapping seasons and postseason play.

The boys basketball team finished 13-8, placing third in its league and reaching the Suffolk County quarterfinals. The girls basketball team posted an impressive 18-4 record, captured a league championship and advanced to the Suffolk County semifinals.

Wrestling finished 11-6 and placed third in league competition, while three Patriots earned spots at the New York State Championships.

Competitive Cheerleading enjoyed a historic season. The team captured a UCA Regional Championship, placed second nationally in Small Coed Game Day and fifth nationally in Small Coed Traditional. The squad also won league, Suffolk County and New York State championships.

The boys swimming and diving team finished 7-1, earned league championship honors, placed third at the Suffolk County Championships and qualified five athletes for the New York State Championships.

Both fencing teams produced outstanding seasons. The girls finished 12-1, winning both league and Suffolk County championships. The boys posted a 10-3 record, finished second in league competition and advanced to the Suffolk County Championship finals.

Winter track and field also enjoyed tremendous success. The boys team placed third in league competition and qualified three athletes for the New York State Indoor Track and Field Championships. The girls team sent multiple athletes to the state championships and earned the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Millrose Games.

Spring Athletes Finish Strong

As the school year entered its final stretch, Ward Melville’s spring programs continued to uphold the district’s standard of excellence.

The badminton teams were among the county’s best. The girls finished 10-5 and captured the Suffolk County Championship, while the boys posted a dominant 14-1 record.

Baseball finished 11-9 and advanced to the third round of the playoffs. The season was highlighted by head coach Lou Petrucci earning his 300th career victory.

Softball compiled a 17-4 record, advanced to the fifth round of the playoffs and produced three All-County selections.

In just its fourth year as a varsity program, girls flag football continued its growth, finishing 6-4 and earning a postseason berth.

Girls golf completed a perfect 12-0 season in league play. Senior Ella Girard capped the year with a Top-10 finish at the Suffolk County Girls Golf Championships.

The lacrosse programs once again ranked among Suffolk County’s elite. The boys team went 11-3 in league play and advanced to the Suffolk County semifinals. The girls team posted a 13-1 league record and won its first two playoff games before reaching the Suffolk County Championship game.

Boys tennis finished 10-3, while both track and field programs enjoyed strong campaigns. The boys team went 5-1 and the girls finished 4-2, with both teams producing impressive performances at invitational meets throughout the season.

A Tradition of Excellence

The accomplishments of Ward Melville’s student-athletes during the 2025-26 school year reflect the dedication, hard work and pride that define the district’s athletic programs. While many standout seniors will graduate and move on to new opportunities, their impact will continue to inspire future generations of Patriots.

With a culture built on commitment, teamwork and excellence, Ward Melville Athletics remains one of Long Island’s premier athletic programs and is well positioned to continue its tradition of success for years to come.

A new symbol of school pride now stands proudly at Walt Whitman High School’s Wildcat Stadium.

The recently installed Wildcat statue serves as a powerful tribute to the generations of students, athletes, educators and community members who have helped shape the school’s legacy. Positioned prominently at the stadium entrance, the statue reflects the spirit, determination and excellence that have defined the Wildcat community for decades.

As the plaque beneath the statue reads, it is “a tribute to the countless individuals who have pushed boundaries, broken records, and faced challenges laid before them. Its presence serves as a reminder that the fierce heart of a Wildcat lives on in every graduate.”

The project was made possible through the generosity and support of dedicated donors who recognized the importance of creating a lasting symbol for current and future Wildcats. Their contributions helped bring the vision to life and ensured that the tradition and pride associated with the Wildcat name will continue to inspire generations to come.

School officials expressed their gratitude to everyone who supported the effort, noting that the statue represents far more than a mascot. It stands as a reminder of the achievements, resilience and enduring connections shared by all who have walked the halls as Wildcats.

Whether students are competing on the field, performing on stage, excelling in the classroom or pursuing their dreams beyond graduation, the monument serves as a daily reminder of the values and traditions that unite the Wildcat family.

As the saying goes, “Once a Wildcat, Always a Wildcat.”