Category Archives: Section XI News

Section XI News

NYSPHSAA Coaches of the Year Honored by Section XI

Three coaches were recognized as NYSPHSAA “Coaches of the Year” at this week at the Section XI Athletic Council meeting.

Carol Rose, Girls Lacrosse Coach Northport HS, picture with AD Mark Dantuono and Section XI Athletic Council President and Harborfields AD John Valenti. Photo above.

Alex Schiccalone, Swim Coach at Connetquot HS, pictured with AD Pete Melore and Section XI Athletic Council President (and Harborfields AD John Valenti.

Steve Borbet Track Coach from Bay Shore HS, pictured with Steve’s wife Cathy,  AD Bob Panariello and Valenti.

Section XI News

Dezy Strong Foundation Impacts Connetquot, Others

The Dezy Strong Foundation has taken Suffolk County by storm in recent months.

Started by Sachem teacher/coach Matt DiStefano, who was recently diagnosed with kidney cancer, he has used his illness as a platform to talk about the power of positive thinking when facing adversity.

He has spoken to student-athletes at Sachem, Connetquot and Hofstra so far.

“It was a great event organized by our head coach Justin Hurtz and the parents,” said Peter Melore, Connetquot AD.  “Dezy is a Connetquot resident and was inspirational as usual as he spoke to our crowd.”

Section XI News

Southampton is First School to Play Unified Soccer

Southampton became the first school based program on Long Island to field a Unified Soccer team.

In their first game vs the NYC Eagles, they won, 6-2. In the final game they meet the NYC Cityhawks and lost, 7-2.

Southampton was awarded a silver medal and most importantly left feeling like a team. Their next scheduled tournament is being played on October 19 on Randall’s Island for the NYC Inclusion Cup.

Section XI News

Section XI with 8 NYSPHSAA Schools of Distinction

Eight schools from Section XI were named “Schools of Distinction” by the NYSPHSAA.
Athletic Director’s and Superintendents from the schools accepted the honor from NYSPHSAA  Executive Director Robert Zayas, Assistant Director Joe Altieri and Section XI Executive Director Tom Combs.
One hundred percent of their varsity athletic teams achieved a combined GPA of 90 or better.
Schools included Kings Park, Westhampton Beach , Rocky Point, Babylon, Northport, Smithtown West, Shelter Island and John Glenn.