Category Archives: Section XI News

Section XI News

Another Memorable Day of Inclusion and Competition for Section XI’s Athletics for All Program

Another fantastic sports day is in the books for the Section XI Athletics for All Program, as student-athletes from across Suffolk County came together for a morning filled with teamwork, excitement, and inclusive athletic competition.

Hosted at the Long Island Indoor Sports Center in Ronkonkoma, the event once again showcased the power of adaptive sports to unite students of all abilities. Section XI extends a heartfelt thank-you to Beth Clark and the entire staff for opening their doors, providing a welcoming space, and ensuring a smooth, energetic day for all participants.

From spirited games to skill-building activities, the atmosphere was electric as athletes encouraged one another, celebrated big moments, and demonstrated what Athletics for All is all about — opportunity, inclusion, and joy through sport.

Section XI remains grateful to its community partners, volunteers, coaches, and families who continue to support this growing initiative. With each event, the program strengthens its mission of giving every student a chance to shine on and off the field.

Another great day. Another step forward. And many more to come.

Section XI News

Section XI Mourns Loss of SWR Native Liam Gleason

Section XI extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and entire Shoreham-Wading River community on the passing of Liam Gleason.

A proud SWR native and the head men’s lacrosse coach at Siena College, Liam made an immeasurable impact on every program and person he touched. His untimely passing leaves behind a young family, and our thoughts and prayers are with all who are grieving this tremendous loss.

We encourage our Section XI community to join us in supporting the Gleason family during this difficult time. You can donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/liam-gleasons-family

May Liam’s legacy of leadership, kindness, and dedication to the sport of lacrosse continue to inspire us all.

Section XI News

Mattituck’s Mike Huey Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award

Mattituck’s longtime educator and AD Mike Huey was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by State Soccer Coordinator Matt Allen and Section XI representative Rob Franco during championship weekend.

Huey, who has been a steady presence in Mattituck athletics for more than four decades, was honored for his exceptional commitment to student-athletes and for elevating boys’ soccer across Suffolk County and New York State.

Colleagues praised his leadership, consistency, and deep understanding of the game, noting that his work has positively shaped generations of families in the North Fork.

The award marks a significant milestone in Huey’s career, acknowledging both his impact at Mattituck High School and his long-standing service within Section XI, where he has helped guide and support interscholastic soccer for many years.

Additional background on Huey’s career and comments from those involved in the ceremony can be found in the full Suffolk Times report.

Section XI News

Ward Melville Battles to the Final Play in Long Island Championship

The following is a piece from Section XI Student Media member Tristan Olivo.

Friday’s Class I Long Island Championship delivered one of the hardest-fought games of the season as unbeaten Ward Melville (11-0), the Section XI champion, squared off against Nassau’s top team, Massapequa.

From the opening whistle, Ward Melville’s defense showed why it had been dominant all year. The Patriots forced turnovers, clogged running lanes, and stalled multiple drives in a first half defined by toughness and discipline. Neither offense could break through, and the teams went into halftime locked in a tense 0-0 battle.

Massapequa managed to score first in the third quarter, capitalizing on a sustained drive to take a 7-0 lead. A turnover on Ward Melville’s next possession set up another scoring opportunity for the Chiefs, who extended the lead to 14-0 midway through the quarter.

But true to form, Ward Melville responded with heart and resilience. Senior Joey Benedetto ignited the comeback effort, finding the end zone twice to cut the deficit to 14-12. The Patriots came inches away from tying the game, but their two-point conversion attempt was stopped at the goal line, setting up a dramatic finish.

With time running out, Ward Melville mounted one final drive, pushing deep into Massapequa territory. On fourth down, the Patriots launched a last-chance pass toward the end zone, but the play was broken up, sealing the narrow result.

Though the 14-12 final didn’t fall Ward Melville’s way, the Patriots represented Section XI with pride, grit, and championship-level effort. Their undefeated regular season, county championship, and down-to-the-wire performance on Long Island cemented this group as one of the program’s most memorable teams.

Section XI News

A Final Message: Ward Melville’s Victor Bergamaschi Urges Teammates to Cherish Every Day

Section XI Student Media team member Keira Kenny wrote the following story. 

Before Ward Melville’s Suffolk County Championship showdown with William Floyd, I had the chance to speak with senior captain Victor Bergamaschi, a player whose hard work and leadership have defined the Patriots’ remarkable season. Ward Melville went on to defeat the Colonials, 31–28, earning a spot in the Long Island Championship—one final game for this special group. As Victor prepares to graduate and move on, he hopes to leave behind one lasting message: never take a single day for granted.

Victor has been part of the Ward Melville Football family for four years, and the experience has meant everything to him. He hopes younger players understand just how fast the time goes.

“Never take a single day for granted,” he said. “Whether it’s offseason work or practice, every day with your boys is a blessing.”

His teammates, coaches, and the moments shared within this program are what he treasures most.

He also credits his coaches—especially Coach Russo and Coach Sorbera—for helping shape him into the player and leader he is today. Victor’s development is also the product of years of offseason training. His dedication has put him in the position to lead the Patriots on their championship run.

As the team prepares for its biggest game of the year, Victor explained how he manages the pressure of playing in front of a massive crowd.

“I take a deep breath, look at my boys and the crowd, and forget about all the expectations and pressure for a second,” he said.

In those moments, he reminds himself that they’re out there to play football—and to enjoy it.

Victor and the Patriots will face the Massapequa Chiefs this Friday at 12 p.m. in the Long Island Championship. It will be a battle, but Ward Melville enters the game with the work ethic, chemistry, and leadership needed to compete for a title.

Community Service, Section XI News

Gold Shoelace Campaign Unites Long Island in Support of Childhood Cancer Awareness

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.