Category Archives: Section XI News

Section XI News

True Character on Display at Unified Basketball

Character is tested when the spotlight isn’t shining on you, it’s the unexpected moment when you just make a decision to help another person.

Here is an image of Santino Arnold from Southampton High School taking a moment to help out an opposing player tie his shoe during a Unified basketball game.

He had no clue that AD Darren Phillips pulled out his phone to capture this moment.

“Anyone that has seen our Unified Partners and Best Buddy members in action, are lucky enough to see these moments happen all the time,” said Phillips. “These programs are you unscripted character education lessons that no one has to plan for, it just happens.”

Section XI News

Section XI Honors Sponsors, ADs at Annual Luncheon

It was a packed house and special afternoon as Section XI honored sponsors and athletic directors in late May at Mill Pond Golf Course.

The event was officially named in honor of longtime AD and Section XI sales director, Nick DeCillis. Nick received his NYSAAA Hall of Fame Award from current Section XI Executive Director, Tom Combs, and former Executive Director, Don Webster.

Mia Sansanelli from John Glenn and Shane DeVincenzo from Port Jeff were awarded the NIAAA student essay scholarship

Walt Whitman AD Dr Jim Wright won the NYSAAA Apple Appreciation Award.

Priscilla and Richie LoNigro from BSN/PJS won the Distinguished Service Award.

Heather Gross of William Floyd received the Judith A. Martens Secretarial Award of Excellence.

Drew Walker, Hampton Bays AD,  received the Chapter XI Athletic Administrator of the Year Award.

Section XI AD Retirees this year are Mark Dellacave (Connetquot),  Pete Cesare (Copiague), Erin Blaney (Ward Melville),  and Dan Robertson (Brentwood).

Special thanks to outgoing Section XI President Tim Horan and good luck to incoming President, Georgia McCarthy.

Sponsor recognitions were awarded to:

  • George Duffy and Mike O’Brien, Scope
  • Ray Nelson, Peter White, Dr. James Paci, Orlin & Cohen
  • Lucy Mazzini, Signature Bank
  • George Breres, Sara Davis, Dynamic Sports Management
  • Laura Beck, St Charles Hospital
  • Bob Madarez and Ken Dwyer, Sanitec
  • Harold Schwab, Joe Schwab, Second Wind
  • Harrison Hefele and Pasco Skorica from Sports You
  • Matt loNigro, Greg Fall-BSN, Bob LoNigro, Mike LoNigro, Paul LoNigro, Tom Bettenhowser, BSN/PJS
  • Sgt Feeney, Sgt Smith, Sgt Mejia, US Marines
Section XI News

News and Notes for Retired Suffolk County ADs

Upcoming Events

Bob Young Memorial, Saturday, June 1

  • Interring of ashes at Cutchogue Cemetery, 11:00 a.m.
  • Followed by a luncheon at Alure Restaurant in Southold to share stories, memories and photos
  • Those interested in attending should contact: Robin (robinyoungsears@gmail.com) 914-388-3685 or Cindy (sadraku9@aol.com)     914-420-3295

Section XI Luncheon, May 16

  • Thursday, May 16th starting at Noon
  • Mill Pond Golf Course, 300 Mill Road, Medford, NY
  • All retired Athletic Administrators are invited to attend this event designed to culminate another year and recognize various award winners including ADs retiring this year
  • The cost of the luncheon is $23 and can be paid at the door
  • Checks can be made out to Section XI
  • Those individuals attending are asked to RSVP to Todd Gulluscio at gulluscio@shelterisland.k12

Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame Golf Outing, July 1

  • Monday, July 1, 8 a.m. shotgun start
  • Mill Pond Golf Course, 300 Mill Road, Medford, NY
  • Event honoring all former NY Jets in the HOF, and Mike Ryan from Landtek
  • Tickets and info available via SuffolkSportsHOF.com