We will post occasional pieces about community service by our Section XI schools and teams! To learn more, go to Team Up 4 Community!

The Elwood-John Glenn Soccer Program is dedicating this upcoming 2018 season in honor of former player and American hero, MSgt Christopher Raguso (class of 1997).

Chris, a member of the Air National Guard’s 106th Air Rescue Wing, was one of seven servicemen that made the ultimate sacrifice when their helicopter went down on March 15 during a combat mission in Western Iraq while supporting coalition forces in Operation Inherent Resolve, the war against ISIS.

Chris was a treasured father, husband, son, and brother, as well as a 6-time decorated FDNY Lieutenant during his 13-year career at Engine 249/Ladder 113 in Brooklyn and Engine 302/Ladder 155 in Queens.  Lt Chris was also a 20-year volunteer with the Commack Fire Department, who dedicated his life to helping others.

Read more!

Section XI athletic directors collected honors from the NYSPHSAA this week for their School of Distinction and School of Excellence awards.

The purpose of the School of Distinction and School of Excellence Awards are to unite varsity coaches in challenging their teams to achieve a statewide honor. This year’s figures represent the highest number of NYSPHSAA member schools being recognized for their academic achievements.

“The increase in the number of schools receiving both awards shows what fantastic student-athletes we have here in New York State,” said Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “This is evidence that schools, administration, coaches and student-athletes focus on excellence in the classroom as well as the playing fields.”

Schools can earn School of Distinction status by having 100 percent of its varsity teams qualify for and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award during their respective sports seasons. To earn the School of Excellence Award, 75 percent of a school’s varsity teams must qualify and receive the Scholar-Athlete team award.

Honorees from Suffolk included Babylon, John Glenn, Greenport, Miller Place, Port Jefferson, Northport, Rocky Point, Shelter Island, Smithtown East and The Stony Brook School.

Suffolk schools earning “School of Excellence” distinction include Comsewogue, Hills East, Hills West, Hampton Bays, Harborfields, Islip, Kings Park, Longwood, Riverhead, Sayville, Smithtown West, and Whitman.

A special message from Section XI Executive Director, Tom Combs …

“Section XI will never forget those who lost their lives and those who gave all to help save lives on September 11, 2001. And please keep in your thoughts and prayers those serving in the military keeping us safe.”

Full Heart Alert for Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018.

No games, scrimmages, practices or contests allowed.

Time to bookmark your calendar with important Suffolk County sporting events!

Search for games/matches/events on our calendar/schedule page!

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association, Inc. (NYSPHSAA) has announced over a half million student-athletes in its 787-school membership participated in interscholastic athletics during the 2017-2018 school year, according to its annual Participation Survey.

The data is presented based on a 99.49% return of the participation survey from NYSPHSAA athletic administrators. The results show a total of 562,207 student-athletes which breaks down to 301,347 boys (53.6%) and 260,860 girls (46.4%) who participated on varsity, junior varsity, freshmen, or modified interscholastic athletic teams. There were 31,760 total interscholastic athletic programs offered with the highest number of student-athletes (269,101) participating in varsity programs.

“I am encouraged by the fact that we have over half a million students participating in athletics within our association,” said Dr. Robert Zayas NYSPHSAA Executive Director.  “Research continues to provide evidence that students who participate in athletics receive better grades, attend school at a greater rate, receive less discipline referrals and graduate at an increased percentage when compared to their non-participating classmates.  NYSPHSAA works each day to explore and implement new participation opportunities for students to not only enhance their education, but the rest of their life.”

New York is third in the country behind Texas and California for the total number of student-athletes participating in high school athletics according to the latest National Federation of High School Athletic Associations (NFHS) Participation Survey. The NFHS survey includes high school level participants, while the NYSPHSAA survey results include both high school and modified level programs and participants.

This is the third consecutive year results have yielded a decrease in participation. NYSPHSAA recently instituted more accurate and reliable data collection efforts which may be a possible factor relating to the decreased numbers. It should also be noted that enrollment numbers continue to decline across the state.

The complete participation survey information can be found here!