Category Archives: Section XI News

Section XI News

Don Webster Inducted to Ward Melville Hall of Fame

Former Section XI Executive Director Don Webster was inducted to the Ward Melville Athletic Hall of Fame in November.

Webster served as athletic director at Ward Melville prior to taking over as Executive Director of Section XI in 2014 and serving until 2017.

Joining Webster in the Class of 2017 were Shaylyn Blaney, Steven Matz, Todd Sauerbraun, Chris Tingue, Chris Passavia, Krista Johnson, Georgia Holland, Jackie Morrison, Mary Mullane-Flynn, Mike Gray, Kurt Ferraro, Shannon Sioss, Rick LeDoux, Gerard Arceri and Barbara Troiano VanBeyrer.

Section XI News

Thousands from Section XI Named Scholar-Athletes

The New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) is proud to announce its fall 2017 Scholar-Athlete teams and there are more than 400 individual teams from Section XI who have earned this distinction.

The fall, NYSPHSAA recognized 3,373 Scholar-Athlete teams and 46,480 individuals. The figures represent a 14.65 percent (431 more teams) and 9.27 percent (3,945 individuals) increase compared to Fall 2016 in honoring teams and individuals who attain a 90.0 GPA or greater.

Starting in 2016, the NYSPHSAA adjusted its criteria to recognize individuals with a 90.0 GPA or greater whose athletic team did not qualify as a Scholar-Athlete team. Furthermore, the criteria was adjusted to allow for “small” teams to be recognized and 75 percent of a team’s roster be considered when determining a team’s average GPA.

“We would like to congratulate our student-athletes and member schools,” said Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director. “We are extremely proud of this program which recognizes the student-athletes who excel in the classroom. Seeing such an increase in scholar-athlete teams and individuals this year, just shows how much NYSPHSAA student-athletes are committed to their education”

The full list of scholar athlete teams for the Fall 2017 season can be found HERE!

The full list of scholar athlete individuals for the Fall 2017 season can be found HERE!

Section XI News

Laube, Ruckert Take Home Top Honors

The top football players, coaches and team were honored at the annual Suffolk County Football Coaches Association dinner on Monday, December 4 at the Hyatt Regency.

Here is a run down of all the honors:

  • Rutger’s Trophy: Lindenhurst High School
  • Carl A. Hansen Award: Dylan Laube, Westhampton Beach and Jeremy Ruckert, Lindenhurst
  • Rob Burnett Defensive Player of the Year Award: Dan Carroll, Sachem East
  • Bob Zellner Lineman Award: Carroll
  • Bob Collotta Linebacker Award: Ernesto Mitchell, Half Hollow Hills East
  • Joe Cipp Jr. Running Back Award: Laube
  • Boomer Esiason Quarterback Award: Ryan Walsh, Northport
  • Tom Cassese Defensive Back Award: George Wichelns, Connetquot
  • Fred Fusaro Coach of the Year Award: Bill Parry, Westhampton Beach
  • 12th Man Award: Jack Donahue, Center Moriches and Teddy McLoughlin, Islip
  • Thomas Cutinella Award: Cole Cipp, Bellport
  • National Football Foundation Receiver: Ruckert
  • National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete: Sam Gozelski, Northport

IMAGES: Click the link to see images of each winner!

Section XI News

Westhampton Beach, Lindenhurst Win LIC

Suffolk and Nassau split the football Long Island championship bouts this past weekend.

Lindenhurst and Westhampton Beach rang supreme on Sunday, while Garden City beat North Babylon and Seaford narrowly edged Miller Place on Saturday.

Fans who attended Sunday’s games at Stony Brook were treated to some incredible football.

Westhampton’s Dylan Laube rushed for six touchdowns and netted 47 total touchdowns for the season, breaking a record held for 13 seasons by North Babylon’s Jason Gwaltney.  The Hurricanes beat Lawrence 54-26.

Laubed finished the game with 25 carries and 229 yards. He also finished his career with 2,682 yards, the third highest rushing total in Long Island history.

In Class I, Lindenhurst captured glory after bearing Oceanside, 40-23.

Jeremy Ruckert, who will play his next football game as a member of the Ohio State Buckeyes, was in prime form dominating in all areas of the game. He was a threat on offense, blocked a field goal and kicked a 30-yard field goal of his own as well.

The Hansen Winner – the honor given to the top football player in Suffolk County – will be crowned on Monday, December 4. Ruckert and Laube are the favorites, of course.

This was the first Long Island championship for both Suffolk schools.

Section XI News

Suffolk Alumni News: East Islip’s Melia Named MLS Goalie of the Year

East Islip native and  Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia has been named the 2017 Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

“Winning an award like this is one of the best compliments you can get as a goalkeeper,” Melia said in a statement. “It’s a huge individual accolade, and it’s one that is only possible because of the efforts of my teammates and my coaches. To gain this recognition is an incredible honor.”

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