2012-2013 Athletics News
Cleats for Kids
Long Beach High School varsity football players
volunteered with assistant football coach Ian Butler at the Kicking 4
Celiac 5K run on June 8 at Theodore Roosevelt Park in Oyster Bay. The
students assisted at the race as a way to express their thanks to the
Kicking 4 Celiac Foundation, which through their Cleats 4 Kids program
will be donating cleats to the Long Beach High School varsity football
team for their fall season. In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, team
members lost most of their uniforms and equipment, so they were
especially grateful to Craig Pinto, the founder of Kicking 4 Celiac, for
giving them a “kick-start” to their fall season.
US Lacrosse All-American
James Forkin, a senior at Long Beach High School was
honored on June 12 by the Nassau County Lacrosse Coaches Association as
a US Lacrosse All-American. James, who will be attending Syracuse
University in the fall was also honored as an MSG Varsity All Tri-State
First Team midfielder, Newsday All Long Island midfielder and the Nassau
County Attackman of the Year.
Also honored that evening was Marines head coach James Kaspar. Kaspar
was awarded “Man of the Year” honors for his tremendous efforts in the
wake of Hurricane Sandy. The boys varsity lacrosse team capped off a
successful 2013 season with a school record of 15 season wins, making
the Nassau County semifinals for the third consecutive year.
Spring Sports Awards
After a year of monumental challenges, the Long
Beach High School varsity sports program finished strong this spring.
The season ended on a high note as the community gathered on the evening
of June 6 to acknowledge team and individual accomplishments on Sports
Awards Night. Special recognition awards were given to graduating
seniors who have distinguished themselves not only in athletics, but
also in academics, sportsmanship, leadership, citizenship and team
spirit.
There was lots of post-season action, as the girls badminton team upset
third-seeded Jericho to advance to the semifinals. The girls lacrosse
team showed incredible courage and skill in coming back from a 7-3
deficit to beat Plainedge 8-7 and advance to the semifinals. The boys
lacrosse team, who finished their season 15-3, beat Lynbrook 8-4 to
advance to the semifinal round as well. The baseball team also made it
to the playoffs for the first time since 2008. The boys track team won
the division title for the third consecutive year. The boys golf team
got off to a rough start, as the Lido golf course was still in bad shape
after Superstorm Sandy, but the team managed to pull off a 7-1 record
at home and a 7-5 season overall, beating top-ranked Lynbrook at home.
Equally hardworking in the classroom, the girls badminton, boys golf,
girls golf, girls lacrosse, boys tennis, boys track and field, and girls
track and field teams were all named New York State Scholar/Athlete
teams, with team averages of 90 or above.
Many individual honors were also earned. Senior James Forkin was named
an All-American lacrosse player. Two days after Sports Awards Night,
Junior Tyquan Scott, who was a state qualifier in the high jump, went on
to claim the state title at the Track and Field State Championships,
with a jump of 6’7”. This jump matched his performance at the
state-qualifying meet on May 30 at Freeport High School. Tyquan is Long
Beach High School’s second state champion and third All-State track
athlete to be named in the last three years.
In addition there were 12 All-County, two All-County Honorable Mention,
16 All-Conference, 14 All-Division, one All-League and two All-League
Honorable Mention players named.
“I want to give a special nod to our seniors,” said Superintendent David
Weiss. “This is your athletic sendoff. As you leave us, remember your
experiences here and all the people who helped you along the way, and
think about paying it forward. Underclassmen, it’s time for you to step
up and look forward to next year.”
State Champ in High Jump
Special Olympians
The Long Beach Special Olympics track and field team
competed on April 21 at the Long Island Spring Games in Commack. The
athletes spent the weeks prior to the event diligently practicing the
running and standing long jump, softball throw and the 50-meter dash.
This year’s team, coached by Stacey Durnan and Stephanie Esposito,
included students from the district’s elementary, middle and high
schools. Returning athletes included Charles Butler, Robert Greengus,
Sophie Hoffman, Keegan McCarthy, Jett McKevitt, Emanuel Muniz and
Madelyn Sipperly. The team welcomed newcomers Michael Lang, Dante Lyons
and Brianna Ward. With the help of teaching assistants Maureen Clark,
Pat Cody and Aileen Monahan, the athletes experienced many victories as
they received medals for competing in the various events.
“The team would like to give special thanks to all of the volunteers who
supported the efforts of the athletes this year,” said Esposito.
High School Dance Recital
The auditorium became a stage for world dance as
students in the Long Beach High School dance classes presented their
spring recital. The recital consisted of dance numbers reflecting folk
dances, traditional ballet and modern dance movements that students have
been learning throughout the course of the year. In addition to numbers
by historical choreographers Donald McKayle and Pearl Eileen Primus,
the program also featured choreography, costume design and staging by
students in the International Baccalaureate dance classes, and by dance
teacher Christianne Donohue. Through their choreography, students were
challenged to create movement that enhanced the rhythms, tempos and
accents of the music. Each of the student choreographers wrote an
artist’s statement, which was included in the program. Members of the
Sound and Recording Club designed the dramatic lighting for the show.
Dance classes at the high school, which include dance fitness, modern
dance and IB dance, are offered through the Athletics, Physical
Education and Health Department. The IB dance course, which was offered
for the first time last year, integrates the study of dance performance,
composition and analysis. During the course of the year, students
explored dance styles from cultures throughout the world. In addition to
gaining performance skills, they studied master choreographers from
past centuries and learned to compose their own dances through a variety
of improvisational techniques and creative projects. By exploring a
wide variety of dance forms, from ballet to modern to folk dance, they
acquired a well-rounded understanding of the significance of dance in
every culture and the pattern of its development throughout the world.
“I am so pleased to be presenting our second annual dance recital,” said
Ms. Donohue. “My goal, as always, is to share dance as a true
performing art to students, faculty and community members. The seniors
of the IB dance program have created meaningful choreography. I invite
you to watch as their visions become reality in a theatrical setting.”
“I am proud of the accomplishments of our dance students,” said Director
of Athletics, Physical Education and Health Arnold Epstein. “I look
forward to seeing many more students benefit from Ms. Donohue's talent
and expertise as the program grows.”
LBHS Athletes Earn State Honors
After all they faced in the aftermath of Superstorm
Sandy, it was a great tribute to the determination of Long Beach High
School winter varsity athletes to have four players in three separate
sports earn state honors.
Senior Steven Sewkumar (left), who won the county wrestling title in the
113-pound weight class, went on to become an All-State wrestler who
came in third in the 113-pound weight class at the state competition.
For the second consecutive year, senior Nicholas Stoski and sophomore
Max Willard were state qualifiers in swimming. Nicholas, who won the
division title in the 100-yard breaststroke, finished 13th at the state
competition. Maximilian, who finished second in the 500-yard freestyle
at the county meet, went on to finish 11th at the states.
Senior John Delahanty, a conference champion, finished second in the
county in the pole vault. He finished 18th in the states with a 13-foot
vault.
Sticking Up for Long Beach LAX
Touched by the losses sustained by the Long Beach
High School athletics teams in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, a group of
Farmingdale High School girls lacrosse players took it upon themselves
to gather donations for the Long Beach Girls Lacrosse program. The Long
Beach team received equipment such as sticks, goggles, cleats, balls,
pinnies, socks and apparel. Included in the donated box of pinnies was a
letter titled "26 Acts of Kindness." The pinnies were donated in memory
of each of the 26 Sandy Hook victims. The Long Beach team will now wear
these pinnies during practice all season to remember the children from
Sandy Hook Elementary.
Winter Sports Awards Night
This year’s Varsity Winter Sports Awards Night
turned out to be not only a celebration of victories on the field, but
also a celebration of victories of the heart. The opening of the winter
sports season coincided with the first day of classes after Superstorm
Sandy destroyed much of Long Beach and left athletes without practice
facilities, uniforms or equipment to start their season. Undaunted,
Director of Athletics Arnold Epstein and his coaches and staff got right
to work, and with the cooperation of neighboring districts, they were
able to find space to practice. Most of their home games were played on
the road this year, since all of the gymnasium floors in the district
were destroyed in the storm. Many players were still displaced from
their homes, traveling from all over the metropolitan area to attend
classes and practices, and even those who were not displaced traveled
many miles each day to practice at neighboring schools that had opened
their doors to Long Beach. And through it all, the varsity cheerleaders
kept everyone’s spirits high with their enthusiastic support.
“This year more than ever, I want you to know how proud I am of you
all,” said Epstein. “You are a great group of individuals, from the
coaches and staff who worked so hard to make this season happen to the
players who pulled together and supported one another to make it through
these tough times.”
Despite the adversity these teams faced, they managed to pull off some
amazing accomplishments. The girls basketball, gymnastics, ice hockey,
boys swim, boys track and girls track teams were all named
scholar-athlete teams, with team scholastic averages of 90 or above. The
boys swim team earned the division championship title, the girls
basketball team made it to the playoffs, and the wrestling team was one
of the first high school wrestling teams invited to compete at Madison
Square Garden against the best college teams in the country. The girls
gymnastics team received the Nassau County Officials Sportsmanship
Award.
Among the individual awards, Steven Sewkumar was an All-State wrestler
who came in third in his weight class at the state competition. Swimmers
Nicholas Stoski and Maximilian Willard and were state qualifiers in
swimming. John Delahanty was a state qualifier in track. There were also
10 All-County, 17 All-Conference, four all-Division and two All-Class
players named. In addition, Willard broke a school record in the
500-yard freestyle that was set in 1986, finishing with a time of
4:46.18. He then broke his own record a week later, posting a time of
4:43.46. Delahanty broke the school record in the pole vault with a
13-foot vault, a record previously held by Bill Muirhead. Boys
basketball coach T.J. Burke was named the Conference AA-3 Coach of the
Year.
“This season was very different from any other season,” said
Superintendent David Weiss. “From the start of the season, it was
extremely hard. With no uniforms and no place to play, it was remarkable
to see parents, coaches and team members come together under the
leadership of Mr. Epstein to pull this season off. When you come out on
the other side of this kind of adversity, it makes you stronger. My
congratulations to all of the warriors in this room.”
Athletes Helping Athletes
When they read about the devastation left behind in
Long Beach in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, student-athletes at
Northport High School sprang into action. The Northport students were
especially touched to hear about how hard-hit the Long Beach High School
athletic department was, losing five of its six gymnasiums, as well as
equipment and uniforms for most of its athletic teams. Teaming up with
former New York Ranger Adam Graves, the students were able to raise
$20,000 that will be used to help the Long Beach High School spring
sports teams on the road to recovery.
Northport High School student-athletes Tucker Ingraham, Sophie Hager,
and Craig Ronan traveled to Long Beach to personally present the check
to a group of Long Beach athletes at the Feb. 12 Long Beach Board of
Education meeting.
“We all play on Northport High School sports teams and understand just
how valuable that experience is for young people,” said Tucker. “We
strongly believe in students helping students and know that it could
have been Northport instead of Long Beach that needed to recover. We are
all in this together and should help each other when adversity
strikes.”
“I am lucky to be friends with Mr. Adam Graves, who taught me so much
about giving to others,” added Tucker. “Adam and my dad team up to raise
money for needy organizations and families, and have supported numerous
efforts by Northport High School students, including our desire to want
to help you.”
“We are very grateful to the Northport student-athletes and Mr. Graves
for all they have done for our student-athletes,” said Arnold Epstein,
director of athletics, physical education and health for the Long Beach
School District.
“It is moments like this that have gotten us through the many dark days
we have faced since the storm hit,” added Long Beach Superintendent of
Schools David Weiss.
Max Willard Breaks School Record
Competing at the division meet at Great Neck South
High School on Feb. 2, Long Beach High School sophomore Max Willard
broke the school record in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of
4:44.14, finishing second in the race. The old record of 4:46.18 was set
in 1986 by John Farrell. This time was good enough to qualify Max for
the state competition in Rochester on March 1-2. Max also qualified for
states in the 200-yard freestyle with a time of 1:47.17.
A week later, at the county championships at the Nassau County Aquatic
Center on Feb. 11, Max broke his own record in the 500, with a time of
4:43.46. He also lowered his state qualifying time in the 200, with a
time of 1:45.83.
“He had two great swims,” said coach John Skudin, “but the best is yet to come.”
Rowing for Sandy Relief
In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, the district’s
athletic department was especially hard-hit, losing five of its six
gymnasiums, as well as equipment and uniforms for most of its athletic
teams. Unexpected and welcome relief came from Friends of Port Rowing, a
rowing club based out of Port Washington, raised $10,000 to help the
athletic department on the road to recovery.
Friends of Port Rowing is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010 to
give boys and girls in grades 7-12 the opportunity to participate in
competitive rowing. Since its inception, the organization has also had a
secondary mission of service to its community. In their founding year,
crew members participated in an ergathon — the rowing equivalent of a
walkathon — to raise money to buy their own boats. Last year, they
initiated a "Row for Autism" regatta. This year, after witnessing the
devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy, they were inspired to put their
rowing talents to work to help Long Beach athletes. Approximately 75
crew members and 20 adults participated in an ergathon, rowing a
combined total of 1 million meters (approximately 621 miles) in the
course of the seven-and-a-half-hour event.
Friends of Port Rowing made the connection with Long Beach Public
Schools through Port Washington School District’s Director of Athletics
Stephanie Joannon and Board of Education President Karen Sloan, who is
also a Friends of Port Rowing board member. Joannon, who had been in
touch with Long Beach Athletic Director Arnold Epstein, heard firsthand
from him about the losses his teams had sustained. Having worked so hard
to raise money for their own equipment, Friends of Port team members —
many of whom are students in the Port Washington School District — were
especially touched to hear about the Long Beach students’ overwhelming
loss.
“We always talk about giving back,” said Steve Panzik, a coach and
executive director of Friends of Port Rowing. “As a coach, you want your
athletes to learn life skills, ethics, teamwork and sportsmanship, and
to extend a helping hand to teammates and opponents alike when they are
down. How the Long Beach student-athletes have come together with their
community to rebuild is inspiring. We hope that the money we raised will
help them come back better than ever.”
“We are so proud of our student-athletes who are members of the crew
team,” added Joannon. “They took the initiative to step up to help
fellow students from another school in their time of need. It is
inspiring to see athletes from different shores reaching out to help one
another.”
“We congratulate our team for this amazing accomplishment,” said Sloan.
“Most of the students who participated in the ergathon are Port
Washington students, and therefore a proud reflection of our schools.”
The Long Beach School District hosted a special reception to thank the
Friends of Port Rowing for their generous donation. Accompanying student
representatives of the rowing team were Joannon, Sloan, Friends of Port
Rowing board member Ted Rosenthal, boys varsity rowing coach Darren
Gary, and head girls varsity rowing coach Briana Pittman. Long Beach
High School trumpeter Jesse Klirsfeld opened the ceremony with a
heartfelt rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Long Beach
student-athlete Adam Salvadori welcomed the rowing team and thanked them
for their support. Epstein, Long Beach Superintendent David Weiss and
Long Beach Board of Education Vice President Darlene Tangney also
expressed their gratitude.
“We’ve received many donations over the last few months,” said Epstein,
“but the ones that mean so much to us are the ones that come from other
students. We admire you for the work you do to help others.”
“I extend our thanks to you for choosing Long Beach as the recipient of
your services,” added Weiss. “For us, this recovery has been a marathon
event. Celebrating moments like this have helped us move toward normalcy
again. The efforts you have made on our behalf will help our athletes
keep pushing to overcome the many obstacles they still face.”
Top Baseball Players of 2013
Long Beach High School seniors Matt Firpo (left) and
Jack Fagan have been selected as two of Long Island Baseball Magazine’s
Top 100 Public High School Seniors. They will be featured in the
inaugural issue of the magazine, which will be published in February
2013 and at
http://www.libaseballmag.com.
Jack and Matt are co-captains of the varsity baseball team. Jack, who
pitches and plays shortstop, had a batting average of .339 in the 2012
season, with 19 hits and 13 RBIs. Matt, who is a catcher and outfielder,
had a batting average of .233, with 10 hits and 11 RBIs.
“Jack and Matt are extremely dedicated players. They are the hardest
workers on the team,” said varsity baseball coach Jason Zizza, who
nominated these two deserving student-athletes for this award. “Our
student-athletes were ecstatic to hear about this honor, especially
during this difficult time after Hurricane Sandy.”
“I would like to congratulate Jack and Matt and Coach Zizza on this
special recognition,” said Arnold Epstein, director of athletics,
physical education and health. “In the time he has been at the helm,
Coach Zizza has instilled our players with renewed pride in our baseball
program.”
Mets’ Daniel Murphy Talks Teamwork
In the wake of Superstorm Sandy, Long Beach
High School students in the Athletes Helping Athletes program teamed up
with Mets second baseman Daniel Murphy to present a lesson in teamwork
and resilience to Lido School fifth-graders.
While waiting for their special guest to arrive, the high school
students took a little time to chat and bond with the fifth-graders.
Long Beach High School varsity athletes Matt Firpo and Adam Salvadori
had the pleasure of introducing Murphy to the fifth-graders, who gave
him an enthusiastic welcome.
“I’m from the South,” said Murphy. “So I know what it’s like to live
through the devastation of a hurricane. I am happy to see you all doing
so well. When you face challenges in your life, you have to persevere.
Sometimes you get frustrated with your situation, but if you rely on
family and friends, that will help you through the rough times.”
After answering questions from the audience, Murphy had a game of catch
with Firpo, who is the captain of the varsity baseball team. Both
players exhibited exceptional skill. Murphy stayed behind to pose for
pictures with the students and autograph keepsake Mets signs.
To the fifth-graders, he wrote, “Continue to persevere and rely on family and friends in time of need.”
His note to the high school athletes read, “We are humbled by the work
you do and the wisdom you impart to the youth of your community.”
Through Athletes Helping Athletes, Long Beach High School students
participate in the Student Athlete Leadership Team program, presented by
the New York Mets and Sharp Electronics. SALT training empowers
student-athletes to hone their citizenship and decision-making skills
and to serve as role models to younger students.
The members of the Long Beach High School Athletes Helping Athletes
participated in a three-session SALT training program at Molloy College
that focused on life skills, sportsmanship and civility. They learned
how to engage with others in a group setting, deliver motivational
messages and lead discussions using problem-solving scenarios.
Having received this training, students will begin visiting all of the
fifth-grade classes in the district to speak with the younger students
to encourage teamwork and promote positive and healthy lifestyle
choices. Over the course of several visits to the same class, the
athletes develop a bond with the younger students, serving as positive
role models for them to emulate. Students work under the guidance of
adviser Lynn Tenaglia.
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Ohio Cheerleaders Help LBHS
When the cheerleaders of Jackson High School in
Massilion, Ohio saw the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy, they were
moved to take action. They were particularly struck by the fact that
the Long Beach School District lost five of their six gymnasiums.
Equipment and uniforms for most of the district’s athletic teams were
also lost. With the support of Jackson High School Principal Monica
Myers, they joined forces with their longtime rival, the Hoover Vikings
in North Canton, Ohio, to organize Project Sandy, raising $6,000 to help
the Long Beach School District’s athletic program recover from this
tremendous loss.
The Jackson cheerleaders learned about the plight of Long Beach High
School through Long Beach resident Diane Skudin, who grew up in Ohio.
She shared the story of the damaging storm with her lifelong friend
Eileen Ivan, who lives in the Jackson School District, and whose
daughter Meghan is captain of the Jackson cheerleading squad. The
Jackson school community had already been eager to help Sandy victims in
some way, so when they heard about the plight of Long Beach Schools,
they decided that this would be the best way for them to make a
difference. Turning their fundraising efforts into a friendly rivalry
between Jackson and Hoover provided added motivation for both schools.
“We have over 27 teams at Jackson High School, and Hoover is a similar
size,” said Myers. “More than one-third of our students actively
participate in our athletics program, so we understand the pain this
kind of loss must have caused.”
The Jackson cheerleaders organized a one-day drive called Candy for
Sandy, collecting donations from fellow students on Nov. 30 in return
for a small bag of candy. They also distributed collection buckets to
all of their elementary schools. The Hoover cheerleaders organized an
event at their school called the Two-Day Raise, collecting money on Nov.
29 and 30, awarding t-shirts and other prizes in exchange for
donations. Both schools continued collecting donations when they met for
a hockey game on Nov. 29. Equally matched in generosity as they are in
athletic ability, the two schools tied in their fundraising efforts.
Both schools also involved local businesses, soliciting at least an
extra $1,000 to help the Long Beach athletics program.
Along with their generous check, the two cheerleading squads reached out
in friendship to the Long Beach cheerleaders, sending letters and
photos from Project Sandy. The Long Beach cheerleaders created a collage
with all the letters and photos, which is now on display in the high
school commons for all to see.
“The Long Beach Athletic Department is extremely grateful to the school
communities of Jackson and Hoover,” said Arnold Epstein, the Long Beach
School District’s director of athletics, physical education and health.
“The actions of these students and the adults who supported them in
their endeavors demonstrate to us what wonderful and giving communities
Jackson and Hoover must be."
Celebrating Victories of the Heart at LBHS Fall Sports Awards
Although four Long Beach High School fall
varsity teams made it to the playoffs this year, their real victories in
the wake of Hurricane Sandy proved to be victories of the heart. It was
with this in mind that all 10 teams came together at Fall Sports Awards
Night to acknowledge their accomplishments, but more importantly to
celebrate their unity and perseverance in the face of adversity. Coaches
told stories of teammates scattered across the tri-state area reaching
out to come together to somehow make it to the playoffs, providing hope
and inspiration to a community sorely in need of both.
“I am in awe of all of you,” said School Board President Roy Lester.
“You have endured the worst conditions to go out there and continue to
win under such tough circumstances.”
With players earning four individual county championship titles, the boys badminton team finished the season with a 12-2 record.
The football team started the season with five wins in a row — their
longest winning streak since 1986. They finished with a 5-3 record,
winning a spot in the playoffs and bringing their community together
after the devastation of Sandy to cheer them on in their playoff game
against Carey.
“I admire the courage and commitment of these players,” said Coach
Martin. “We always teach our players to overcome adversity on the field,
but they also overcame many adversities this year in their personal
lives. I am proud to be a Marine.”
The boys soccer team made the playoffs for the first time in 12 years
with a 7-6-1 record and ended up surmounting many storm-related
obstacles to finish third in their conference. The girls soccer team
finished the season with a 6-6-2 record, just missing a spot in the
playoffs.
The girls swim team had a 5-4 record, finishing fourth in the county and
second in their division. They also won the Joe Farrell Invitational.
The boys volleyball team also qualified for the playoffs. Scattered
around the state, the team managed to come together after a 10-day
hiatus to beat Great Neck in the first round of the playoffs.
Ending last season with a 4-10 record, the girls volleyball team
finished strong this season with a record of 10-4. They beat the
reigning conference champ to finish third in their conference this year.
Proving to be equally dedicated to their academics, the boys badminton,
boys cross-country, girls cross-country, girls soccer, girls swim, girls
tennis, boys volleyball and girls volleyball teams all earned
scholar-athlete status, with team averages above 90 percent.
Many fall athletes also won individual awards. There were three
State-Qualifiers, seven All-County, four Honorable Mention All-County,
15 All-Conference, one Academic All-Conference, six All-Division, two
All-Class and one Unsung Hero named. Five players won individual county
championship titles.
We Are Proud, We Are Strong, We Are the Marines!
After a five-game winning streak at the beginning of the season had virtually assured the Long Beach High School varsity football team a berth in the Nassau County playoffs, Hurricane Sandy swept through the barrier island, ruining their uniforms, equipment and playing field, and scattering at least half of the team to temporary housing all over the state. At first it seemed like the storm, which had damaged many of their homes and possessions, would also dash their playoff chances, but the team rallied together and through an extraordinary effort, they were able to overcome these seemingly insurmountable obstacles to face the Carey Seahawks in Franklin Square on Saturday, Nov. 10 in the Nassau County quarterfinals.
On the day after the storm hit, Long Beach administrators, coaches and 20 players met to do whatever they needed to do to get the team ready to play. After quarterback Adam Salvadori and running back J.P. Forkin helped Coach Scott Martin reach out to their absent teammates and found that many could make it back for the game, the coach made the call to go ahead. Director of Athletics Arnold Epstein was able to arrange for the team to practice at Hofstra. An anonymous donor came through with new uniforms and equipment. Students and staff at Sewanhaka’s H. Frank Carey High School also rallied to support the Marines’ efforts.
“I called Arnie Epstein on Monday to find out how the staff, the students and the community were doing,” said Matt McLees, the Sewanhaka district’s athletic director. “As soon as Arnie gave me the go-ahead that they were ready to play, our goal was to do everything possible to make this a special day for Long Beach.”
Carey High School established a Long Beach High School Scholarship Fund, collecting donations at the gate, contributing the gross proceeds from the concession stand and selling raffle tickets to raise funds. MSG Varsity also stepped up to the plate, donating the proceeds from the sale of “Unity Game” T-shirts to the fund. The Carey varsity cheerleaders made nearly 500 blue ribbons (the Marines school color), which they distributed to the fans. They also gave game sweatshirts and scarfs to the Marines cheerleaders. D’Anna Pizzeria of Elmont delivered 20 free pizzas to the team after the game. Carey High School staff also worked to overcome their own obstacles to make their field ready to play. The nor’easter that followed Hurricane Sandy on Wednesday left a blanket of snow on the already wet field, so maintenance crews had to put in hours of work to make the field ready for the game.
Long Beach fans came from far and wide, filling the stands to cheer their valiant team on, but in the end, a playoff victory was not in the cards for this determined team, as the Seahawks racked up a 35-13 victory. But the Marines achieved a much bigger triumph that day, giving hope to a battered community and serving as a shining example of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Three other Long Beach High School varsity teams also managed to come together to participate in playoff games. The Boys and Girls Volleyball teams won their first round playoff games. The girls swimming team finished Swimming finished fourth in the County.
Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month,
Long Beach High School hosted the Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament on Oct.
13. A total of eight varsity teams from Long Island, Queens and
Manhattan participated, raising $3,000 for Columbia Breast Cancer
Research. St. Francis Prep of Fresh Meadows defeated Kellenberg of
Uniondale in the finals to earn the Dig Pink crown. The event was
organized by Long Beach volleyball coach Kerri Rehnback.
“It takes a lot of work to organize a tournament like this,” said Arnold
Epstein, director of athletics, physical education and health. “I know
we all appreciate the efforts of Coach Rehnback, our student-athletes
and their parents. It brought pride to our community to be able to bring
so many student athletes together for such a worthy cause.
Getting in the Pink to Fight Cancer
The girls varsity soccer team used their home game against Carey on Oct. 1 as an opportunity to raise money and awareness for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Sporting pink socks on their feet and pink ribbons in their hair, the girls raised $250, which was donated by members of both teams, for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
“I was proud to have my team and the Carey girls support the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk,” said coach Tara Wesselhoft.
Scholar-Artist Honors
Long Beach High School seniors Shannon Romig and
Russell Goetz have both been recognized by the Scholar-Artist program,
sponsored by the Long Island Arts Alliance in cooperation with Newsday.
Shannon was named a Scholar-Artist in dance. Russell has been recognized
with an Award of Merit in music.
The Scholar-Artist program recognizes talented students in the fine and
performing arts. Shannon was one was one of only 20 Long Island students
to be named a Scholar-Artist. Russell was one of 20 to receive an Award
of Merit. This is the second year in a row that a Long Beach High
School student has received recognition from this program.
Shannon and Russell were invited to a kickoff event at the Usdan Center
for the Creative and Performing Arts on Sept. 20 for a welcome
reception, dinner and photo shoot, giving them an opportunity to meet
with representatives from the arts programs of local colleges. They will
also be honored at an end-of-the-year reception at the Tilles Center
for the Performing Arts.
Shannon was nominated for this honor by Long Beach High School dance
teacher Christianne Donohue. Russell was nominated by chorus teacher
Michael Capobianco. As part of the application process, they were
required to submit an audition tape and write an essay about how their
involvement in the arts has shaped their lives.
An International Baccalaureate diploma candidate, Shannon participates
in IB dance classes at Long Beach High School. She is also a champion
Irish step dancer who has received numerous medals at regional and
national competitions. A school leader, Shannon is senior class
secretary/treasurer and vice president of her school’s chapter of the
National Honor Society, in addition to being president of the Future
Physicians Club and co-editor of her school’s award-winning literary
magazine, Fragments. She is also a member of the Tri-M Music Honor
Society and the Foreign Language Honor Society. A varsity athlete,
Shannon has been named an All-Conference player in soccer and badminton.
Active in community service, Shannon uses her dance talents to
entertain at area nursing homes, children’s hospitals and camps for
children with special needs. She has served as student chair for the
Long Beach Relay for Life and for the Cablevision Power to Learn Charity
Champions program, raising funds to benefit Camp Anchor. She received
the 2012 President’s Volunteer Service Award and the 2012 Nassau Region
PTA Youth Humanitarian Award.
Russell is a two-time All-State musician and an eight-time All-County
musician. He was a featured soloist at a performance of the All-State
Jazz Ensemble for state legislators in Albany. Russell is a member of
the National Honor Society and Vice President of the Tri-M Music Honor
Society. He performs in the select choir, chorus, men’s chorus, band,
jazz band and wind ensemble, and is the drum major for the marching
band. Active in the theater department, Russell has played leading roles
in the high school drama and musical productions, and will serve as
student director of both productions this year. In 2009, Russell toured
Europe, singing with the American Music Abroad program. In 2010, he
attended the Crane School of Music summer program for voice and choral
studies. A scholar-athlete in badminton and tennis, Russell is the
varsity badminton team captain, and was named a 2010 and 2011 All-County
Champion.
“We are proud that our students have received Scholar-Artist recognition
in both dance and music this year,” said Principal Gaurav Passi.
“Shannon and Russell are both talented and dedicated students who have
brought pride to their school and community through their commitments to
the arts.”
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LBHS Wall of Fame
This year’s four inductees to the Long Beach High
School Wall of Fame – Howard Apple, Barbara Bernstein, Richard “Ricky”
Evrard and Ronald Stonitsch – had varied high school experiences and
pursued diverse careers after they graduated. But as all four made their
acceptance speeches at the Sept. 29 ceremony, a common thread appeared.
They all attributed their success to a community that supported them
and a group of caring teachers who taught them valuable lessons that
stayed with them throughout their lives.
A graduate of the Class of 1963, Apple went on to enjoy an illustrious
27-year career with the FBI. He was honored with the FBI Director’s
Award of Excellence, the Assistant Attorney General’s Award for his
outstanding work on Indian reservations and the International
Association of Auto Theft Investigators Award of Merit. After retiring
from the FBI, Apple began a company to fight Medicare fraud, saving the
Medicare Trust Fund more than $2 billion. “Growing up in Long Beach is
like having your own version of the show ‘Cheers’,” said Apple.
“Everyone knows your name. It’s a place you can come home to. Everybody
take care of one another.”
Bernstein graduated from Long Beach High School in 1966, where she was
best known for her involvement in the theater program. During her
professional career, she managed programs in the field of low-income
housing, job training, at-risk youth services and criminal justice. For
the past 23 years she has served as the executive director of a
nonprofit agency that has served over one million people in need of
critical health, housing and human service assistance. In recognition of
her distinguished record of community service, she was inducted into
the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame. “Long Beach High School gave me
my educational foundation,” said Bernstein. “I learned that I didn’t
have to be the best, I just had to be my best. And I learned that in
doing so, my enthusiasm could encourage others to be their best.”
A graduate of the Class of 1974, Evrard excelled in athletics, playing
on the football, basketball, baseball and lacrosse teams. He was offered
a full scholarship to play football at Rice University. Upon
graduation, he became a national director of the NCAA Volunteers for
Youth program. He went on to complete a law degree in 1983, after which
he worked for the NCAA as an enforcement representative and director of
legislative services. In 1992 he joined a leading law firm specializing
in the field of NCAA rules, ethics and sports law. “The lessons I
learned on the playing fields of Long Beach stayed with me my whole
life,” said Evrard. “Work together as a team and you will achieve
success.” He thanked the teachers who believed in him and the coaches
like Tony Piazza who changed his life.
Stonitsch, who graduated in 1967, was one of the most accomplished track
and field and cross-country athletes in Long Beach High School history,
finishing in fifth place in the 1966 cross-country state championships,
setting a county record in the mile and becoming a Long Island Champion
in the two-mile and a state champion in the mile. He went on to become a
three-time NCAA National Champion in cross-country and track and MVP of
the 1971 Penn Relays. He worked for 33 years for the New York
Department of Labor, where he helped advise businesses and promoted
programs to benefit jobseekers. He also served for 33 years as a
cross-country and track coach at Vassar College. Stonitsch gave special
thanks to his coach Irv Gold, saying, “If it wasn’t for Irv Gold, I
wouldn’t have gone to college.”
“This wall is a testament to the Barrier Island,” said Board President
Roy Lester. “This says something about this community that so many
accomplished people came out of it.”
“We welcome you back to a renewed Long Beach Public Schools,” said
Superintendent David Weiss to the honorees and their guests. “With the
work that is being done around the district as part of the School
Preservation Plan, there is a new sense of pride in our facilities, our
schools and our young people. We hope that after coming home today, you
will be inspired to come back often to celebrate what our students are
accomplishing today.”
To illustrate some of those accomplishments, High School Principal
Gaurav Passi introduced seniors Shannon Romig and Jake Brown. Shannon,
who is an International Baccalaureate diploma candidate, spoke about how
she hopes to one day follow in the footsteps of today’s inductees.
Jake, who plays football, hockey and lacrosse, spoke about the
inspiration the Wall of Fame offers to him as he reads the names of all
those who have made Long Beach great.
Summing up the sentiments of the day, Board of Education Trustee Dr.
Dennis Ryan said, “Your achievements serve as big footprints left for
our students to follow on their own pursuit of excellence.”
A time-honored homecoming tradition that began in 1996, the Wall of Fame
is presented each year by the Long Beach Booster Club in cooperation
with Long Beach Public Schools to serve as an inspiration to the youth
of Long Beach. The Wall of Fame was conceived to honor present and
former members of the Long Beach community who have made substantial
contributions either locally or to the world at large, including
contributors in the area of athletics.
Homecoming Victory
With the Marines posting victories in their
first three games of the season, spirits were especially high as fans
filled the stands at Veterans Memorial Field to cheer their team on to a
38-7 homecoming victory over the Westbury Green Dragons. The Marines
scored three times in the first half. Chris Parler scored the first of
his two touchdowns from the Dragons’ 45, with five minutes to go in the
first quarter. In the opening drive of the third quarter, Adam Salvadori
scored on a 29-yard drive. The Marines’ fourth goal came on a 5-yard
touchdown by Obe Isaac. Finally breaking through the Marines’ relentless
defense, Westbury’s Shalike Merchant scored a 5-yard touchdown with
4:41 left on the clock.
The homecoming carnival, sponsored by the High School Student Government
Organization, attracted crowds of young and old alike. Volunteers from
many Long Beach High School clubs provided homemade food and deserts, as
well as entertainment including a pie toss, a wheel of fortune, face
painting, a photo booth and other carnival games.
All-State vocal musicians Joseph Keiserman and Russell Goetz presented a
rousing duet performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” bringing the
fans to their feet before the start of the game.
The cheerleading squad led off the halftime festivities with a lively
dance routine that entertained the crowd and inspired the athletes.
Homecoming King Victor Tarantino escorted his lovely Queen Harli Weitz
around the track, waving regally to the cheering crowd. Then the
marching band took to the field to wow the fans with their fancy
footwork and precision playing in a routine entitled “Long Beach
Megahits.” The crowd was impressed to learn that the band will be
strutting their stuff this year at the Columbus Day Parade in Manhattan,
and again at the Newsday Marching Band Festival at Hofstra University
on Oct. 23. In a longstanding Long Beach homecoming tradition, members
of the Long Beach Bulldogs youth football program charged across the
field at lightning speed in the annual Bulldog Dash before the football
team returned to the field for the second half.
Homecoming weekend was capped off with a ceremony on Saturday morning to
induct four new members to the Long Beach High School Wall of Fame.
This year’s inductees were Howard Apple (Class of ’63), Barbara
Bernstein (Class of ’66) Richard Evrard (Class of ’74) and Ronald
Stonitsch (Class of ’67).
USMMA Youth Soccer Clinic
The United States Merchant Marine Academy
Mariners soccer team took time out of their pre-season preparations on
Saturday, Aug. 11 to serve as instructors at the Long Beach Soccer Club
Skills Clinic. The clinic was hosted by the Department of Athletics at
Veterans Memorial Field at Long Beach Middle School.
The Mariners players and coaches organized drills and competitions for
children ranging in age from 6 to 12 while teaching the fundamentals of
soccer and sportsmanship. Approximately 50 Long Beach youth attended the
clinic.
“It was a great experience for everyone involved,” said Mike Smolens,
head soccer coach at USMMA. “The participants learned some soccer and
had fun, and our players had a great time giving back to the community.”
“The USMMA athletes did a wonderful job of interacting with the Long
Beach students,” said Arnold Epstein, director of athletics, physical
education and health. “The warmth and enthusiasm they showed made the
clinic a great experience for all. I am sure our youngsters will
remember this special event for some time.”
The Long Beach Soccer Club strives to provide developmental and
competitive soccer for community children ages 4-19 in a safe and
nurturing environment.
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