Massapequans Receive Awards In Run To Benefit Autism

Karen Conkling and Norman Hershkowitz, both residents of Massapequa, earned awards in the 5th Annual Grillo and Associates Blazing Trails 4 Autism 4 Mile Run, which was recently held on the streets of North Bellmore and North Merrick. Conkling was the first place finisher in the women’s 45-49 age group, completing the four-mile run in 29 minutes, 1 second. The entire net proceeds of the event were once again dedicated to the Eden II and Genesis Foundation, which supports children and adults with autism through specialized programs designed to help them achieve the highest possible quality of living throughout their lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Massapequa Chiefs Celebrate Homecoming With A Win

On Oct. 13, Massapequa celebrated Homecoming and the Chiefs didn’t disappoint their fans, as Massapequa defeated Hempstead 42-8 in varsity football. Prior to the game, there was a parade down Park Boulevard. At halftime of the football game, the top fundraisers from each elementary school for the first annual “Steps for YES” campaign were recognized. In response to county cuts for youth program, the campaign was launched to support YES Community Counseling Center. Students raised $5,625 for the center. In addition, Athletic Director John Piropato graciously took a pie to the face for the cheerleaders’ St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital fundraiser, which raised $426.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Aces’ In Fight Against Breast Cancer

Massapequa Girls Tennis Team plays “Think Pink” match to support efforts against the disease

On Friday, Oct. 12, the Massapequa girls tennis team played their last regular season match against East Meadow. While this match was significant in that is marked the end of the Chiefs season, it also symbolized a greater feat in the team’s fight against breast cancer. With one of every eight women expected to develop breast cancer during their lifetime, the tennis team took it upon themselves to help combat this debilitating disease.

In order to raise money and awareness for breast cancer, the girls dedicate one match every year in their efforts to help find a cure. For the third year in a row, the Massapequa girls tennis team held their annual “Think Pink” event with the match against East Meadow.

Village Board Honors Little League Champs

Taxi franchise and other business attended to

At the Village Board meeting on Oct. 15, members of Massapequa Coast Little League Williamsport Tournament teams were congratulated by board members. The 10-year-old team won the district championship, the 11-year-old team won the Long Island championship, and the senior team won the District 31 championship.

“Congratulations for all of your hard work,” Massapequa Park Mayor James Altadonna told the players. “The sacrifices that your parents make and the sacrifices that your coaches make should be cherished. It’s about fostering leadership, sportsmanship and making an individual grow. It’s about having a place to remember, where you grew up.”

Massapequa Boys Volleyball Starts Out Strong

Team wants another shot at state championship

It would be easy for Steve Mariano, head coach of the Massapequa boys volleyball team and his players to stop and admire all they have accomplished. After all, the team has won three consecutive county championships, and last year, Massapequa captured the Long Island championship and advanced all the way to the state finals, before losing to McQuaid Jesuit, a private school in Rochester. However, that’s not what champions do. So, instead of being the tiniest bit complacent, Mariano says the team is working very hard to get back to the state championship and capture the title, which eluded them last year.

“Our goal is to get back upstate and get another shot at McQuaid,” said Mariano. “We know we can beat them. Losing last year has left us with a goal.”

Wrestling Room Dedicated To Al Bevilacqua

Former students give legendary coach praise and accolades at ceremony

On Friday, Oct. 5, Massapequa High School unveiled a newly renovated, state of the art wrestling room in honor of former head coach, Al Bevilacqua. The room was dedicated to Bevilacqua, who has almost 35 years of experience as both an educator and coach in Massapequa schools. Many of Bevilacqua’s former students and wrestlers joined in honoring their former coach, as did members of his family, local residents, school board members, and other school officials. Those who spoke at the ceremony talked about Bevilacqua’s coaching ability, and also commented about his character, ethics, and love of education. Bevilacqua is credited with helping transform Massapequa High School wrestling into the recognized program that it is today, and many of his former students would also say that his impact extends far beyond wrestling.

“If you had him as a teacher, you would understand why this wrestling room is being dedicated to him,” said Gary Mims, Massapequa’s former wrestling coach of many years who succeeded Bevilacqua. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”

Massapequa Park Tennis Player Receives Accolade

Denise Ligouri, a freshman at Farmingdale State College and a member of the women’s tennis team, was named to the Skyline Conference Player of the Week Honor Roll after she earned a 7-6, 7-6 victory in singles play and picked up an 8-4 win in doubles play in a match against Mount Saint Mary College on Oct. 6.

Getting Ready For Homecoming

Parade to be held Oct. 13

Homecoming is one of the most anticipated days on the school calendar, and Massapequans will soon be participating in the festivities. This year, Massapequa will celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, Oct. 13. At 2 p.m. the Chiefs will host the Hempstead Tigers in a varsity football game at Massapequa High School. That gridiron battle is just one event of the special weekend.

“Homecoming brings together marching bands, district clubs, varsity, junior varsity and middle school teams, local dignitaries and community organizations in one of the grandest displays of school and community pride,” said John Piropato, director of health education, athletics and physical education at Massapequa High School.

Massapequa Park Resident Wins Prestigious Race At Belmont

The Lumber Guy, trained by Massapequa Park’s Mike Hushion, captured the prestigious Grade I $400,000 Vosburgh Stakes on Sept. 28 at Belmont Park. The three-year-old colt captured won the seven furlong race by a length and a quarter. According to Hushion, the colt is now bound for a Breeders’ Cup race in California next month.

Massapequans Pace FSC Cross Country Effort

The Farmingdale State cross-country team opened the season recently at Bethpage State Park in the Hofstra Invitational. Most of the team was running in their first collegiate race, against strong Division I and II schools, with both the men and the women’s teams placing seventh overall.