It was a proud moment for the 19 athletes who took the stage of Massapequa High School’s little theater for the spring college letter of intent signing ceremony on May 1. The pride was equal in the audience, where parents, siblings and coaches enthusiastically celebrated.
The seniors represented nine of Massapequa’s varsity teams and will be playing for college locally and Long Island and throughout New York State and the country.
“Everyone in this room has a tremendous amount to be proud of,” said Brian Rath, the high school’s physical education and athletics chairperson.
There was also congratulatory remarks from Superintendent Dr. William Brennan, Principal Barbara Lowell and Interim Director of Physical Education, Health, Athletics and Recreation Martin Voigt. They wished the athletes much success in their next endeavors and said their time as Chiefs has prepared them to succeed at a higher level.
“You are on the precipice of the best time of your lives,” Ms. Lowell said.
The college-bound athletes are:
Baseball: Tom Connelly, Ithaca College.
Cheerleading: Sophia Kareglis, Sacred Heart University.
Field Hockey: Kaitlyn Ogurick, Molloy University.
Football: Kenny Gein, Maritime College; Tyler Villalta, Saint Anselm College.
Golf: Carissa Dargenio: Stevenson University.
Boys Soccer: Giuseppe Benenati, St. Joseph’s University; Leandro deCuba, Arcadia University; Jack Egan, SUNY Plattsburgh; Michael Hilas, Mount St. Mary College.
Girls Soccer: Samantha Donovan, William Patterson University; Roxie Gunning, Eastern Connecticut State University.
Swimming and Diving: Lukas Christon, SUNY Delhi.
Track and Field: Christopher Cordero, SUNY Oneonta; Thomas Galante, Farmingdale State College; Riahanna Kuhns, Pratt Institute of Technology; Ryan Lepre, Molloy University; Shea Santiago, Adelphi University; Larsen Sullivan, St. Thomas Aquinas College.