Huntington UFSD saluted the Blue Devil coaching staff this week, joining with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association in celebrating the men and women who work with middle school and high school student-athletes.
Coaches Appreciation Day is a time when everyone associated with athletic programs can take a few minutes to express gratitude to those who give the young people they work with everything they have.
First year Huntington boys' basketball varsity head coach Jordan Ioviero. (Darin Reed photo)
“I wanted to personally thank you for the job that you do throughout the entire school year to help your individual programs and your assistance with other programs,” wrote Huntington Director of Athletics Georgia D. McCarthy in a letter she sent to the Blue Devil coaching staff. “Each level of coaching is unique and I acknowledge and appreciate your dedication to the program.”
The Huntington athletic program dates to the late 1800’s and has included championships in every sport. The Blue Devils have often been at the forefront of athletic innovation and program development.
“Besides all of the required coaching courses and certificates you are required to maintain, you work on the planning and organization of your season,” Ms. McCarthy wrote. “The planning includes team schedules, budgeting supplies and equipment, bus schedules, tryout plans and procedures, pre-season workouts, attendance at mandatory Section XI meetings, assisting in scouting and recruiting activities, etc.”
The Blue Devil coaching staff consists of a mix of Huntington High School graduates and those who attended other high schools across Long Island and the state. There are many longtime veterans, but also several relative newcomers who all come together to keep Huntington competitive in every sport.
“It has been the greatest pleasure serving as a coach in Huntington in multiple sports at multiple levels,” said Ronald Wilson, a Huntington alum and current Blue Devil boys’ track coach and Finley football coach. “The connections and relationships made have been most gratifying. I love it; what I can say. I’m a Blue Devil through and through! Go Blue Devils! There’s no greater pleasure than coaching and teaching in a school that you went to and love.”
Huntington’s athletic history dates to the Union School, which once stood where Town Hall is located today. When the number of students outgrew that building it was demolished and a new red brick structure was erected in 1907/08 and christened Huntington High School.
“Once the season starts you begin to teach fundamentals, strategies and philosophies,” wrote Ms. McCarthy in her letter to coaches this week. “Daily practice plans are created and implemented and records are kept. Each day you maintain relationships with students, teachers, administrators, parents, officials, opponents, event supervisors, Section XI and others that are involved in interscholastic athletics. The ability to initiative problem resolution is apparent. This along with all the other meaningful behind the scenes things that you do is because you love the sport, you are passionate about Huntington’s athletic program and most importantly, you truly care about the students in your program.”
Blue Devil coaches can’t wait for the sports program to be back up and running once the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.
“Thank you again for working tirelessly throughout the year for your season to begin and for being a part of the Blue Devil family,” Ms. McCarthy told the coaches.
