H-ton Alum Paul McDermott Elected to Suffolk Hall of Fame

Huntington High School 1980 alum and former Blue Devil boys’ lacrosse head coach Paul McDermott will be inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame during a ceremony on May 29 at Flowerfield in St. James from 6-9 p.m. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are officially available here!

“The Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 represents the very best of our region’s rich athletic tradition,” Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame President Chris R. Vaccaro said. “From legendary athletes to groundbreaking coaches and influential contributors, this year’s inductees have left an indelible mark on their sports and communities. We are proud to honor their achievements and celebrate their lasting impact on Suffolk County’s sports history.”

Mr. McDermott coached the Blue Devil boys’ lacrosse team to three Suffolk titles and a pair of state championships. He sent dozens of players into the college ranks.

Mr. McDermott garnered varsity letters in lacrosse and football while attending Huntington High School. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees at CW Post College and Stony Brook University, respectively. He played college lacrosse at Post and went on to enjoy a long teaching career in Half Hollow Hills.

The Huntington grad coached at his alma mater from 1986 through 2014. His overall varsity coaching record is 304-148 with 19 league, three county, three Long Island and two state championships.

Mr. McDermott coached Huntington’s freshman team in 1986 and then was the JV team’s coach in the 1987 and 1988 seasons before serving as assistant varsity coach in 1989 and 1990. He was the Blue Devil varsity head coach for 24 years.

Huntington was ranked No. 1 in the nation in 2007 as the team rode a 63 game winning streak over multiple years. Mr. McDermott also served as the Suffolk County Lacrosse Coaches Association’s vice president for 14 years. He has lectured at the national lacrosse convention, raised funds to fight juvenile diabetes, served as coach for the Under Armour All-American North All-Star team and acted as president of the Huntington High School Boys’ Lacrosse Alumni Association.

For those interested in placing a congratulatory ad in the Suffolk Hall of Fame induction journal, click on this link: https://www.suffolksportshof.com/hof-payment/