Blue Devil Football Wins County Sportsmanship Award

Football is a sport filled with emotion, but on the field and on the sidelines. Players and coaches have jobs to do, but so do the five officials that referee varsity football games. The Suffolk County Football Officials Association tapped Huntington High School as its Daniel Alvino Sportsmanship Award recipient for this past season.

A contingent of Blue Devil football coaches and athletic department officials were invited to the Suffolk County Football Officials Association’s awards dinner this past Tuesday night at Smithtown Landing Country Club.

The officials noted they are always treated in a “first class manner” when they come to Huntington and while certain situations can get a “little hot,” the referees, players and coaches all respect each other and understand that once a call has been made and everyone has said their piece, it’s time to move on and the Blue Devils do that.”

Huntington head coach Ronald E. Wilson accepted the glass crystal award while accompanied by several assistants and department officials. More than 100 Suffolk football referees signaled their approval of the Blue Devils as their year’s award recipient with hearty applause.

“Good sportsmanship goes beyond the game; it starts with respect,” Coach Wilson said. “We appreciate the Suffolk County Football Officials Association for recognizing our team as their Daniel Alvino Sportsmanship Award recipient. We strive hard to be the best at what we do with class while taking the needs of others into consideration.”

The dinner itself was a festive and fun affair and the Blue Devils fit right in perfectly with the 100 plus striped shirts. The glass crystal Daniel Alvino Sportsmanship Award has been placed in the gym lobby showcase for all to see.