Video produced by Grace Ruiz and Kimberlyn Gutierrez
Photos property of Comsewogue High School
By: Grace Ruiz and Kimberlyn Gutierrez
What a great season for the winter boy’s and girl’s track! Hard work pays off and these students are always determined to succeed at their meets, which takes place at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood. Students always try their hardest to break new records. According to Terrance Degan, he broke a record with other track athletes. He stated, “We knew we were going to break the record because we did it last year and have gotten better from last year.” As time goes on, these athletes improve and work hard. They even wish to pursue their track careers through college. Madison Cole is going to James Madison University, which is the same college where her parents were D1 track athletes. Madison states, “I’m happy I’m going to JMU to compete at division one level, but I’m going to miss the girls on the team.” Through the years, friendships have been made as well. Students enjoy track and enjoy being with friends.
The roar of the crowd at Comsewogue High School's track meets is as palpable as the determination on the athletes' faces. Each event showcases not only the physical prowess of these young competitors but also their mental fortitude, as they push through every race with their eyes set on victory. The school's track program, known for its exceptional coaching staff, plays a pivotal role in honing the skills of athletes who often receive offers from prestigious college programs. Balancing academics and intense training, these students embody the spirit of dedication, often serving as role models for their peers. As they graduate and move on to collegiate athletics, they carry with them the discipline and team spirit instilled by their time at Comsewogue, setting the stage for success both on and off the track.
The Comsewogue High School winter track team's story is one of dedication, community, and growth. These athletes not only push their limits on the track but also set a standard of excellence that resonates throughout their academic and future professional lives. Their legacy goes beyond personal records; it's about inspiring the next generation to aim higher in all aspects of life. This is the true mark of a standout high school athletic program.
Photos property of Comsewogue High School
By Aidan Bayer
This year, the girl’s Basketball team is better than ever before. They have started off the year with an impressive 1-1 record with one win over powerhouse, Kings Park, and one loss to Newfield. They are both tough teams to beat and for both games, the Warriors put up a good fight. Coaches play a pivotal role in this journey, serving as mentors who not only give basketball wisdom but also life lessons. The emphasis on skill development, discipline, and strategic thinking is shown by a commitment to presenting a positive team culture.
Through the coaches' guidance, they empower the girls to discover their potential, teaching them to navigate success and failure with good sportsmanship. I caught up with Mr. Seifert, who is the Varsity Coach for the Girls, and I asked him a few questions. “I am here to make the players become better human beings and contribute on and off the court as much as possible”. He tries to contribute as much as possible not just as a coach, but as a friend, a mentor, a teacher, and guidance in life to the girls. He takes coaching very seriously as he is the coach for the Boys' Varsity Soccer team and also the Track coach for the boys. The girls are very appreciative of Coach Seifert and Coach Tremblay. I caught up with one of the players, Briar Sauter, and she told us that Coach Seifert is one of the best coaches she has ever had as an athlete. “He has been a big mentor to me. Even though this is my first year on varsity he has already shown me so much”.
Briar is only a sophomore on the varsity team which is pretty impressive, especially with a high level of competition from the upperclassmen. She is a power forward, “the 4” , as Briar would call it. This is Briar’s first year on varsity but she has a lot of potential to be one of the top players on the team in a few years. “We are a young team, but all of the young girls have the potential to be great”. Most of the girls are sophomores, but the team is made up of a few juniors and only five seniors. So look out for the Girls Basketball team!
As the sport continues to grow in popularity, it is important to address challenges and advocate for equal treatment, resources, and recognition. This mindset extends beyond the court, influencing how young girls see themselves in different aspects of life.
Video Produced by Aidan Bayer and Nick Palhares
Photos property of Comsewogue High School
By: Simone Puleo
The Comsewogue Varsity Boys Basketball team knows a thing or two about winning. They’re starting the year with a 2-3 record, and the pressure is on. As the team gears up for a potential playoff run, they’re more determined than ever to overcome adversity, and as Aidan Bayer would say, “Get the W.”
Coach Sutherland has high expectations for his boys and relies heavily on an acronym known as S.C.H.A.P.E. to instill a good culture within the team. The S stands for spirit, which is what the players bring to the team and the environment created. The C is communication, which Coach Sutherland emphasizes the importance of not only on the court but off the court. “Our goal is to develop master communicators who can not only talk to each other but create a great environment as well.” H is for Hustle, which is meant to emphasize working hard and being dedicated to improvement in all areas. A is for approach, which is the mental side of the game. And E is for enhancement, which is honing in and striving for greatness constantly. Coach Sutherland told us that he didn’t find coaching, but coaching found him. “I truly believe that I was born to be a coach.”
The players are all about teamwork and creating a brotherhood. When asked about what the sport has taught him, Aidan Bayer told us “Basketball has taught me discipline and how to come together as a team.” As a team captain, Aidan is held to a high standard and is expected to keep his composure on the court. When asked about dealing with tough calls by the referees, he said “Sometimes I fly off the handle a little bit but I try not to get in my head.” Being an athlete is no easy feat and often comes with hurdles to overcome. We spoke to another team captain, Joey Santoro, and got an insight into the challenges that arise during games. “The most challenging part (of basketball) is when we’re down by halftime and have to make a comeback in the third quarter.” It’s evident that these guys are truly putting in the work toward making a deep playoff run.
Through all the ups and downs, this team sticks together. Between Coach Sutherland’s passion for the sport and the guys' willingness to learn, great things can be accomplished. We’ll see how the season goes, but right now I’d say the Comsewogue Varsity Boys Basketball Team is one to watch!
Video Produced by Simone Puleo and Jacob Lapolla