Run with Passion
By Rina Mena
Winter is a brutal season, for the girls on the Varsity Winter Track team, the season presents unique challenges, both physical and mental. Aside from running, the girls battle the harsh winter weather, high expectations, and the ticking clock. These amazing athletes manage to do all of this while still maintaining a supportive and close team environment.
Junior Danielle Bermingham comments on the relationships formed between team members in the face of adversity. “Track’s important to me because of the connections that I make with people, and the team-building skills that I make along the way” explains Danielle, highlighting the importance of the sport and her team in her life. Winter track demands a particular kind of resilience due to the differences from Spring track, and the bonds formed between the girls provide the support necessary to persevere.
The harsh winter presents unique challenges. The girls must balance outside practices in cold temperatures, a rigorous training schedule along with personal commitments and expectations. This level of balancing requires discipline and passion. In addition to the physical demands, there is also an emotional one: watching your friends leave the team. Danielle reflects on this difficult challenge as she navigates her Junior year. She says she’s excited to “spend a little bit of time with the seniors that I’m not going to see next year”.
Additionally, the change of seasons brings about a change in racing events. Sophomore Salome Maginier explains “I do 100 hurdles in spring but in winter that’s cut in half, I do 55”. This switch in distances in events requires athletes to adapt their strategies, focusing on explosive starts for shorter distances.
However, the change in season also offers some advantages according to the girls. Senior Sophia Deja points out that the shift to indoor races allows girls to focus solely on running as “you’re not affected by weather conditions that you would face during spring track”. The controlled environment of indoor arenas eliminates unpredictable weather variables like wind, rain, and extreme temperatures. Sophia comments that this difference often leads to improved results and PRs, which Salome explains is “a personal record, it’s like your best time”.
Despite the challenges of winter track, these Comsewogue athletes find fulfillment in their shared passion for this sport. Junior Holly Buckner’s journey exemplifies the personal growth that can be achieved through dedication, passion, and perseverance. She shares her difficulties with hurdles noting that “Now that I’m a Junior I’ve learned to love hurdles”, demonstrating the transforming power of embracing challenges and letting passion drive you.
(All Photos property of Comsewogue High School)
(Video produced by Rina Mena)
Video produced by Savanah Stoma.
All Photos are property of Comsewogue Highschool
Mullet magic
Mullet magic
By Savanah Stoma
Mason Mangialino has been wrestling since 5 years old; who ever knew the little 89-pound seventh grader was going to hold the Comsewogue wrestling win record in the middle of his senior year?
Mason coming up to varsity in his seventh grade year had very much competition but no wrestler even 6 years older than him possessed the core values and skills Mason held at such a young age. Mason conveys perplexing qualities that make his teammates able to look up to him as a leader and make his coaches look at him as a motivated force for others.
Coach Leitch gave us a timeline on Mason's progress throughout Comsewogue wrestling, “Mason came to us as a seventh grader he was all of ninety pounds, he was struggling to make weight every day, he had to actually eat up to make weight, but ever since day 1 he's been a leader on our team and kept growing as a leader, he works extremely hard in the room, no one works harder than Mason”.
A way Mason expressed how he will continue to work hard is to make his goal of beating the school record. The school win record for wrestling at Comsewogue lies at 168 wins, Mason started the season at 153 wins which gives him more than enough room and time to beat this record.
“I have a lot of goals for my senior year, the first one being to win a league title, county title, and finally a state title and break the school win record. I'm pretty close to the win record, the goal is to break that and keep going after that.
Not only do Mason's coaches find him as a leader for the rest of the team, but his teammates believe it too. Mason is one of the 4 seniors on the squad and one of the only seniors who has been on the team since he possibly could be. No matter what if a teammate needs someone to wrestle off, warm up, hype up or just someone to talk to Mason is always the guy everybody goes to.
Teammates Ben Field and Nicky Flaherty describe Mason. According to Ben Field, “he's definitely hard to wrestle sometimes but he's always trying to help everyone and make everyone better, he's always the first one there and always working hard.”
“Mason is a good leader, says Nicky Flaherty, "he shows great resilience and dedication and is very good at communicating. If I ever need anything I know Mason has always gotten my back and he's always been there for me."
Mason went above and beyond this season and ended his regular season with a record of 31-3 with 23 pins, while also breaking the school record. Mason achieved his 100th pin of his career during this season. Mason will go on to Bloomsburg University next year to wrestle at the Division 1 college level.
Mason will be hard to replace at Comsewogue but he will leave his impact on each and every part of the Comsewogue wrestling community.
Video produced by Ellie Judd and Kaeli Harding
Around the rim
Around the rim
By Kaeli Harding
High School basketball is more than just a sport; it’s a community event that brings together students, teachers, families, and fans in a celebration of school spirit. Comsewogue basketball captures the essence of youth and competition. Each player brings something unique to the court, whether it's raw athleticism, basketball IQ, or a powerful defense.
Although this year’s record has not been too successful, the players have not admitted defeat. Over the previous years, Comsewogue Basketball racked up wins and points. In 2022 Hayden Morris-Gray played as a guard with a 9-4 final game season record. He played basketball his whole life and continued in college. Gray made Newsday very frequently, averaging about 15 points per game.
Dedicated captain, Joseph Perri, #2, has been playing High School basketball for the past 4 years. His quick footwork, precise shots, and strategic thinking make him a force in every game. This year is his last senior year and he hopes to make the best of it. He plans to make this season an unforgettable one while celebrating his achievements and the memories he and his mates have shared. Joe is a point guard and shooting guard. Interestingly, basketball is Joe’s second sport. Baseball is his first sport and he plans to attend UAlbany during the Fall. His drive to succeed makes him not just a player to watch, but a true inspiration to everyone around him.
“As a point guard, you bring up the ball, you’re pretty much the quarterback and you're able to control the ball and control where everyone else goes,” Joe proclaims, “And a shooting guard is obviously one of the best shooters”.
Senior Lucas Shannon #23 plays as a center. He has been cherishing his moments while on the court and always holds a positive attitude. Lucas never fails to support his team and is always encouraging them to work harder. His hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. Although Lucas does not see the court much, he knows his role is just as important to the team’s success.
“It’s definitely sad, you know,” Lucas explains, “I’ve been playing basketball my whole life, so it’s definitely sad, especially with my best friends.
“I think I’ve always been a coach. No matter whether it's teaching math, or handling my own family business,” Sully explains,” It’s one of the most difficult things I have ever done because you’re in, you’re out and it’s a brand new team. Although somehow, someway, you still turn it into a family.”
Coach Sutherland has been coaching Boys’ Varsity Basketball for 12 years. He is a devoted teacher and coach who understands the importance of molding his students both on and off the court. He is always striving to connect with each student individually and tries to do his best to lead them to success. Due to Coach Sutherland facing some of his own personal challenges this year, he has missed a majority of the season. Despite the difficulties, he continues to inspire his players, showing them that life is about teamwork, family, dedication and never giving up. His strength and motivation for both his students and his team make him a role model, reminding everyone around him that the toughest moments can lead to the most meaningful growth.
Despite a tough season filled with challenges and setbacks, the boys' Comsewogue Varsity Basketball team has demonstrated determination and encouragement. The boys continued to support one another off and on the court. While the scoreboard didn’t always reflect their hard work, their commitment to improvement and team spirit proved that success isn’t always measured in wins and losses. This past season they may not have achieved their ultimate goals, but the lessons learned and the family bond they have built will carry them forward.
All Photos are property of Comsewogue High School
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