Luis Morales'27, Markus Kruszeski'28
As summer draws to a close, the Greenport Porters are gearing up for an exciting fall sports season. With the first whistle blowing for football, the momentum quickly builds as girls' and boys' soccer, volleyball, field hockey, and golf teams begin their practices. The significance of sports in Greenport cannot be overstated; last year, both the football and soccer teams made it to the playoffs, setting a high bar for this season.
Football
Unfortunately, this year the Greenport Porters will not field a varsity football team. The aim was to develop a strong and confident squad, but due to low turnout, the decision was made to operate with a junior varsity team instead. Key players to watch include Emmett Tramontana (11th grade), Thomas Arena (11th grade), and Brayden Kruk (10th grade). Kruk, a sophomore at Mattituck High School, is stepping up as the starting quarterback, expected to provide strong leadership throughout the season. Arena and Tramontana, both linemen, bring size, strength, and confidence to the field. The team's first game is set for September 19th at Greenport, kicking off at 4 PM. Come out and show your support!
Volleyball
The Porters volleyball team is youthful yet promising, having played three games so far this season, winning two. Coach Martin Maningo is optimistic, highlighting the team's excellent performance in those victories. The goal for the year is to make the playoffs while building team chemistry.
Notable newcomers include eighth graders Lauryn Bednoski and Lyla Zablotny. Captains Rylie Whitecavage and Abbi Bednoski (both 11th grade) are expected to lead alongside Jessica Czeladko (10th grade) and Addison Watson (11th grade). Mark your calendars for the team's Dig Pink game on October 10th and Senior Night on October 20th. Good luck to our varsity volleyball team!
Field Hockey
This year’s field hockey team, coached by Alexis Reed, is composed mainly of younger players. Coach Reed expresses hope for the season, noting the team’s dedication to improvement. The focus is on building a strong program for future success.
Key players to watch include captains Noelle Stevenson, Brielle Born, and Alison Erwin (all 11th grade), along with Charlie Blasko (9th grade), Dulce Pineda (10th grade), Kendall Sayre (9th grade), and McKenna Grattan (8th grade). Currently, the team is 0-6, but they have a game against West Babylon this Thursday. The future looks bright for all fall sports as these young athletes are eager to learn and improve.
Soccer
Coming off a Class C county championship against rivals Southold, this season's soccer team faces high expectations. With seniors like Daniel Rivas and Luis Masin graduating, the roster has shifted to a younger lineup. Captains Matthew Malinowski and Juan Vivas (both juniors) are set to lead the team, with Vivas showcasing individual talent and Malinowski boosting team morale. Head Coach Mr. D and Assistant Coach Pedro Rodriguez have praised the commitment of the younger players.
Mr. D emphasizes their eagerness to learn, while Coach Rodriguez encourages them to be physical in both games and practices. Both Greenport and Southold face challenges with their lineups, but a strong season is anticipated. Carlos Gonzalez, the head coach of the JV soccer team, is also working with a youthful roster, focusing on their development and aiming for varsity success.
Cross Country
Isabella Sarabia, a junior, is the sole representative from Greenport on the cross country team. Isabella has gathered her teammates' goals, focusing on personal records and aspirations for the upcoming season. While the team is small, the close-knit relationships foster a supportive environment. Many runners aim to qualify for states, with individual goals like Emily Kaelin’s ambition to break the 21-minute mark in the 5K.
Her brother, Chris Kaelin (a freshman), seeks to improve his personal best of 15:05, while junior Kyan Worthington Olsen aims to achieve a 5K time under 18:30. Ryan Duffy, another junior, targets a top-20 finish at states. A heartfelt thank you to Isabella for gathering these insights, and here’s to a successful season for our cross country runners!
Girls Soccer
The girls soccer team, comprised of players from Greenport, Southold, and Mattituck— collectively known as MSG—boasts a long-standing camaraderie. Many have played together since ninth grade, fostering strong relationships both on and off the field. After a playoff qualification last season, the team is hungry for success, especially against their rivals, Center Moriches. The challenge of uniting three schools with various commitments adds to their determination. The girls are focused on winning, with hopes of lifting a county championship this season.
Golf
The Greenport/Southold varsity golf team has shown remarkable determination this fall in Suffolk League VII, competing from their home course at Island’s End Golf & Country Club. Under the guidance of Coach Jeff Ellis, the team has faced formidable opponents like Mattituck and Riverhead, battling hard despite some tough losses.
The golfers continue to demonstrate consistent improvement, resilience, and strong team spirit. By focusing on course management and building confidence, the Porters are laying a solid foundation for future seasons, proudly representing Greenport athletics each time they step onto the course.
As we embark on this exciting fall season, let’s rally behind our athletes and cheer them on as they strive for excellence in their respective sports!