Mastic Beach, NY, April 23, 2014 – To recognize its student athletes who have committed to play college athletics, William Floyd High School recently held its own Signing Day with a gathering of student athletes, family members, coaches and Athletic Director Mark Mensch, to mark the beginning of the next phase of their lives by officially announcing their school of choice.
“Only one other time during my 10 years here at William Floyd has a larger field of student athletes gone on to play at the collegiate level,” said Mr. Mensch, referring to the group of 23. “These student athletes recognize and appreciate the academic opportunities that athletics has provided to them. Their hard work, dedication and perseverance, both on and off the field, has paid off. I look forward to seeing them compete and succeed at the next level.”
Some of the students are receiving full scholarships and others are receiving partial packages to bring their talents to the college level. Among the student athletes are 16 males and seven females from girls and boys lacrosse, softball and football.
The following William Floyd student athletes have committed to participate in college athletics:
Girls Lacrosse
Courtney Sulfaro, Pace University; and Alaina Jones, Hartwick College. Coach: Brian Midwinter
Softball
Nancy DeBenedittis, Mercy College; Molly Peymann, SUNY New Paltz; Tiana DeOliveira, Dowling College; Aja DeGrauw, Post University (CT); and Ashley McCormack (softball and volleyball), SUNY Cortland. Coach: Fred Luhrs
Boys Lacrosse
Kevin Fox, Dowling College; Eddie Hillkewicz, Dowling College; Ryan Sommers, Dowling College; Victor Olivero, College of Mount Saint Vincent; Wesley Sullivan, Briacliffe College; C.J. Coleman, Gwynedd Mercy College; Gerald Papile, Mercy College; and Eric Brust, Farmingdale State. Coach: Desmond Megna
Football
Jawan Jenkins, Utica College; Billy Kaastra, University of Mount Union; Marc Coles, Nassau County Community College; Chris Faison, Nassau County Community College; Mike Alparslan, Springfield College; Steven Rendino, Stevenson University; Chris Winters, Waynesburg University; and Dashawn Morton, Nassau County Community College. Coach: Paul Longo
Pictured are 21 of the 23 William Floyd student athletes who will participate in college athletics. Back row, l-r: Mike Alparslan; Jawan Jenkins; Billy Kaastra; Chris Winters; Steven Rendino; Wesley Sullivan; Victor Olivero; C.J. Coleman; Kevin Fox; Ryan Sommers; Eddie Hillkewicz; Gerald Papile; Marc Coles; and Chris Faison. Front row, l-r: Nancy DeBenedittis; Ashley McCormack; Molly Peymann; Tiana DeOliveira; Aja DeGrauw; Alaina Jones; and Courtney Sulfaro. Not pictured: Dashawn Morton and Eric Brust.
Please note that photos separated by team are available at the district’s flickr page.