Confirming their commitment to participate in collegiate athletics this fall, 10 exceptional Islip High School seniors signed national letters of intent on May 22. School administrators and proud family members joined the student-athletes for a recognition ceremony in the school’s cafeteria, congratulating them on their college decisions.
Students signing letters at the ceremony included Matthew Breslin, who will join the track team at SUNY Cortland; Gianna Capolongo, who will play soccer for SUNY Oneonta; Annika Cripe, who will play tennis at SUNY Oneonta; David Domena; who will join the track team at SUNY Cortland; Sabrina Frazer, who will play field hockey for Marywood University; Elizabeth Kurka, who will run cross-country at St. Joseph’s University; Jack McLoughlin, who will join SUNY Maritime’s football team; Zachary Miller, who will wrestle at Johnson & Wales University; Tyler Simonetti, who will play golf for SUNY Oswego; and Jared Spahn, who will wrestle at Ithaca University.
“You have come a long way in your journey, and now you are going to the next level, which is always a lot of fun,” Athletic Director John Sparacio said. “Enjoy it, make a lot of friendships and try to make more memories. College goes very, very quickly. Before you know it, in the blink of an eye, four years are going to pass. It doesn’t make any difference if you’re playing Division I, II, III or junior college, you’re going on to continue on with your passion of yours, and to me, that’s what it’s really all about.”
“You are in a very special and very small group of high school athletes that are bringing their talents to the next level, so congratulations on that,” Assistant Principal Charlie Rizzuto said. “The things I miss about being a college athlete are all the little things that you can’t replicate once they’re gone. So, my simple message to you is appreciate the little things, because when it’s all done, you still may play your sport. You still may run or wrestle or compete in adult leagues, but those little things will be gone forever, so don’t waste a moment with your teammates. Make those lifelong friendships and appreciate the little things that being a college athlete will bring you.”
Date Added: 6/5/2024