Kennedy hosts annual Daoust memorial game

The Kennedy boys’ soccer team recently hosted Carey High School in the 11th annual Richard Daoust Memorial game, played each year in honor of Richard Daoust and Rick Hamilton, who dedicated many years to Kennedy soccer. Kennedy lost 3-0.

Kennedy fans turned out on the cool fall afternoon to cheer on their team. The game raises money for a memorial fund that finances a scholarship in Daoust's name for graduating seniors.

Daoust died suddenly in April 2001, at age 54. He had been a teacher at Kennedy for more than 30 years and had coached the boys’ soccer team for 27 of those years. In 1999, he received the Nassau County Coach of the Year Award, and was revered by his players and fellow coaches for his knowledge of the game.

Rick Hamilton, who died recently, also played an intergral role in developing Kennedy’s soccer program. Hamilton taught health for many years at Kennedy and served as the boys’ junior-varsity soccer coach. Hamilton stood side by side with Daoust developing a well-respected soccer program. After Daoust’s death, Hamilton helped develop the memorial game to ensure that Daoust’s legacy lived on.