East Rockaway christens new high school sports complex

Chants of “Let’s go Rocks!” echoed loudly as an enthusiastic group of student athletes, parents, administrators and elected officials gathered  last Saturday at East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School to celebrate its new athletic complex.

“This complex is truly a game-changer for our students,” Principal Richard Schaffer said. “This complex has something to offer everyone.”

The grand opening marked a long-awaited day for the school. Field upgrades have been planned at the high school for many years, and finally came to fruition after voters approved a $27.7 million bond in November 2019. The festivities began with the East Rockaway Education Foundation’s 5K run, followed by a parade from the Centre Avenue Elementary School to the high school, where the opening ceremony was held.

The Rocks varsity softball team then christened the field by defeating Mineola, 4-2, and the baseball team played host to Valley Stream North, losing 3-2. Between games, attendees hit the refreshment stands and took part in various games and field activities, including relay races, cornhole, running the bases and a speed pitch contest. Board of Education Trustee Dominick Vulpis threw the ceremonial first pitch for the softball game, while alumni Anthony Piazza, Mike Mistretta, Brandon Engstler and Tylar Killarney did the honors for the baseball game.

Additionally, nine former Rocks were inducted into the 2022 Wall of Fame (see sidebar.)

In addition to varsity softball and baseball, the complex will be used by the boys’ and girls’ soccer, track, cross-country and lacrosse teams as well as the football team and cheerleaders, and for phys. ed. classes. The complex has lights for night games, and because the field is artificial turf, games can be played in the rain, because there will be fewer puddles. The district hosted a “soft opening” of the complex with a ribbon-cutting event and varsity football game in November.

Superintendent Lisa Ruiz lauded administrators and residents for supporting the project and ensuring its completion.

“The community’s passion for our schools and investment in its future continues to inspire me,” she said. “As school leaders, we are tasked with envisioning not what tomorrow holds, or even what next year holds for our school, we are entrusted with directing the future of the East Rockaway schools for five, 10, 15 years and beyond. The future is rooted firmly in today as we inaugurate this field.”

The field upgrades cost about $8 million to complete. In addition to the new complex, the bond also covered several other projects. They included:

—New bleachers and a press box at the high school.

—Installation of about 750 feet of bulkheading to protect the fields from Mill River.

—Exterior masonry work at Centre Avenue Elementary School.

—Renovation of art, science, and family and consumer science classrooms at the high school.

—District-wide improvements to heating, ventilation, electrical and air-conditioning units.

—Alterations to the high school’s technology building to create four single restrooms for use during outdoor community and sporting events.

In addition to school administrators and officials, notable attendees included Mayor Bruno Romano, the village trustees, and Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito. 

Board of Education president Peter McNally told spectators he was in awe of the complex and proud that it was built. 

“Just take a look at this place, it really doesn’t get any better than this,” he said, “and today is for all of you student-athletes. “You’ve waited so long to get a facility like this, and you deserve it, and we’re so thankful that all of the people working together could bring this to you, so enjoy this day.”