Spotlighting the district’s athletic feats
Highlights and compliment for the 2023-2024 school year were part of a comprehensive overview presented by Kimberly Riso, director of Athletics, Health, and Physical Education, for the Glen Cove school district
Riso noted at the June 20 Board of Education meeting that one of the major developments has been the introduction and expansion of new physical education classes at the high school. The personal wellness class, which was introduced two years ago, has become increasingly popular.
Initially starting with two sections, it has expanded to six sections due to high demand. The class offers units on yoga, meditation, and, newly added this year, gratitude. Students visited local yoga studios, where they learned various meditation techniques, providing a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being.
A strength and conditioning class, conducted in the newly renovated weight and cardio rooms, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, was also added. The class focuses on teaching students proper weight training techniques, program development, and fitness concepts. It also delves into the anatomy and physiology of the body, offering insights into career opportunities in personal training, physical therapy, and injury prevention. The weight and cardio rooms are being fully used by students and athletes.
Riso said that the department has also been proactive in health education. Dr. Charmaine Clark from the Glen Cove Youth Bureau discussed the dangers of fentanyl, highlighting its deadly impact, locally and on a national scale.
There were several facility upgrades, such as new tennis courts and a turf field, new scoreboards and shot clocks.
The school year marked the first for a combined girls’ varsity swim team with the Locust Valley and Carle Place school districts, with four students from Glen Cove joining the team. The boys’ tennis team, now in its second year, continues to grow. Looking ahead, a combined boys’ varsity swim team with Locust Valley and Carle Place is launches in winter 2025, and a girls’ varsity flag football team will debut in the spring.
Roughly a dozen students were recognized for their athletic accomplishments. Jaden Aguilar, Caleb Ham, and Anthony Lembert -Watkins, represented Glen Cove in the Nassau County Exceptional Seniors Football Game at Mitchell Field on Thanksgiving Day, playing on the winning team. Aguilar and Ham scored a total of four touchdowns, and Lembert -Watkins made four tackles.
Sophomore pitcher Brooke Simmons was named the Nassau County Softball Player of the Conference and one of Long Island’s Top 100 Softball Players for 2024.
“This is a very special accomplishment,” Riso said. “Brooke really excels and contributes such hard work on and off the field throughout, the season and in the offseason.”
Emanuel Olivier was honored with the Dr. James Tolley Scholarship Award, recognizing him as an “unsung hero” in Nassau County athletics.
“If you know Manny he is the unsung hero on every team that he plays on,” Riso said. “He’s a super kid.”
Several student-athletes have committed to colleges. Phillip Dilgark Clark will attend Hobart William and Smith College and compete in cross country; Sofia Greco is headed to LIU Post and be a part of the cheer team; and Gianna Longobucco and Sofia Venezuela are both going to Dominican University to play lacrosse on the women’s team.
