James Metzger Honored By Hofstra, Adelphi

James C. Metzger, the founder of Garden City’s The Whitmore Group, a leading independent insurance brokerage and financial services firm, has received accolades in recent years that could fill a trophy case. The honors have recognized his Long Island high school and college athletic success, his business acumen in the field of insurance and his community programs that support youth, education and many other causes.

The latest kudos for the Long Island native recently arrived from the Hofstra University Alumni Organization, where Metzger was named Hofstra Alumnus of the Year, and the Adelphi University Athletic Hall of Fame, which presented him with its Woodruff Lifetime Achievement Award. Both honors acknowledged Metzger’s positive influence on Nassau and Suffolk counties along with his commitment to programs throughout the greater New York metropolitan area that focus on youth, education and communities.

Hofstra Pride

After an all-star high school three-sport career at Half Hollow Hills High School East in Suffolk County, Metzger played two years of lacrosse, including an All-American campaign, at Hofstra. He led Hofstra in assists for 1979 (12) and 1980 (28). During his second season, Metzger scored 49 points in only 10 games. His 4.9 points per game average ranks fifth in the history of the Hofstra lacrosse program. Metzger's 1980 2.8 single season assist average ranks eighth all time and he is one of only three players in the history of Hofstra Men's Lacrosse to score eight or more points three times in one season.

In recent years, Metzger has become a member of the Hofstra University Pride Club board of directors. He committed $1.5 million to support Hofstra Athletics, which is the largest gift in the history of Hofstra Athletics. James C. Metzger Hall at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium was dedicated during 2015. Metzger also contributed to the construction of the Royle-Sombrotto Locker Room at the university that provides a state-of-the-art facility for the men’s lacrosse program.

Also at Hofstra, Metzger donated funds to support the women’s lacrosse program and The Hallways Traditions Project at Margiotta Hall that showcases the history of both lacrosse programs and the university’s football program. Metzger was inducted into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame during 2015.

For the college classroom, Metzger champions the Metzger-D’Innocenzo Summer Internship for the Center of Civic Engagement. The program honors his former Hofstra professor Michael D’Innocenzo.

The Hofstra Alumni Awards Dinner was held on Thursday, September 22.

Adelphi Recognition

In addition to the celebration of inductees into the Adelphi Athletic Hall of Fame, Adelphi University also offers recognition to men and women who have served the campus community and the greater Long Island community.

At the recent induction ceremony on Thursday, September 29, Metzger was named the 25th recipient of The Woodruff Award. Presented since 1998, the award recognizes “excellence in coaching, teaching and educating young adults while saluting an ambassador of sportsmanship and goodwill and stressing that the athletic experience enhances the educational experience and quality of life.”

During his acceptance of the award, Metzger recalled the hotly contested Hofstra-Adelphi lacrosse matches. “Sometimes,” said Metzger, “with several notable players, Adelphi even outplayed Hofstra.”

Support For Greater Long Island

Among the honors bestowed on Metzger during the last several years have been his induction into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame and the presentation of the George Young Award from the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

In the community, Metzger supports the lacrosse program at Half Hollows East High School and he personally presents the annual James C. Metzger Leadership Awards for Nassau County high school boys’ lacrosse. Metzger also is a benefactor to St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington. He helped the school build the James C. Metzger Stadium for its athletic program and for the use of athletes from the community.

Besides athletics, Metzger also supports Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Long Island, PAL and the American Heart Association.