Glen Cove Football Celebrates 100 Seasons

Glen Cove High School’s alumni, students, faculty and staff gathered on Maiden Field to celebrate the school’s 100th season opener on Sept. 9.

Alumni spanning the decades, as far back as the 1940’s, lined up at the goal post as the school’s centennial team entered the field to take on Division High School.

After the national anthem was played to perfection by the school’s band, there was a moment of silence in honor of Glen Cove alumni Angelo Fillipone (Class of ‘98). Honorary captain Bob Kormoski, who led the last undefeated Glen Cove football team in 1960, and City of Glen Cove Mayor Reginald Spinello joined the team’s captains for the coin toss to kick off the historic event. New York State Senator Carl Marcellino, NYS Assemblymen Charles Lavine and Glen Cove City Court Judge Richard McCord were also in attendance to cheer the team on.

During half time, band members, cheerleaders and members of the kickline performed and all of the alumni present were invited to take a place on the field. Each decade of athletes was announced and applauded by those in attendance.

The game was dedicated in memory of coach James Brennan. Brennan began his career at Glen Cove in 1970 and became head coach of the football team in 1972. During his tenure, coach Brennan won back the Chapman bell, a fixture at Glen Cove High School graduations by defeating Hempstead. Brennan also served as business chairperson and assistant principal during his time in Glen Cove. He retired in 2003. His family attended the game and rang the Chapman bell to initiate the evening’s festivities.

Each of the alumni in attendance signed a T-shirt and a football representing the decade in which they played. Those items will be placed in the school’s athletic showcase.

Story by Syntax, Photos courtesy of the Glen Cove City School District:

1. Glen Cove cheerleaders are pictured with the school’s mascot.
   
2. Glen Cove High School alumni Richard Fanning (Class of ’50) and alumni Bob Kormoski (right), who led the last undefeated Glen Cove football team in 1960 signed ceremonial T-shirts at the game.
   
3. Former teammates and Class of ’45 alumnus Manny Gonzales (left) and Louis Savinetti (right) embraced when they met at the game.
   
4. Glen Cove wide receiver Steven King carries the ball in the first half.
5. New York State Senator Carl Marcellino (third, left) presented Superintendent of Schools Dr. Maria Rianna with a citation for the team. Also pictured (l-r): City of Glen Cove Mayor Reginald Spinello, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Technology Dr. Michael Israel, Glen Cove City Court Judge Richard McCord, NYS Assemblymen Charles Lavine, Glen Cove High School Principal Antonio Santana and Athletic Director Denise Kiernan.