Suffolk County Team Of The Week: Championships, State Qualifiers And Standout Seasons

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — As the week came to a close, student-athletes across Suffolk County were recognized for championship performances, postseason qualifications, and historic seasons during recent Board of Education meetings in Babylon and Sayville.

Babylon Honors Fall Sports Champions

The Babylon Board of Education recently recognized student-athletes for an outstanding fall sports season highlighted by championship success at the county, Long Island, and state levels.

The boys’ soccer team captured the Long Island Championship, while the girls’ soccer team earned the Suffolk County Championship, marking another strong year for the Panthers’ soccer program.

Several Babylon athletes also qualified for state-level competition. Cross country runners Cassidy Hayes, Carter Altman, Jakub Lebiedzinski, Noah Norinder, and Evan Rizzo all advanced to the New York State Championships. In the pool, Alexis Vitiello was crowned Suffolk County Champion in the 200-yard individual medley and qualified for states, while gymnast Makayla Turpo-Barbero also secured a spot at the State Championships, held in the spring.

“This was a standout season for our athletes,” Athletic Director Michael DeJoseph said. “We are proud of our Panthers’ dedication not only to their sports, but also to their academics and the character they demonstrate both on the field and in the classroom.”

Sayville Celebrates Historic Seasons And State Honors

Sayville Public Schools also recognized a wide range of athletic accomplishments spanning multiple sports, including league, county, Long Island, and state honors.

The girls’ soccer team finished 16-4-1 overall, winning the Class A Suffolk County Championship and capturing the first Long Island Championship in program history. Individually, Maiya Troll earned All-County honors and Fourth Team All-State recognition, while Morgan Farrell was named All-County and Second Team All-Long Island by Newsday.

Sayville football completed a perfect 12-0 season, winning the Division III Suffolk County Championship, Long Island Championship, and the Rutgers Trophy, while earning the No. 1 Class B ranking in New York State. Multiple players earned statewide recognition, including Patrick Coan, who was named First Team All-State, First Team All-Long Island, and received the Boomer Esiason Award, and Luke Neugebauer, who earned First Team All-State, First Team All-Long Island, and was named Defensive MVP for both Suffolk County and Long Island. Several additional players received All-State, All-County, and All-Division honors.

The girls’ cross country team claimed its sixth consecutive league and county championship, finished fourth in New York State Class B, and placed multiple runners into state competition, including Marianna Duffy, Christina Duffy, Elizabeth Butruch, Aislyn Beach, Aubrey Vitale, Catherine Simovich, and Rachel Frawley. The boys’ cross country team went undefeated in league play, with Dylan Walsh and Kenneth Ruff earning county championships and qualifying for the New York State Championships.

Sayville also celebrated championship-level performances in girls’ swimming and diving, girls’ varsity volleyball, boys’ volleyball, golf, and wrestling, along with numerous All-County, All-State, and All-Long Island selections. Several coaches were also honored, including Robert Hoss, Nicole Mendez-Chicas, Tom Duffy, John Burke, Debra Urso, and Colin Culhane, who were each named Suffolk County Coaches of the Year in their respective sports.

In addition, Sayville recognized Stella O’Shea for leading an effort to bring an ADA-compliant pool chair to the school, expanding inclusive opportunities for student participation. Sayville High School was also named a New York State Public High School Athletic Association School of Distinction, recognizing the academic achievement of its varsity athletic teams.

“Student-athletes such as these exemplify what it means to represent Sayville with pride,” said Director of Athletics Dr. Ryan Cox.

Don’t see your team highlighted here?

Patch is gathering weekly high school sports results from schools across Suffolk County and would love to include your athletes.

Whether it’s a big win, a championship run, or a standout individual performance, schools are encouraged to share results with their local Patch editor. Submissions can be brief — weekly final scores and opponents.

Results for weekend roundups should be sent by Friday afternoon.