William Floyd Football Coach Inducted Into Suffolk Sports Hall Of Fame

MASTIC BEACH, NY — William Floyd High School’s football coach Paul Longo, who has led the Colonials to the playoffs in 22 seasons out of his 27-year career, was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2022 last month.

Longo's teams have won five Long Island titles, 13 Suffolk County championships, and three Rutgers Trophies as the top team in Suffolk, school officials said, adding that 18 of his teams have ranked in the top 10 on Long Island, and, 10 of those teams ranked in the top 10 in New York.

His 42-game winning streak from 2005-2008 is a Long Island record, and as a former coach for Sachem hockey, his team won multiple championships in Suffolk, according to officials.

His career includes 13 Suffolk championships, five Long Island titles, and "he has taken up the mantle of the winningest coach" in Suffolk's public school history, school officials said. Longo, who was inducted into Floyd's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019, currently has 214 career wins.

“From athletes to journalists, coaches to local icons and officials, the class has an amazing blend of individuals who have made their mark and have reached the pinnacle of success in their respective disciplines,” he added.

Superintendent of Schools Kevin Coster congratulated Longo, calling his induction into the hall of fame a "tremendous accomplishment."

"His knowledge of the game and commitment to hard work and dedication is evident by the on-the-field performance of his teams each and every year,” he said. “More importantly, however, is that as successful as his teams have been, Coach Longo has been even more successful in helping to instill positive values to countless student-athletes he has had the privilege of coaching.”

Other inductees alongside Longo included Ralph Macchio of "The Karate Kid" fame, as a special recognition inductee for his contributions as a culturally significant icon in the martial arts; A.J. Preller of the San Diego Padres; Linda Cohn, ESPN broadcaster; Billy Koch, former MLB closer and 2002 American League Relief Pitcher of the Year.

For a full list of inductees, click here.