Hofstra, Stony Brook fine places to go for athletes
Student-athletes are realizing that they don't have to go far to find themselves in top-notch Division I athletic programs. Even though they're staying close, they can still be a world away while attending Hofstra University and Stony Brook University.
"You are seeing a dynamic change in the thought process of the college selection," East Islip athletic director Pete Blieberg said. "In these tough economic times it makes sense to stay closer to home and go to school. The thinking is, why not Stony Brook? Why not Hofstra? The venues are fantastic and the programs are having success on a national level."
The Stony Brook football team, which is currently 4-1 in conference, received verbal commitments from three of Long Island's top prospects during this week's early signing period. JeVahn Cruz of Half Hollow Hills West, Kevin Hauter of Floyd and Davon Lawrence of Sachem North will all officially sign to play for the Seawolves in February. Mike Lisi of Carey and Marc Mauro of Locust Valley orally committed to Hofstra.
"You don't have to go off Long Island to play in a competitive D-I program," Stony Brook athletic director Jim Fiore said. "And we're seeing that on the athletic side and we're competing nationally. We are a legit contender in all sports. And the price is right."
Stony Brook and Hofstra are Top 100 universities academically and competing for blue chip athletes.
"People want to go to Stony Brook who have never considered going to Stony Brook," said Hans Wiederkehr, the president of the Suffolk County Football Coaches Association. "Stony Brook athletics has changed the image of the university. It's a local destination that offers an excellent undergraduate experience in the classroom and on the field. We encourage players to stay on Long Island - at Hofstra or Stony Brook."
Hofstra has built one of the very best wrestling programs in the country. Coach Tom Shifflet announced the signing of two top Long Island grapplers Friday, Wantagh's Matt Loew and East Northport's Nick Terdick of Glenn. Both wrestlers were finalists at the state championships in 2009.
The Pride inked six of Long Island's top baseball players. Shortstop Bobby Gazzola of Longwood, outfielder Kenny Jackson of Connetquot, pitcher Everett Keller of Port Washington, pitcher Nick Kozlowski of Whitman, catcher Matt Reistetter of Hauppauge and outfielder Bryan Verbitsky of Island Trees all signed letters of intent.
"I'm beyond excited about who we've signed from Long Island," Hofstra coach Patrick Anderson said. "Every one of them is off the chart as far as makeup, athletic ability and discipline. They're a perfect fit for us and they want to bring a championship here. They want to be on the ground floor of something big.
"My assistant John Russo went out and did an unbelievable job of bringing them in," Anderson said. "I believe the athletes on the Island embrace Hofstra and our athletic program."
Stony Brook baseball coach Matt Senk, who has led the Seawolves to the NCAA Tournament in 2004 and 2008, shored up his pitching staff with three local players, MacArthur's Josh Barry and Frank Vanderka and St. John the Baptist's Kevin Courtney.
"The local players from Long Island have been the foundation of our program for almost two decades," said Senk, who has guided Stony Brook for 19 years. "I started recruiting here and I've always felt we have talent right in our backyard."
