Northport lacrosse community honors memory of Louis J. Acompora at annual jamboree

Northport boys lacrosse coach Billy Cordts picked up the sport at 14 years old. A year later, he helped the Tigers win their first and only state title and, decades later, he spends his time on the sideline building one of the most successful programs on Long Island.

None of that, he says, would’ve happened without Louis J. Acompora.

“Louis and I were friends. We ran in a lot of the same circles,” Cordts said. “He was always trying to get [me and twin brother Brian] into playing, and when he passed away, it felt serendipitous that we were going to be lacrosse players. I can’t imagine my life without lacrosse.”

Acompora died during his freshman year after taking a blow to the chest and going into cardiac arrest during a lacrosse game on March 25, 2000. The lack of available automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) led his parents, John and Karen, to dedicate their lives to creating the Louis J. Acompora Foundation. It led to the passing of Louis’ Law in October 2001, which requires all New York State public high schools to have AEDs in schools and at sporting events.

It also led to one of Suffolk lacrosse’s longest traditions. Northport lacrosse celebrated the 24th annual Louis J. Acompora Memorial Lacrosse Jamboree Saturday. Four varsity games, a junior varsity game and numerous youth lacrosse matches filled the fields behind Northport High School.

A CPR and AED tent was set up where teams went to educate themselves before and after games. Saturday was about more than just a learning opportunity, though.

“It’s the camaraderie of the sport, too,” John Acompora said. “Everybody is here, putting their best foot forward, for a cause.”

Highlights from Northport v Middle Country @ the 24th annual Louis J. Acompora Memorial Lacrosse Jamboree.

A behind-the-back score from Greyson Cabrera.

A point-blank save from Ty Passanisi

A perfect Northport offensive sequence.

A pole goal from Joseph Farrugia off a FO win. pic.twitter.com/OY5lBkcElQ

— Michael Sicoli (@Michael__Sicoli) April 25, 2026

Shortly after Northport’s girls varsity team earned an impressive 10-9 win over Connecticut’s Wilton to move to 9-0 — sealed by Kaleigh Howard’s goal with 17 seconds remaining — Northport’s boys team took the field against Middle Country. Before the opening faceoff, though, the Acompora family handed out Heart Saver Awards to those who had saved a life thanks to Louis’ Law.

Recognition went to those who helped save Locust Valley’s Francesco Allocca, a basketball player who collapsed during tryouts, and referee Terry Twibell, who was officiating a varsity basketball game at Freeport before collapsing. Carl Williams rescued Twibell and was one of many honored.

“This is Louis’ legacy,” Karen Acompora said. “We’re happy to be able to have the Heart Heroes here who saved someone else’s life. It really brings the mission full circle.”

Northport (8-2, 7-0) capped off the day with a 22-5 win over Middle Country (4-6, 3-4) in a Suffolk Division I game, highlighted by Greyson Cabrera’s four goals and three assists, including a behind-the-back tally.

“It means everything, playing for the town, the community and especially the Acompora family, it just means a little bit more,” Cabrera said. “It adds a chip on our shoulders to play our best game on the best game of the year.”

Gavin O’Brien had a game-high 10 points, tallying three goals and seven assists, and was one of 13 Tigers to record a point.

“It shows that everyone on the team cares so much,” O’Brien said. “No matter what the score was, you see all these different guys scoring and everyone getting up for everyone. There’s nothing better than watching your teammate succeed.”

It’s a reminder of the camaraderie of which John Acompora spoke. Cordts spent Saturday watching his daughters and nephew play lacrosse on the surrounding fields.

The Acompora family is still active on the lacrosse field, too. Ward Melville standout Louis Montellese — Louis Acompora’s nephew, who was named after him — continues to star for the Patriots while wearing the same No. 12 as his late uncle.

One hundred and thirty four people may not be here without what the Acompora family has done in Louis’ name, according to the foundation.

“To come back and be able to talk with Louis’ parents and think about the work they’ve done with the foundation . . . ” Cordts said. “It’s truly incredible and inspirational stuff.”