Island Trees 2009 Varsity Football

Moving in the Right Direction

           The Island Trees Varsity Football team had a successful 2009 season.  The Bulldogs compiled a record of 5-3 earning them a top four playoff seed.  For the first time since the 1960’s, the football team hosted a 1^st round playoff game against the Floral Park Knights.  Although the Bulldogs lost in OT, 27-24, the players never gave up and left everything they had on the field.  The coaches could not have asked for anything more.  The players may be disappointed, especially the seniors, but this year’s team helped put Island Trees Football back on the map. 

            With team success comes individual recognition.  Sr.- RB/LB Anthony Wrightington earned All-County honors while also being a top 10 finalist for the Thorp Award given each year to the top football player in Nassau County.  Sr.-TE/DE Anthony Ciaramitaro, Sr.- G/NT Bryan Peterson, Sr.-TE//DE James Vesely and Jr.- FB/LB Dave Grecsek were nominated as All-Conference players.  Anthony Wrightington and James Vesely represented Island Trees in the Nassau/Suffolk All-Star game played at C.W. Post on Thanksgiving morning.  Anthony started at running back, scoring a touchdown while James started at defensive end to help Nassau beat Suffolk.  Sr.- T/DT Chris Nickel was honored and recognized for his hard work and dedication on the field as well as in the classroom.  Chris earned the scholar-athlete award given to a player from each high school by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame.  The last award winner was Sr.- OL/FB/LB Mike Guerrini who earned the title of “Unsung Hero” which is given to a player who displays great character, team spirit and is the ultimate team player, never once asking “what is in it for me”.

            The coaching staff would like to thank the parents who volunteered their time and energy in various capacities throughout the season.  They would also like to thank the teachers, administrators, grounds crew, custodians, maintenance staff and students for supporting the team.  A special thanks goes to all members of the Island Trees Cardinals youth football organization for their endless hard work and dedication to the future of Island Trees Football.

            To this year’s team, thanks for putting in the time and effort on and off the field.  The coaches asked a lot and although the team fell just short from their preseason goal, the program is going in the right direction.  To the seniors, good luck and best wishes next year and in the future.  Remember, once a Dawg, always a Dawg.  NEVER FORGET THAT!!!