Written by Sabrina Cusumano
The Bethpage School District, located in Bethpage, New York on Long Island, holds such a deep culture and love for athletics that has been carried down for generations of families. Bethpage High School, located on the corner of Stewart Avenue and Cherry Avenue, opening in 1960, has cultivated Student-Athletes who share their love for sports as they represent Bethpage schools with pride for many years. It is apparent that sports has created a tight-knit community that is supportive and welcoming to all members of the Bethpage neighborhood. As more awareness and support for Bethpage athletics has been raised, so has the budget for equipment and fields for athletics to improve their performance and become more successful athletes. Especially within the past 15 years, with the completion of the Howie Vogts Field in the Fall of 2009. This pertained to the construction of the multi-sport turf field, bleachers, food and comfort station, and scoreboard. And for many years the Howie Vogts Athletic Field has provided Bethpage sports fans a place where they are able to cheer on their favorite local team. As well as a way for athletes to improve their athletic abilities.
Moving more recently, in February of 2021, a $16.2 Million bond was passed at a school budget vote which served as a means to supply students with new IT equipment; however, most of the budget was allocated towards the High school and Middle school’s athletic department. This included the remodeling of all of the Baseball and Softball Fields, the new addition of the Middle School’s multi-sport turf with a running-track, new scoreboards, field equipment, and uniforms. Thus allowing a better experience for younger athletes to enjoy their sport while also having a safe environment rather than practicing on the grass fields at practice time. But the question is, how do parents feel about the wide majority of the schools $16.2 million dollar bond going towards athletics rather than students education? Anna Kovac, parent of Lily Kovac, a member of the Girls Varsity Soccer team, was able to give us an insight on this answer. Kovac states, “ I feel that here at Bethpage, my daughter’s education is valuable, I never had to question if she was getting a proper education… These renovations have made my daughter excited about playing her sport and I am happy to show my support for her team.” The renovations were completed in Fall of 2022. Nonetheless, this was not the end of the redesign for Bethpage Athletics.
This Spring of 2023, the Bethpage School District has announced the launch of the Girls Flag Football, and has been a big hit during the spring sport season. In March of 2023 girls were eagerly lined up for tryouts in hopes to be the first members of this exciting piece of Bethpage History. A member of the Flag Football team, Francesca Maffucci, shares her input of what it's like being on the team. Maffucci states, “This is my first time ever playing this sport and I’m so excited to show the community the work and dedication we have put in…me and my teammates have all gotten so close and we can’t wait to see what comes next for Girls Flag Football. As of May 2023 the team has successfully made it all the way to the playoffs where they unfortunately took a loss; moreover, they are hopeful for the future of this team and the support that continuously is coming their way from local fans. They will be holding their last game on June 8th, 2023. As they collaborate with the Boys Varsity football team to raise money and awareness towards Relay For Life, in honor of the late Athletic Trainer Joe Killeen, who unfortunately passed away last fall of Pancreatic Cancer.
Back in December of 2022, Bethpage School District announced another project being made towards the Athletic Department with construction beginning in April 2023. This time they are installing a field house in the parking lot behind the High School’s Gymnasium. The Athletic Field house will consist of an enclosed multi-sport turf with an equipment shed. With the installment of the field house, this has answered the question for many coaches who struggle to find practice space for their team. Maria Dzenawager, coach of the Varsity Kickline team reports, “ for many years we have struggled with finding space to practice, even having to hold practice in the lobby which hasn’t been the safest sport causing many sprained ankles and concussions…I am hopeful that the field house will give my team an opportunity to be recognized for their excellence after its completion.” Access will be granted to all teachers and students of the Bethpage Community where students are able to practice after school hours and Gym Teachers will be able to bring their classes there during the year. The completion of the Athletics Field House is expected to be finished in August 2023 just in time for the 2023-2024 school year.
As for the following school year, the Bethpage School District has recently released in their 2023-2024 school year budget vote newsletter reports on more athletic improvements. This included remodeling of the High School’s Softball bleachers and Middle School’s Gymnasium bleachers. There will certainly be more improvements to come in the following years.
After the completion of the construction, how will this help improve the success rate of Bethpage school district sports? Athletes, Coaches, and Parents are all excited about the improvements that are being made towards their district. It is apparent that the Bethpage School District has nothing but respect for their athletes and wants them all to improve and grow their love for their sport in a safe and fun way. And as the Athletics Department grows stronger, athletes are able to enhance their skills in an environment with trained coaches who care about them. There has been nothing but love and support throughout this community accompanied by their love for sports. With the new advancements, children are able to create more memories doing what they love the most, representing the Bethpage Golden Eagles.
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