Massapequa High School's Varsity baseball team, in addition to capturing the Class A Southeast Regional Final/Long Island Championship, also earned the prestigious honor of being named the number one academic team in New York State.

During a recent assembly in the high school's Baldwin Auditorium, the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) conferred its highest award, Scholar Athlete State Champions, on the squad for maintaining the highest cumulative average of all high school baseball teams in the State. While 39 teams qualified for the top award, the Chiefs surpassed all with an impressive 92.8 cumulative average.

"Thirty years ago, when I was principal of Uniondale High School, I was well aware of the outstanding reputation Massapequa had in the areas of academics and athletics," said Dr. James Tully, ex-president of the NYSPHSAA. "This award further preserves this strong tradition and is a tribute to the young men on this team, their parents, their coaches, and their teachers."

Bob Dell, Massapequa High School's Varsity baseball coach, shared similar praise for his team's achievement, noting their awareness of the importance of excelling in the classroom.

"There's always been a strong link between academics and athletics, especially in this district," said Dell. "In this case, you have kids who are all talented athletes but, at the same time, are highly committed to their studies--they can go to just about any college of their choice based on their academic success. It's a credit to them for being able to select the schools they wish to attend, rather than the other way around."

According to Dell, five Massapequa High School seniors will continue their pursuit of excellence in the fall when they attend colleges to play Division I baseball, an astounding accomplishment since it's unusual for a team to have even one accepted into this level of play.

The Chiefs' victorious season came to an end on Saturday, June 12 after being defeated by Massena in the State Class A baseball semifinal.