Left to right: Leonard Genova (president of the Nassau & Suffolk Chapter of the National Football Foundation), Mike Stackpole (commissioner of the Massapequa Mustangs and 2007 Frank Luisi Contribution to Youth Football Honoree), and Frank Luisi (vice president of the Nassau and Suffolk Chapters of the National Football Foundation).

The Nassau Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame, Inc. ("NFF") recognized Mike Stackpole, commissioner of the Massapequa Mustangs, on Sunday, Dec. 2, for his dedication to youth football in Nassau County by presenting him with the 2007 Frank Luisi Contribution to Youth Football Award at the organization's 12th Annual Scholar Athlete Brunch at the Crest Hollow Country Club. The award is given yearly to an individual or organization that works tirelessly throughout the year to promote the sport in Nassau County and is dedicated to the ideals of sportsmanship and citizenship. The NFF was created in 1947 to promote amateur football and honor those individuals who serve the game. On a national level, the NFF has recognized over 600 college seniors for their academic and athletic excellence with over $9 million worth of grants for their postgraduate studies. On a local level, there are 120 chapters of the NFF throughout the country with over 15,000 members; all of who are volunteers and participate because they believe in the positive role athletics can play in the development of our youth. The Nassau and Suffolk Chapters of the NFF have been in existence since 1995 and in that time have awarded $200,000 to local high school students and $15,000 to groups that support amateur football.

Mike Stackpole joined the Massapequa Mustang organization in 1994 and since then he has served in a variety of capacities including coach, board member, executive officer and finally commissioner, a position he was elected to two years ago. "Mike is an amazing individual. He oversees one of the largest individual youth football organizations in the tri-state area with over 800 boys and 500 girls (participating in the cheerleading program) and handles himself with class and always manages to put the best interests of the kids at the forefront," according to NFF President Leonard Genova. Stackpole has emphasized fundamental football development, coaching education and sportsmanship since taking over. Genova stated, "I've had the privilege of coaching in the organization under Mike's leadership and I can tell you firsthand he manages to treat all the players, parents and coaches with respect and makes the kids the focal point." Mike's coaching career is varied. He has coached at the youth level (five years with the Brooklyn Hurricanes and 11 with the Mustangs), the scholastic level when he was a defensive assistant to legendary high school coach Vinnie O'Connor at St. Francis Prep and for 20 years has been affiliated with the New York City Fire Department football team, spending the last five years as its head coach. NFF Vice President Frank Luisi stated that "that Mustang organization is truly blessed to have someone like Mike Stackpole at the helm. He's dedicated, professional and has a real understanding of the game and never sacrifices sportsmanship for winning. He is a real role model and represents all that is right about youth football and I am proud to present him with the 2007 award." For more information about the NFF please contact their offices at 541-4710 or e-mail the organization at nffli@optonline.net.