Wrestling Room Dedicated To Al Bevilacqua
Written by Tara Brennan Friday, 19 October 2012 00:00
Former students give legendary coach praise and accolades at ceremony
On Friday, Oct. 5, Massapequa High School unveiled a newly renovated, state of the art wrestling room in honor of former head coach, Al Bevilacqua. The room was dedicated to Bevilacqua, who has almost 35 years of experience as both an educator and coach in Massapequa schools. Many of Bevilacqua’s former students and wrestlers joined in honoring their former coach, as did members of his family, local residents, school board members, and other school officials. Those who spoke at the ceremony talked about Bevilacqua’s coaching ability, and also commented about his character, ethics, and love of education. Bevilacqua is credited with helping transform Massapequa High School wrestling into the recognized program that it is today, and many of his former students would also say that his impact extends far beyond wrestling.“If you had him as a teacher, you would understand why this wrestling room is being dedicated to him,” said Gary Mims, Massapequa’s former wrestling coach of many years who succeeded Bevilacqua. “I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”
Mims said that Bevilacqua taught wrestling techniques, and also instilled in generations of students the values of discipline, which they applied in all aspects of their lives. Mims refers to himself as “Bevilacqua’s eldest son.”
“Nobody loves wrestling more than Al,” he later added.
The renovation and dedication of the wrestling room was made possible through donations given to The Friends of Massapequa Wrestling Inc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting wrestling within the Massapequa community. The efforts put forth into renovating the wrestling room are intended to mimic Coach Bevilacqua’s own generosity and inclination toward giving back to the community. With the addition of this wrestling room, it is hoped that future generations of Massapequa wrestlers will be able to develop their talents, and the program will continue to flourish.
News
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
Navy SEAL killed in crash was top student athlete
Jonathan Kaloust, a 23-year-old Navy SEAL who hailed from Massapequa, lost his life last Wednesday in a freak Humvee crash during a training exercise in Fort Knox, Ky.
A 2007 graduate of Massapequa High School and standout wrestler, Kaloust was recruited to Binghamton University, where he continued to wrestle while pursuing a political science degree.
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
Increased service will save local
commuters up to 40 minutes a day
A $40-million construction project, designed to modernize the Massapequa Station at Sunrise Highway (Route 27), just east of Broadway and Route 107, was announced by the Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Long Island Railroad. The station renovations are part of a multi-phase initiative to improve infrastructure and train service at the station that serves approximately 6,000 customers every weekday.
The first phase is scheduled to begin on May 29, and the improvements are scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2015. Over the next two years, the rehabilitation project will include the sorely needed replacement of the station platform and canopy, heated platform waiting room, escalator, elevator and staircases, pedestrian walkway over Broadway, public address system, plus the addition of signage, energy-efficient platform lighting, and a decorative granite wall adjacent to ticket office. The railroad is also starting work on the installation of a pocket track just east of the station that will significantly improve train service and frequency, as well as on-board seat availability.
Sports
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
The U.S. Tennis Association Long Island Region has recognized Michelle Carnovale of Massapequa for her tennis playing in 2012. Michelle was honored for her ranking in the Girls’ 14s on Long Island.
With more than 9,000 members, the Region promotes the growth and development of Long Island tennis and supports USTA programs including Jr. Team Tennis, National Junior Tennis and Learning, High School Tennis, College Tennis, USTA 10 and Under Tennis, USTA League Tennis, and community tennis.
The volunteer-based Board of Directors works with USTA members to create programs and activities for all the tennis players on Long Island, from small children to seniors. For more information, visit www.longisland.usta.com or email ustaonlongisland@gmail.com.
Thursday, 23 May 2013 00:00
Last Wednesday the Massapequa Observer A’s had a come-from-behind victory 5-2 over the Trial Lawyer Mets, powered by key hits from Ray Anzelone, Michael Grisanti, and Jason Kopp. Evan “Mariano” Barrow came in again with no outs and the bases loaded to pick up the save.
On Saturday, the Observer A’s beat the Kleer Fax Yankees 4-2. The A’s were down 1-0 into the 4th inning due to an RBI single by Ross Mitton of the Yankees. Anthony Patullo drove in two runs with an RBI triple to give the A’s a 2-1 lead. This was followed by Brendan Castonguay driving in two runs with a double to make the score 4-1. Patullo pitched three solid innings in the start with Castonguay pitching the final three innings for the win.
Calendar
Marine Corps Barbecue
Monday, May 27
Wantagh Preservation Society Meeting
Tuesday, May 28
America’s Boating Course
Tuesday, May 28
Columns
Building Better Legislators
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net
Quietly Vindicated
Written by Mike Barry, MFBarry@optonline.net
Health Insurance Crisis Still Here
Written by Michael A. Miller, Millercolumn@optimum.net
