Wantagh Appoints Coaching Veteran to Lead Football Program

A nearly 30-year coaching veteran will be taking over as head coach of varsity football team following the district’s to not re-appoint the gridiron program’s longtime coaching leader Keith Sachs.

Thomas Casey, who has coached high school and college football the last three decades, most recently at nearby , was unanimously approved as Wantagh football's new head coach at Tuesday’s Wantagh Board of Education meeting. Casey replaces Keith Sachs, who went 109-66-1 in his 19 seasons as Wantagh football head coach including capturing a Long Island Class III title in 2001 and a Nassau County championship in 2004.

The decision to not bring Sachs back for a 20th season last month caused many of the long time coach's former players and Wantagh athletic supporters to hold a and the June 16 Board of Education meeting voicing displeasure and demanding answers. However at Tuesday’s school board meeting there was no such protest and the vote to approve Casey was done on a routine basis amidst numerous other agenda action items.

District officials have not indicated why Sachs was not re-appointed and said they are unable to because it is a personnel matter.

Casey will take over a Wantagh program that went 7-3 last season and in the Conference II semifinals.

Casey arrives at Wantagh after serving the last two years as offensive line and strength conditioning coach at Seaford, which the Nassau County Conference IV title last season. Casey has also had coaching stints at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, Garden City High School, Division High School in Levittown, Hicksville High School, and Syosset High School.

"He is an outstanding coach," said Seaford football head coach Rob Perpall, who has known Casey for over 30 years. "Tom is an excellent choice."

“We are excited to have such an established and successful person join our team,” said Wantagh Superintendent Dr. Lydia Begley in a prepared statement. “We believe that Mr. Casey will be a wonderful asset to our community and are confident that he will do an outstanding job.”

Casey could not be immediately reached for comment.