Sports
Lacrosse for a Cause in Wantagh
Annual Wantagh Alumni Lacrosse Games held to raise scholarship funds for graduating seniors.
This past Saturday, many Wantagh High School alumni headed back to their alma mater to support and raise scholarships for graduating lacrosse players who will go on to compete at the college level.
The 16th annual Wantagh Alumni Lacrosse Games illustrated the deep-rooted connection within the athletes of Wantagh that goes along with competing as a Warrior. As part of the event, both a men’s and women’s lacrosse game were held on the turf athletic field at Wantagh High School that participating players once called home.
James Nastro, a 2002 Wantagh graduate, participated in the men’s alumni game and also serves as the president of the Wantagh Alumni Lacrosse Association, which organizes the annual fundraiser. The Wantagh Alumni Lacrosse Association has a mission of supporting the Wantagh lacrosse community and Wantagh High School lacrosse graduates.
Each of the participants undoubtedly brought a special aspect to the day, due to the fact that there has been so much talent and success throughout the history of the Wantagh boys and girls lacrosse programs. Graduates of the class of 2011, such as current Harvard goalie Jake Gambitsky, were able to play with a 1974 graduate, Ron Parisi. Members of the 2001 state championship team including Chris Vitucci, Joe Gabrysiak, Kevin Gabrysiak, Dan Fanelli and George Buckley also took to the field.
Current Wantagh head coach John Cuiffo was at the event supporting and watching many of the talented athletes he has previously coached and taught. Former Wantagh girls lacrosse standouts Jessie Ingrilli and Natalie Smith were also there lending support to the program.
With the efforts of the Wantagh Alumni Lacrosse Association, accomplishments from both Wantagh lacrosse programs have been passed down from the generations. Not only were Saturday’s games a great opportunity for old teammates to take the field and play together again, but for many, it was a way to interact and compete with people who they have never had the chance to play with before, but always have looked up to and admired. The participants were able to continue to reminisce and enjoy each others company at the post game party, which was held at Johnny Malone’s.
