Mastic Beach, NY - October 28th, 2015 - As part of Spirit Week, William Floyd held its ninth annual College-Bound Athletics Assembly for fifth graders from the district’s five elementary schools – John S. Hobart, Nathaniel Woodhull, Moriches, Tangier Smith and William Floyd Elementary. A group of mostly senior athletes spoke to the students about the importance of balancing academics with athletics and extracurricular activities, attaining good grades, time management and their experiences at William Floyd High School as a student athlete.

Steven Iannone, a senior starting running back for the varsity football team, recalled how he sat in the audience during the same presentation seven years ago and marveled at former William Floyd and Stony Brook University star running back Brock Jackolski. At that time, he made it his goal to be just like him – a successful student-athlete – a goal he has accomplished.

After taking questions from students from each school, the student-athletes headed outside to interact with the fifth-graders by signing autographs, taking pictures and playing some pick-up games.

College-Bound Athletics Assembly participants were: Allison Wakefield, girls soccer; Brianna Pado, girls soccer; Leah Kelly, girls soccer/girls lacrosse; Nicole Ferguson, girls cross country/ girls track; Tonianne Cutrone, girls cross country/ girls track; Mike Truberg, boys soccer; Charlie Fiore, boys soccer; Louis Iapaolo, boys soccer; Hunter Kaucky, baseball; Rob Brust, baseball; Jeff Ingegno, football; Steven Iannone, football; Marc Caraballo, football; Alexis Romano, softball; Paige Whitman, softball; Allison Conn, girls lacrosse, Veandra Selby, girls lacrosse; Matt Murphy, boys lacrosse; John Bilotti, boys lacrosse; Zoe DaSilva, girls tennis; Emily Fernandez, girls tennis; Kaitlin Hibbert, girls tennis; and Sarah Mazzarella, girls tennis.

Each spring, the William Floyd School District holds a similar program and presentation with William Floyd High School Fine Arts students and fifth graders, featuring student speakers, art work and musical demonstrations. These programs are designed to help promote college awareness.