News by Tom Barton
News by Tom Barton on South Shore Press
Harbaugh Tags Nagy as His New O.C.
The New York Giants are headed in a brand-new direction with their new head coach, and that process has continued as he begins to assemble his staff. This past week, Jim Harbaugh made his first major hire, selecting former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy to run the Giants’ offense.
William Floyd Awarded Special Sports Grant
William Floyd Middle School received a $12,500 grant from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation Sports Matter Program to support its physical education department and athletic teams.
Meyer's Keeps Adding to New School Record
When you set a record at a school like William Floyd, it carries extra weight, and that is exactly what senior Jack Meyer accomplished this week when he became the winningest wrestler in school history. Meyer set the new standard with his 146th career victory, establishing a benchmark at a program known for its rich wrestling tradition.
That's Three in a Row for Mangiamele
Shoreham-Wading River senior Leyton Mangiamele broke his own record this weekend, soaring 22 feet, 8¾ inches to surpass the indoor school mark of 22-4 that he set just last season.
The Ducks Resign Santos
The Long Island Ducks will be getting a familiar arm back on the mound this season as the team announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Ramon Santos. The veteran arm begins his third season with the Ducks and 13th in professional baseball.
The Panthers are State Champions
Miller Place wrestling are the New York State champions after a memorable performance this weekend. The Panthers earned that distinction with a dominant 45–24 victory over Shoreham-Wading River in the Division II high school championship, capping off an outstanding season with the program’s ultimate goal achieved.
Top of the Heap
The combined girls wrestling team in Suffolk County captured the Suffolk County Dual Meet Championship this week, completing a remarkable run through the season.
Is There a New Ace in Town?
The New York Mets have a new ace, and fantasy owners have been accustomed to viewing Freddy Peralta as a near-ace for some time. The move to a more pitcher-friendly park should help, but do not overreach, because the reality is that the lineup around him is roughly the same and the bullpen is likely worse at protecting his leads. Peralta has been a standout for years, and slotting him in as a high-value fantasy arm is easy. The question is just how high he should go.
Super Bowl Props - Sometimes Boring Pays
My early thinking on the Big Game centers around the belief that I have that both of these defenses will steal the show. The Seahawks have allowed just 68 points in their last seven games that were not against the Stafford–McVay Rams, while the Patriots’ run defense has allowed 87, 79, and 48 rushing yards in their last three games.
Have We Seen This Before? Super Bowl Preview
The Big Game is all set, and despite new coaches, new quarterbacks, and new players, it feels like we are watching history repeat itself. The Patriots are once again led by a defensive-minded coach, yet their best player is a young, up-and-coming signal caller who is expected to finish near the top of the MVP voting.
Long Island Ducks Sold to Texas Company
The Long Island Ducks have been a staple on the Island for decades, but a major change was announced this week. The Ducks will no longer be a Long Island–owned business after longtime owner Frank Boulton sold the team to a Texas-based company. REV Entertainment, the official sports and entertainment company of the Texas Rangers, has purchased the Long Island Ducks. In its press release, REV stated, “The acquisition of the winningest franchise in Atlantic League history — and a four-time league champion (2004, 2012, 2013, 2019) — marks a significant expansion of REV’s growing team ownership portfolio.”
Coach Longo is Back on the Sidelines
The winningest coach in Suffolk County football history has chosen a new school. Paul Longo will take over the football program at Shoreham-Wading River following his legendary career at William Floyd. Longo is expected to be officially named the Wildcats’ new head football coach pending approval by the Shoreham-Wading River Board of Education later this week.
What a Week for McCormick
Bay Shore Girls Varsity Indoor Track standout Maggie McCormick has earned national recognition for her remarkable performances, being voted National Girls Indoor Performer of the Week in MileSplit USA’s poll for the week of December 29, 2025, through January 4, 2026. A closer look at her accomplishments during that span makes it easy to understand why she received the honor.
More Records Fall for Pat-Med Track
There was another record setting weekend this past week for the Patchogue-Medford School District. The High School indoor boys track and field standouts Evan Fraser and Colin Jennings broke three long-standing school records, marking an exciting moment for the program during the winter season.
A Seawolves Legend Hangs Em Up
Stony Brook women’s lacrosse legend Kylie Ohlmiller ’18 announced her retirement from the sport on January 22, bringing to a close one of the most accomplished careers in lacrosse history.
William Floyd Track Earns League 1 Title
The William Floyd High School boys’ varsity track team has clinched the League I winter track championship. Under the leadership of head coach Ed Noll described the achievement as a “total team effort,” noting that every athlete played a role in securing the overall title.
Ducks Welcome Back a Suffolk County Star
The Long Island Ducks announced the signings of Suffolk native pitcher and infielder Chad Pike and pitcher Jacob Asa. Both players begin their second season with the Ducks and third in baseball.
Everything that is Old is New Again
The stage is set for Super Bowl 2026, as fans will get a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX with the Seahawks facing the Patriots. The opening line, released immediately after Seattle’s conference championship win, listed the Seahawks as 3.5-point favorites. Within the first hour, it was difficult to find many bettors willing to back New England.
Half Hollow Hills Fencing as Dominant as Ever
The Half Hollow Hills boys fencing team has clinched the League I Championship, further cementing its status as one of the premier programs on Long Island. With the title secured, the team has now captured its fourth consecutive league championship, continuing a stretch of dominance that has defined the program in recent seasons.
Burgueno Chooses to Stay Close to Home
This past week, Ward Melville senior Elliot Burgueno was honored at the All-American ceremony for high school and college All-Americans at the National Soccer Convention in Philadelphia and also made an important decision on where he will play next year.
Daily Feed
A New Ice Rink Coming to Brookhaven
This week, Dan Panico announced that during the planning board portion of the Town Board meeting in March, there will be a site plan hearing for a proposed new hockey rink at the former Brookhaven campus of Dowling College.