The New York Dragons have hired another Long Island icon to their coaching staff.
When I spoke to General Manager Peter Schwartz over the winter, he said that his goal was to make the Dragons a true Long Island team that was comprised of Long Island players and coaches and so far, he has done exactly that. This time Schwartz and the Dragons have added Alex Marcelin to the staff as an assistant coach.
Marcelin has been the head football coach at Half Hollow Hills East since 2021. Marcelin was part of the program’s best winning percentage in school history and brought the first football championship to Half Hollow Hills East High School. During his time at Hills East, he coached multiple positions such as running backs, wide receivers, defensive linemen, offensive linemen, secondary, and linebackers.
He opened everyone's eyes to how great of a coach he was last year when he won Coach of the Year in 2024, a Suffolk County Division II Football Champion in 2024, and was a six-time Suffolk County Big 4 Champion.
Marcelin said, “I am excited to be a part of the Dragons. Collaborating with a great organization from top to bottom, I look forward to adding our own chapter of New York Dragon football. Great things are ahead.” He joins a staff led by another Suffolk football icon, Dragon's head coach Gerald Filardi, who said, “Coach Marcelin is a dynamic leader who brings a strong commitment to player development and team success. His passion for the game, tactical understanding, and ability to connect with athletes will be a tremendous asset to the Dragons and our coaching staff. We’re thrilled to have him on board as we prepare for an exciting season.”