Ward Melville Athletic Program Ranked No. 5 in State

After scoring points with the New York State Sportswriters Association – both figuratively and literally – Ward Melville has tied with Middle Country school district to finish at No. 5 in the state for the Kerr Cup, the award given to the top schools in each class.

The association awarded points for team achievements, combining both boys' and girls' teams to arrive at a final total. The full list of Kerr Cup rankings can be viewed here.

After hearing the news, Erin Blaney, Three Village's director of health, physical education, recreation and athletics, said she was extremely proud of the school's coaches and athletes.

"It is an honor to have our boys’ and girls’ athletic teams recognized by the New York State Sportswriters Association," she said in an email to Patch. "To be ranked 5th in the state, among this prestigious group of schools, is a testament to the hard work and dedication displayed by our athletes and their coaches.  The support that our athletic programs receive from the parents, administrators and community is the foundation for this success and allows our athletes to strive for excellence and realize their goals."

Ward Melville's athletics department saw the following highlights during the 2012-13 school year:

• Suffolk County Championships: Gymnastics, Girls’ Swimming, Girls’ Volleyball, Boys’ Fencing, Girls’ Fencing, Baseball, Boys’ Lacrosse
• Long Island Championships: Girls’ Volleyball, Boys’ Fencing, Girls’ Fencing, Baseball, Boys’ Lacrosse
• New York State Championships: Boys’ Lacrosse
• New York State Individual Champions: Nick Piccininni, Wrestling; Vincent Cicale and Connor Christian, Winter Track (Intersectional Relay Team); Emily Astarita, Spring Track and Field (Pentathlon)