Wednesday, September 2, 2009
South Shore team will be on hand as Seahawks open football season at home Saturday
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The South Shore National LL team, which captured the sporting interest of the entire state with its recent run to the LL World Series U.S. semifinals, will be honored prior to and during Wagner College’s season-opening football game vs. Stonehill Saturday afternoon at 1.
Members of the South Shore team, along with their families and coaches, have been invited to attend a pre-game barbecue at 11 a.m. The team captains will be on the field for the pre-game coin toss and all team members will be formally recognized on the field between the first and second quarters.
“We at Wagner College are so proud of the effort and performance turned in by the South Shore National team that we thought it would be a natural to invite them to our campus and be a part of the festivities of our season opener,” said Walt Hameline, Wagner’s director of athletics and head football coach.
“Performing at such a high level in front of the ESPN cameras, night in and night out, brought pride and distinction to not only themselves but to anyone who has a connection to Staten Island,” he added. “I know our players will be excited to have them in attendance.”
The appearance at Wagner will cap a whirlwind week for the Island champs.
The South Shore kids were treated to a shopping spree by Modell’s on Saturday; had a team dinner last night at Cucina diNapoli restaurant in Tottenville and tomorrow will be the focal point of a parade through the streets of Totttenville.
The parade is being given by Borough President James P. Molinaro, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Councilman Vincent Ignizio and other elected officials. The parade will begin at 5 p.m. and will step off from the intersection of Main Street and Amboy Road in Tottenville and make its way to the league’s field at 540 Page Ave., at Hylan Boulevard.
Honoring the Little League heroes will be just one of the many youth-geared events at Wagner College Saturday.
Wagner student-athletes will conduct free sports clinics in football, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse and cheerleading for youths ages 5 through 13 from 11 a.m. until noon. All participants will receive a free ticket to the football opener.
Also, the first 500 fans will receive free Wagner football spirit sticks. The first 1,000 fans will receive a free NEC football poster.
And one lucky fan will be selected to participate in the “Punt, Pass and Kick” promo for a chance to win $15,000.
Information on how to obtain tickets to the Wagner-Stonehill contest, as well as all home Seahawk football games, can be obtained by calling 718-420-4039 or by visiting wagnerathletics.com
