Leading off today: Fresh off a three-peat in the NYSPHSAA tournament, Albertus Magnus girls basketball coach Pat Buckley is on the move.
But it's not like he'll be needing a U-Haul moving truck.
Rather, Buckley will take over as the boys basketball coach, LoHud.com reported Monday. His replacement will be Clarkstown South coach Kate Mager, a former Albertus Magnus star player.
Buckley replaces Pat McFadden, a 33-year coaching veteran who announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Buckley, a 1993 Albertus Magnus graduate, rolled up 297 victories and four Section 1 championships in 16 seasons coaching the girls.
"Pat is a proven leader who has established himself as one of the premier basketball coaches, not only in Rockland County, but across New York State," athletic director Brendan Gorman said in a statement. "His energy, passion and commitment to excellence are exactly what our boys basketball program needs as we begin this new chapter."
Spring cleaning at Weedsport
Rather than setting everything out at the curb, the Weedsport Central School District is auctioning off memorabilia from its Warriors era,
Syracuse.com reported.
Proceeds will help offset the expense of rebranding he district's athletic teams as the Wolverines, a change necessitated by the states ban of native American-related mascots and nicknames.
Some of the items include rugs, jerseys, and vinyl chairs.
NFHS tackles issues associated with gambling
With sports betting now a multibillion-dollar industry, the National Federation of State High School Associations has launched a free course tackling the
risks associated with gambling.
The course examines the rapid growth of sports wagering, problem gambling, prevention strategies, and potential consequences for the athletes and for the sports themselves.
"The NFHS Learning Center is pleased to help raise awareness of the mental health challenges and risks sports betting can pose to young people," Dan Schuster, NFHS Director of Educational Services, said in the announcement. "We value the opportunity to educate individuals nationwide on this critically important issue."
While minors are prohibited from gambling, the course explains how the ease of access has contributed to increased use among high school students. It includes examples of consequences, including financial strain and damaged relationships.
Passings
Legendary Shaker distance-running coach
Ed Springstead died Friday at the age of 93.
Besides six decades of coaching at Shaker, Springstead also was a long-time Section 2 coordinator for boys cross country.
"He was a cornerstone of Section 2 athletics," said Marbry Gansle. Shaker's long-time girls coach. "His knowledge of the sport was unmatched. His instincts were sharp, and his commitment and dedication were commendable. He was always there and did the right thing."
