Small Town, Big Dreams

Lindenhurst is a town that rallies around its sports teams. As a result, Lindenhurst has great teams, athletes, and even better, pride. Lindenhurst knows how to come together as a community and support one another.

One sport that Lindenhurst has recently been successful in is football. Lindenhurst has succeeded in football over the last decade, winning one Suffolk Championship. They have been in the finals three times, taking home a win in 2019. Coach, Nick Lombardo, is a key reason for their success. Lindenhurst was ranked sixty-fifth in New York State. In their 2019 championship, they were ranked 1,484th nationally, and placed fifteenth in New York. They placed first in the New York Division II, and second in Section 11. This team was dedicated and the results show. We asked former Lindenhurst Bulldog, Jermey Ruckert, “Have any of the coaches you worked with during your time in Lindenhurst been instrumental in getting you to where you are today?” He answered with, “Nick Lombardo, the Varsity football coach made an impact on me as an athlete. He knew how to push us to be the best athletes we can, and taught us how to become closer as a team. Having someone put extra time and effort in for us was something that sticks with me today.” We also asked him, “How did your time in Lindenhurst Athletics help develop your skills in your sport?” He answered with, “My time with the  Lindenhurst Athletics Program was very important in allowing me to make new friends and work collectively on a common goal. It taught me many values I still use today. There is nothing like playing a sport you love with the people you grew up with, especially when it is for your home town.”

Lindenhurst is also the home of many professional athletes. Some examples include: Jermey Ruckert- TE 2022 draft prospect, John Witkowski-QB  for the Detroit Lions, Stephanie Finochio- stunt women and former wrestler, Joe Levelis- USFL player, Ryan LaFleur-martial arts fighter, George Colton- guard for the New England Patriots, Donie Walker- DB New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, Bob Leahy- QB for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sal LoCascio- Hall of Fame Lacrosse goaltender and coach. We asked Sal Locasio, “How did your time in Lindenhurst Athletics help develop your skills in your sport?” He answered with, “I played football and lacrosse for Lindenhurst. The skills that I learned at Lindy were important for my athletic development. They are: being a good teammate and leading by example, to have a good work ethic, hard work pays off, and to always show good sportsmanship, whether it was to an opponent, or to an official. Character is just as important as athletic ability.” We also asked, “Have any of the coaches you worked with during your time in Lindenhurst been crucial in getting you to where you are today? He answered with, “One coach who impacted my sports career was Frank Rossi. He got the most out of his players, and believed that academics and athletics have the same importance. He expected you to be a student and an athlete.”

Let’s go back to the early 1900’s, on a brisk morning, in the fall, when Babe Ruth and Lou Gerigh came to Lindenhurst. They were welcomed with a parade down Wellwood Avenue. Babe Ruth loved to go fishing in Lindenhurst. Lindenhurst was a big attraction on Long Island because of fishing. Therefore, he came here to play baseball, then to fish in our Great South Bay. He also got his friend Lou Gerigh to play against the Lindenhurst Nine, the local baseball team. Babe Ruth played the game with passion because his buddy, Aiddie Klien, the manager of Lindenhurst Nine, Babe Ruth was determined to beat him. The game was tied, 4-4, going into the ninth inning. Lindenhurst was very serious about winning, and their competitiveness against the Yankees was clear that day. The game was suspenseful, but the Yankees won 10-4. Babe Ruth still came to Lindenhurst, even after the game to go fishing in our Great South Bay. All in all, Lindenhurst has great sports teams, and a rich history in sports.