The Sayville School District honored some of the most accomplished figures in its athletic history as the Sayville Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was officially inducted during a ceremony last month. The eleven newest members inducted represent nearly nine decades of Golden Flashes excellence across multiple sports.
The new inductees include former student-athletes Mike Buck (Class of 1985), Joseph Gugliotta (Class of 2007), David Jackson (Class of 1973), Kristy Longman (Class of 2007), Matthew Messina (Class of 2005), Craig Orski (Class of 1999), Bob Peiser (Class of 1969), Louis Verspoor (Class of 1955), and Anne Wolstencroft (Class of 1935). Inducted coaches include longtime cross country and track coach Glenn Drago and softball coach Jennifer Wittman-Cahill.
Mike Buck had a ground swell of support and even an entire website devoted to getting him into this Hall of Fame class. While a few Sayville football players have come close Mike Buck remains the only player to ever actually play in the NFL.
To qualify for the Sayville Athletics Hall of Fame, student-athletes must be award-winning, varsity-level competitors who have demonstrated leadership, outstanding character, and a lasting impact on Sayville’s athletic program. They become eligible five years after graduating. Coaches must have achieved significant accomplishments and contributions to Sayville athletics, in addition to exhibiting exceptional leadership and integrity. They are eligible three years after retirement.
“Each member of the Sayville Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is incredibly deserving of our district’s highest athletic honor,” said Dr. Ryan Cox, Sayville Public Schools Director of Physical Education, Health, and Interscholastic Athletics. “We thank them all for the remarkable contributions they have made to our program throughout their careers.”
This year’s Hall of Fame class marks the district’s first induction since 2017. The next class of honorees will be inducted in 2027.