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The Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2019 on Thursday in Smithtown, and there were some local names on the list.
One of the honorees includes Stony Brook University football coach Sam Kornhauser, who founded the program in 1984.
During his 22-year tenure, Kornhauser led the team from Division III to Divison I status, while earning 105 wins along the way.
“The general feeling running through my body is gratitude,” said Kornhauser during his acceptance speech. “I am honored and owe so much to so many.”
Currently, the four-time Stony Brook University Coach of the Year serves as a director of Athletic Advancement and Alumni Relations at SBU.
During the ceremony, the Ward Melville boys lacrosse program also earned a Special Recognition Award for its storied success over the years.
“This recognition is a tribute to the players, coaches, support staff, administrators, and community supporters who have worked so tirelessly to create a program of class and excellence,” said Ward Melville legendary coach, Joe Cuozzo.
The team has won a litany of championships, including 10 New York State and two national titles.
In 2018, Ward Melville was ranked the No. 1 boy’s lacrosse team in the country.
Scroll down to see all of the inductees from the Class of 2019.
the 2019 inductees
- Gary Bettman: Current National Hockey League commissioner and Half Hollow Hills West graduate
- Bob Costas: Legendary sports broadcaster from Commack
- Jerry Figgiani: Sachem alumnus who is a world-renowned mixed martial artist
- Bria Hartley: North Babylon native and professional women’s basketball player
- Sam Kornhauser: Stony Brook University football coach who led the program from Divison III to Divison I over 22 years
- Bill Kropp: New York State’s all-time winningest boy’s volleyball coach who coached at Sachem. He recently founded St. Joseph’s College first-ever men’s volleyball team
- Guy Leggio: Bay Shore native who helped build one of the most successful wrestling programs in Long Island history at East Islip High School
- Special Recognition Award: Scott J. Beigel (Half Hollow Hills West alumnus) and Aaron Feis (West Islip native) were two coaches who gave their lives protecting students during the school shooting at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School in Parkland, Florida in February 2018.
- Special Recognition Award: The Ward Melville boys lacrosse team, a perennial powerhouse in high school lacrosse, is one of Long Island’s most accomplished programs ever
- Historic Recognition Award: The New York Cuban Giants, the world’s first all-black professional baseball team, was founded in Babylon in 1885
- Top: Former Stony Brook University football coach Sam Kornhauser accepting his honor.
