Long-Standing Coach Steps Down After 45 Years of Dedication
Jack Moran, the head coach of Chaminade’s lacrosse team, is stepping down after an impressive tenure that spans 45 years. With 21 championships and 629 wins under his belt, he has made a significant impact on the lives of his players.
At 73 years old, Moran expressed his feelings about leaving the role he has cherished for so long. “I’m just going to miss the banter with the boys,” he shared. For Moran, coaching was more than just a job; it was a way to inspire young athletes to give their all. “Whatever we do, do it at 100 percent effort, 100 percent of the time,” he often reminded his players.
After he made his announcement, Moran was flooded with messages of support from former players. He received 178 text messages and around 100 emails, all wishing their beloved coach well. “I know every one of them and have a story to tell about each,” he said, highlighting the deep connections he formed with his students.
Though this marks the end of his active coaching career, Moran is not completely stepping away from the sport. He will transition into an advisory role at Chaminade, a prestigious Catholic institution known for its commitment to student-athlete development. In this new position, he aims to focus on nurturing talent and depth within the team, especially for those who may not make the starting roster but still possess potential.
Additionally, Moran mentioned that while he will not attend every game, he will take the time to watch his grandkids play on weekends. "However, I’ll definitely be at the Delbarton game," he noted, referring to the long-standing rivalry between his school and Delbarton.
The program will be in good hands, as assistant coach Gregory Kay, who is also the school’s chief academic officer and a Chaminade graduate from 1998, is set to take over next spring. Moran’s last game was a tough loss against their archrival, St. Anthony’s. He remarked, “I was happy it was St. Anthony’s. That’s a team I want to go out with.”
A Bright Future for Carle Place Softball
In another exciting development in the world of local sports, Carle Place’s softball team is gearing up for the state semifinals, aiming to capture the town’s first state title in the sport. With a strong season record of 19-5, the team will face off against Chatham, who boasts a 20-3 record.
Sophomore third baseman Alexa Mifsud mentioned that they are going into this match with little knowledge of their opponents. However, the team remains confident after defeating Cold Spring Harbor, showcasing their ability to excel under pressure. “We know we can compete with anyone,” she stated, reflecting the team’s assurance.
Junior Isabella DeGroot, who plays multiple positions including first base and the outfield, shared her experiences from the previous round, where they dominated in a best-of-three series against Cold Spring Harbor, winning 18-0 and 20-0. “We’re ready for whatever they throw at us,” she added, highlighting their preparation and determination.
In a show of community spirit, the USA Patriots Amputee Softball Team, known as the National Wounded Warrior Squad, will visit Long Island to play against local teams this Saturday. This event, held at Moriches Athletic Complex, features two local teams: the LI Senior All-Stars and the LI All-Stars. Admission is free, allowing everyone to come together and support our veterans while enjoying a day of softball.
With inspirational stories such as those from Coach Jack Moran and the Carle Place softball team, local sports continue to foster community spirit and showcase the commitment and dedication of athletes at all levels. As these athletes strive for excellence, they set an excellent example for the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork.
