The 2025 Gold Key Awards and Wildcat Booster Club Scholarships were received by Whitman’s exceptional athletes recently with the addition of the 15th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Induction at Walt Whitman High School. The Gold Key Award is the highest honor in Section XI that an athlete can receive for sports participation. Recipients are determined by Section XI rules and are awarded to athletes who letter in eight varsity or junior varsity seasons in grades 10-12 throughout their Walt Whitman High School career.

The Wildcat Booster Club awards are recommended by coaches and are not about being the best athlete on the field, they are about recognizing senior student-athletes’ commitment to their sport, their team and their community.

Congratulations to all of Walt Whitman’s award recipients!

**Photo Gallery**

2025 GOLD KEY RECIPIENTS

The Gold Key Award is the highest honor that a student-athlete can receive from Section XI.  These athletes have lettered in eight Varsity or Junior Varsity seasons from grades 10 through 12.  Section XI selects the recipients. The Wildcat Booster Club recognizes Gold Key recipients by awarding them with a key charm, certificate, plaque and $100.00 scholarship. 

Congratulations to…
Xavier Ali, Melanie Alvarado, Derek Caserta, Matthew Cashman, Marisa Castillo, Cindy Chen, Luca Cioffi, Pratyush Das, Grace Davis, Angelina Gonzalez De Oleo, Ethan Jacoutot, Jack Kongevold, John Marr, Olivia Nicholls, Michael Orgera, Carter Phillips, Peter Ramos, and Brianna Verga

BOOSTER CLUB MAROON AND WHITE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The Booster Club Awards are recommended by their coaches and selected by the awards committee. These awards are issued to senior student-athletes who are members of the Wildcat Booster Club and have demonstrated the characteristics of a Walt Whitman Wildcat. Booster Club awards are not about being the best athlete on the field, they are about recognizing commitment to their sport, their team, and their community.

Congratulations to…
Kate Adams, Paige Albert, Luca Cioffi, Samantha Creighton, Jackson Dillon, Justin Keogler, Myles Kolar, Trevor Kolar, Dylan Kollmer, Sam Lipson, Ryan Maiorana, Emily Simonetti, Andrew Buckshaw and Riley LaRegina

PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS

The Wildcat Booster Club Presidential Awards are selected by the Booster Club President and presented to athletes who demonstrate leadership, determination, commitment, and character on and off the field.  

Congratulations to…
Lindsay Alms and Michael Orgera

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR AWARDS

These awards are selected by the Athletic Director and are presented to two (2) senior student-athletes who are outstanding representatives of the school and the athletics department.  Achieving success in the classroom and in the sports they play.  They embody the tradition of a model student-athlete and display outstanding leadership and commitment within the teams and programs they represent.

Congratulations to…
Olivia Nicholls and Michael Mannino

PRINCIPAL’S AWARD

This award is selected by the Principal of Walt Whitman High School to honor a student-athlete who has faced adversity and demonstrated the will to overcome challenges inspiring and motivating others to do the same.  The recipient must possess leadership traits that include but are not limited to a good moral compass, integrity, and empathy.  The recipient treats his/her peers, teachers, and staff with respect by accepting differences and valuing the work that others do. Embracing the responsibility required to maintain progress in schoolwork and other personal goals. 

Congratulations to…
Jack Kongevold
 

ED HENSELDER AWARD

In honor of Walt Whitman Football and Lacrosse coach Ed Henselder, this award is issued to a student-athlete who demonstrates determination and drive while striving to motivate teammates to perform to the best of their ability.  Exhibits the "team" mentality, understanding that achieving outcomes in a team sport is about "team" and always looks to perform in the best interest of the team, and demonstrates the spirit of a true Wildcat Athlete on and off the field. 

Coach Henselder was well known by any athlete at Walt Whitman High School.  During his almost three-decade coaching career at Whitman, he was able to share his passion for athletics starting with Varsity Lacrosse where he began coaching with Bob Howell before finding his home as the Assistant JV Football and Lacrosse Coach. 

Congratulations to…
Dylan Naggar

VINCE ALTEBRANDO HUMANITARIAN AWARD

In honor of Coach Vincent Altebrand, this award is issued to one Walt Whitman senior student-athlete.  Coaches nominate candidates who exemplify humanitarian qualities.  Mentors and supporters who help bring out the best in others.  Leaders who guide their teammates or give back to their community through participation in youth programs or other activities.  Demonstrating the quality of character on and off the field while maintaining academic requirements.

Congratulations to…
Brianna Verga

TRENDSETTER AWARD

The inaugural “Caldwell Trendsetter Award” is issued to a multi-sport student-athlete who turns obstacles into opportunities despite opposition—an individual who demonstrates unwavering determination in accomplishing their goals.  Exhibits the character and qualities of a true Wildcat, putting 100% all the time for the team, whether they are on the starting line or the sideline.

Congratulations to…
Dylan Bonner

SHYLAX ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIP

This award is issued by South Huntington Youth Lacrosse to one male and one female senior lacrosse athlete.  The recipients must have participated in the SHYLAX program, met community service requirements, and will be pursuing higher education after graduation.   Recipients receive a $1000.00 Scholarship Award

Congratulations to…
Marisa Castillo and Luka Binsol

LUKE AVOLESE SCHOLARSHIPS

The Luke Avolese Scholarship is issued to two student-athletes selected by the foundation.  Luke was a 4 year Varsity Football and Basketball player at Walt Whitman High School.  The scholarship is funded each year through the monies raised at the Two Brothers Memorial Golf Outing held in honor of Luke Avolese and Matthew Giannuzzi. 

Congratulations to…
Xavier Ali and Andrew Blair

FRANK GUGLIOTTA  MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

In honor of Hall of Fame player and legendary Coach Frank Gugliotta, this scholarship is given to the Boys Varsity basketball player who exemplifies the characteristics of commitment, unselfishness and leadership.  Donations received from the annual Frank Gugliotta Memorial Tournament are used to fund this scholarship, and all senior Boys Basketball players are invited to apply for this prestigious award.  

Congratulations to…
Jack David

TODD RUSSELL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

The Todd Russell memorial Scholarship is issued to one student-athlete who participated in Football at Walt Whitman.  Todd was a 4 year member of the Varsity Football Team and All-League football player his senior year. Todd represented Character, Work Ethic and Dedication.

Congratulations to…
Matthew Gervasio

HBC SOCCER AWARD

This award is issued by HBC Soccer to one male and one female senior soccer athlete.  The recipients must have participated in the HBC Soccer program and played Varsity Soccer at Whitman.

Congratulations to…
Edward Flores Medina and Angelin Fuentes 

Thank you…

We want to thank the outside organizations within our South Huntington community. These organizations are where many of our Wildcat Athletes begin. They teach our young athletes about their sport and introduce them to teamwork. Many of these players grow up as a team and regardless of the sport they play, each of these organizations plays a vital role in the foundation of our community. We appreciate the role they play and thank them for all they do in the development of our Wildcats!

Thank you to our Hall of Fame Committee Curt Russell, Rich Mills, Ray Pelligrino, Scott Wolff, Rob Conroy and Dan Trebour for their work in selecting the Class of 2025 Hall of Fame inductions. Thank you for volunteering your time to ensure we honor the past.

Thank you to our coaches, past, and present, many of who are here tonight for all that you do to support our students, teams, and community. When you are a part of a team you are a part of a family, and graduating doesn't end that relationship.  Our coaches are always here for you and their commitment and dedication are admirable.

Thank you to our Wildcat Booster club, our Co-Presidents Jim Oliveri and Kim LaRegina, and all board members and families who have joined and volunteered to help make this event possible. 

2025 BOOSTER CLUB HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Josh Axler 

Josh was nominated by Walt Whitman’s Head Varsity Tennis Coach and Walt Whitman Alum, Seth Novick. Josh was a 6 year member of the varsity tennis team, starting his interscholastic journey in 7th grade!  An avid, and lifelong tennis player, Josh held a top 20 National Ranking while competing in juniors, and was a 2 times Singles League and Section XI Champion.  Fun fact is that Josh Hold 2 wins over former #1 and Grand Slam winner Andy Roddick while competing in the juniors.  Josh's High School career was just as impressive as his time in Juniors.  Josh was a 2 time League Champion, and 2 time Section XI Champion!  Josh was undefeated in his final 2 seasons of high school, and won both the 1998 and the 1999 New York State Singles Champions.  Josh is just 1 of 3 mens players from Section XI to ever win a New York State Singles Championship- with the other two athletes winning 1982 and 2023- and the only Section XI men's player to ever win a New York State Singles Championship 2 times!

Following his impressive High School career, Josh went on to Northwestern University where he played both singles and doubles, and was team captain his senior year. Josh ranked #31 in Doubles by the (ITA) Intercollegiate Tennis Association and was the winner of the Vandy Christie Award, given to the player who demonstrates outstanding loyalty and dedication to Northwestern tennis.

Following his playing career Josh spent time as the Assistant Coach at University of Pennsylvania from 2004-2006 where he helped to lead the team to their first Ivy League Championship in 35 years.  For his effort, Josh was awarded Northeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year for the 2005-2006 season.

Currently, Josh lives in Wilmette, Illinois (about 30 minutes outside of Chicago), with his wife Karoline and daughter Malina and Aris (Harris). Josh is still coaching tennis working with students from New Trier High School, and is still playing tennis himself.

Josh's accomplishments will go down in the great history of Walt Whitman Athletics as one of the best to do it, and his induction into the Wildcat Booster Club hall of fame will ensure that he will be remembered for generations to come.

Shamar Powell

Shamar’s high school career was quite impressive, and his statistics are a part of what has led to him being honored this year. As a member of both the Indoor and Outdoor Track & Field teams, he was a 2 time New York State Championship qualifier and 2 time All New York State athlete in the 1000 meter and 800 meter.  Shamar currently holds the Walt Whitman High School record in the indoor 1,000 meter with a time of 2:29.05 and the outdoor 800 meter with a time of 1:52.27 - two incredible times.  Shamar’s 800 meter time is also still a Section XI record!

Shamars success on the track includes a top 7 finishes in both the Indoor and Outdoor New Balance Nationals, Top 5 finish in both the Indoor and Outdoor New York State Championships, Top 3 finishes in the Molloy Stanner Games, Section XI Boys Coaches Meet, Long Island Elite Meet, and 1st place finishes in the Bob Pratt Memorial Invitational, Section XI Boys Crossover Meet and the Section XI Boys Large School Championship!

Following graduation from Walt Whitman High School, Shamar went on to compete at Binghamton University where he was a member of both the Cross Country and Track & Field teams.  Shamar saw success in both the classroom and on the track & course.  In the classroom, Shamar earned Athletic Directors honor roll, and America East honor roll multiple times throughout his career.  On the Track and Cross Country course his success included winning the 1,000 meter race at the Cornell Kane indoor invitational, placing 6th in the 1,000 at the America East Indoor Championships, 2nd in the 1,000 at the Great Dane Classic and 3rd in the 600 at the Sykes & Sabock Challenge.

Shamar will go down as one of the best track & field athletes in the rich history of our program, and his induction into the Wildcat Booster Club hall of fame will ensure that he will be remembered for generations to come. Shamar’s parents accepted his Hall of Fame plaque on his behalf (pictured below) as he has recently relocated to Japan. 

The 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 Boys Basketball Teams

Two historic teams filled with talent up and down the roster, and a hall of fame coaching staff.  Teams that represented the best of the best in Basketball during a time period in which Section XI was flooded with future Division 1 and NBA players.  These two teams defined what high level basketball means, and we were very fortunate to have them represent Walt Whitman.

The 2001-2002 team ended the season on a 20 game win streak, finishing with a record of 20-2, and winning the Suffolk County AA Champions, and Long Island AA Championship.   The team was led by captains Antoine Aguidio, Jimmy Su Brian Faustin, and led by Newsday’s Long Island Coach of the Year Tom Fitzpatrick.  The team went through the Suffolk County AA Playoffs, outscoring their opponents 212-157, and eventually topping Bayshore for their first Suffolk County Championship since 1988.  The team went on to the Long Island Championship against Nassau County power Uniondale High School where they captured the Long Island Championship for the first time since 1982 by a score 53-36.  

Player accolades for this team include 3 All League athletes, 4 All conference athletes, 3 All County players, and Antoine Aguidio, who was named Newsday All Long Island. 

Not to be out done, the 2002-2003 Boys Basketball followed in the footsteps of this legendary team, putting together another memorable season.  This team finished the season with a record of 21-4, and once again, won the Suffolk County AA Champions, and Long Island AA Championship.  The 2002-2003 team was led by team captains Antoine Aguidio, Nick Carter and Matt Ross, and Suffolk County Large School Coach of the year, Tom Fitzpatrick.  The team went through the Suffolk County AA Playoffs, outscoring their opponents 264-217, and eventually topping Longwood for Suffolk County Championship!  The team once again went on to play Uniondale High School from Nassau County where they came out on top by a score of 48-34 for the rare back to back  Long Island Championship!

Player accolades for this team include 3 All League athletes, 3 All conference athletes, 3 All County players, and Antoine Aguidio and Nick Carter, who were named Newsday All Long Island. 

These two legendary teams will forever be in the discussion with some of the greatest teams of all time at Walt Whitman, and with this induction into the Wildcat Booster Club Hall of Fame, they will forever be recognized for their incredible accomplishments.  Congratulations to the entire coaching staff, and all players.  You put Walt Whitman Basketball on the map, and you will forever be remembered.

2001-2002 Boys Basketball Team
Tim Light (Manager), Brian Alexander, Nick Carter, Justin Klotsche, Chris Mcarthy, Dave Orecchia, Nick McKay, Matt Ross, Doug Camberis, T.J. Hiller, Jim Sutton (Captain), Brian Faustin (Captain), Antoine Aguido (Captain), Head Coach Tom Fitzpatrick, Assistant Coach Rich Mills, JV Head Coach Curt Russell, and Assistant Coach Randy Pawlyk

2002-2003 Boys Basketball Team
Tim Light (Manager), Geoff Lerner, Luke Avolese, David Orechia, Russell Hamilton, Mike Pelosi, Sean Mcarthy, Matt Ross (Captain), Nick Carter (Captain), Augi Abetello, Aaron Banks, Jim O'neill, Antione Agudio (Captain), Head Coach Tom Fitzpatrick, Assistant Coach Rich Mills, JV Head Coach Curt Russell, 9th Grade Head Coach Eric Caballero, and Assistant Coach Randy Pawlyk