The Wheatley School’s varsity boys soccer team has been recognized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association for academic excellence.
The Scholar/Athlete Recognition Award Program, which was initiated by NYPHSAA 19 years ago, recognizes athletic teams from across the state for the exemplary academic performance of its team members. Based upon a composite of the grade point averages among team members, team champions are selected for each varsity sport from those high schools entering the competition.
The Wheatley School's team achieved an average of 97.257, which was the highest boy’s soccer team academic average in the state. For this achievement the team was declared winners of the Scholar/Athlete Team Recognition competition. Athletes had to balance the demands of a rigorous academic schedule with the long hours of practice and competition, required to successfully compete in interscholastic athletics at the varsity level.
The team also enjoyed its most successful season in four years, finishing 6-3-3 in the league and reaching the semifinals of the Class B Nassau County Championship. Former Long Island Rough Riders player Steve Cadet is the coach.
Wheatley's roster boasts 17 players who have played for the Albertson Soccer Club, 13 of which are still on club rosters.
The Wheatley team:
Jake Butwin (captain), Kieran Lang (captain), Mike Merlo (captain), Landon Baker, Alex Butwin, Taisei Chiba, Charley Cooper, Andre Covas, Brett Feldman, John Fives, Evan Greenberg, Sean Kirschner, Jon Kowalycak, Perry Laub, Joey Mazzola, Eric Orlogio, Oliver Parizat, Jon Reshef, Zach Rogers, William Schiela, Dylan Sherman and Phil Lima