Q&A with New Athletic Director Dennis Maloney

Sayville Patch recently sat down for with new Sayville Athletic Director Dennis Maloney, who took over for long time Athletic Director Charley Delargy, to talk a little bit about himself, discuss the new budget and the status of Sayville athletics.

How will the upcoming budget effect athletics in general this upcoming year?

Dennis Maloney: Right now the district office it preparing a new budget to go out for voter approval in May. The process started back in December when we had to hand in our proposals for the athletic, health and physical education departments. It’s now in the hands of the director of district administration to review it and hopefully be able to send it out as is. It’s a very difficult economic time for the state and now knowing exactly how much state aid our school district will receive, it’s really a wait and see until Feb. 1 when the governor sends out his budget.

So you’re not exactly sure which programs will be affected?

DM: I’m hopeful that whatever we have in this year’s budget will be in next year’s budget. We did not increase any budget lines and we didn’t ask for any additions in terms of equipment. We just had to use the existing budget that we had this year in the same regards for next year.

So hopefully there will be no cuts and no additions?

DM: Right. It’s a zero increase within the athletic budget but within that budget you can move money around to programs within the department that need new uniforms or may need additional equipment.

What is your opinion of the athletic department overall and the success of the some of its sports programs?

DM: The fall season was outstanding. The boys soccer team was . The varsity football team was Conference III champions and e in the Long Island Championship. Our was also conference champions and lost their championship game in a shootout. The girls team was league champions and lost in the county finals.  They had a great year. All of our varsity athlete teams were scholar athletes in the fall were , which means that each team had a combined 3.5 GPA. This is the second year in a row that all of our teams received the scholar athlete award.  We are one of two schools to receive it from New York State. 

So far this winter, teams are competing hard. There’s an outside chance that our boys basketball team will make the playoffs. The girls are playing very well, but they are playing in a very difficult league. Our program is probably wrestling the most difficult league in Suffolk County. You’ll see some individuals place in the Suffolk County championships and leagues that come out next week. Our boys and girls track team are also doing very well.

What do we have to look forward to in the Spring?

DM: It’s going to be another exciting time for us I think. Our boys lacrosse team will be competing for a championship. I think our girls lacrosse team will be right there. Our baseball is very good, our softball team is very good, and our track team is very good. This is probably one of the most competitive programs in Suffolk County, both academically and athletically. It’s really an opportunity where our kids play multiple sports throughout the year and they don’t just look at one. I think that makes them better athletes and to tell you the truth, they all compete very hard.

What’s one sport that you’re particularly proud of?

DM: I guess I’m like a parent. I don’t have a favorite. Our teams are well coached and we have some great coaches here. The put in all the time in the world and our kids know what to expect. They work out throughout the entire year to be able to represent Sayville High School.

You’re relatively new to the athletic department here. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career.

DM: I’ve been in education for 22 years.  I started as a teacher, coach, and later an administrator at Bay Shore school district. In 2000 I went to East Islip as the director of health and athletics. Later, I spent a number of years in the district office and was fortunate enough to move to the Middle Country school district as the athletic director.  As of October 1, I came here to Sayville where I’m very very happy. I’ve had nothing but support from a great group of coaches and teachers.  The administration has been extremely supportive and helpful in terms of my transition. 

I have very difficult shoes to fill taking over for Charley Delargy.  Joe Buderman was here for a short period of time while I was still at Middle Country and as a transition. So there is a great support staff here, and you really know that you can do your job and they will be there to help in any capacity possible. I have two great secretaries, in Pietrina Patrizi and Diana Gozoloff. It allows me to go out and be in the background and watch some great kids and coaches compete.

How many games do you usually attend each week?

DM: I try to get to every single home game.  I do travel and try to get to football games on Saturdays, but I go to every game.

What sports did you used to coach?

DM: I coached varsity baseball for 10 years at Bay Shore High School.  I was also a football coach for 3 years and then I spent 7 years as at the Merchant Marine Academy in King’s Point as a football coach.

Is there anything that you’d like to add?

DM: I just think that being given the opportunity to be the athletic director here at Sayville is great. I know that every day great people, great teachers, and a great group of kids surround me and that makes it very enjoyable.