William Floyd dedicates football field to celebrated varsity coach
The district officially renamed the Lincoln Avenue field in honor of former head coach Paul Longo, who stepped down in December after 31 years with the team.
A longtime Suffolk County football coach received a lasting tribute at the school’s varsity stadium on Saturday.
The William Floyd School District officially renamed the Lincoln Avenue field in honor of former head coach Paul Longo.
Longo spent 31 years in Mastic Beach, cementing his legacy as the winningest public high school football coach in Suffolk’s history.
As News 12 reported, the legendary mentor stepped down last December after three decades at the helm of the Colonials’ program.
During his extraordinary career, Longo led the school to 15 Suffolk County Championships and five Long Island Championships, as well as a county record of 42 consecutive wins between 2005 and 2008.
“Throughout his tenure, Coach Longo mentored generations of student-athletes, instilling hard work, character, sportsmanship, pride, and a commitment to excellence,” reads the plaque presented during a ceremony before the school’s matchup against Walt Whitman.
“For thirty-one years, Coach Longo built more than a championship football program—he helped shape generations of student-athletes and brought tremendous pride to our community,” said alumnus and former player, Legislator Jim Mazzarella.
