Elmont High to get sports upgrades

Elmont Memorial High School is already a great place for students to display their athletic prowess. Soon, thanks to a state grant for $90,000, students and fans will be able to take advantage of even more — with a revitalized weight room and the addition of a combination announcer’s booth and concession stand to the school’s outdoor track and baseball fields.

The funding was provided by state Assemblyman Tom Alfano, who secured it during the state’s budgeting process as part of his commitment to local educational initiatives.

With the funding, Elmont’s PTSA will be able to raise more money at games by utilizing a more efficient concessions operation. As well, students athlete’s who were using older equipment in the weight room can participate in more advanced training regimens.

“These new additions to our high schools will enhance the High School

experience for our young people and build upon other projects I was

able to secure for our students,” said Alfano, who helped to secure the funds during the state budgeting process. “The projects at Elmont Memorial High School were sorely needed and I am very pleased to have teamed up with parents, Principal John Capozzi and the Elmont Memorial High School community.”

The new weight room was something students at the school — particularly members of the football and lacrosse teams — had lobbied for in the past, according to Alfano.

“Over the past couple of years, players from the football and lacrosse programs visited with me and discussed the need at the school,” Alfano added. “I’m glad I was able to help them out. They can’t wait for the stuff to come and they’ve challenged me to come down and use the equipment with them.”

While the assemblyman likely won’t be pumping any iron, the school was grateful he was able to do the heavy-lifting in state government to secure funds.

“This is very exciting for our students,” said Elmont Memorial Principal John Capozzi “We’ve wanted to renovate the weight room for quite some time for our student athletes. Now that dream is a reality.”

The weight room isn’t the only area students will be enjoying. The Elmont PTSA will soon break ground on a new combination concession stand and announcer’s booth in Elmont’s outdoor fields, a building addition that will allow the team’s at the school to generate more revenue, and also provide a more exciting experience for fans and alumni with a new sound system.

The concession stand/announcer’s booth will be located between the track and baseball fields on the Dutch Broadway side of Elmont’s athletic grounds. There’s no exact timetable for completion, but plans are drawn up and construction is scheduled to begin in earnest in the next few months.

Student athletes at the school are already excited.

“I can’t wait to try the new equipment,” said Elmont junior Charles Dimoh. “It will really help my game to lift on the new machines.”

Dominique Williams, a senior basketball player for Elmont, said the projects renewed the spirit of competition and teamwork in every athletic program.

“Elmont Memorial is a great school and these two projects are just going to make it better.”