Wantagh coach nets 300th win

In his 23-year coaching career at Wantagh High School, Stan Bujacich already has back-to-back county championships under his belt and has recently added another milestone — 300 wins.

Bujacich won his 300th game as coach of the varsity girls’ basketball team on Dec. 22, a 53-21 decision over New Hyde Park. As the accomplishment neared, he said he didn’t give it too much thought, as his focus is on returning the team to the playoffs. “As the season goes on, you really don’t think about it,” he said. “I’m kind of a humble guy. I just go about my business.”

The team has won three straight conference championships, and Bujacich and the girls are seeking a fourth this year. Under his leadership, Wantagh won the county title in 2005 and 2006, and although the team fell short in the Long Island Championships both years, he said it was a good experience for the players.

“Reaching 300 wins is a well-deserved accomplishment for Coach Bujacich,” said Athletic Director Jennifer Keane. “‘Coach B.’ is a dedicated and hardworking individual both on and off the court. He has entered a distinguished category among the coaching ranks.”

Bujacich, who took the reins in the 1993-94 season, deflects much of the credit to his players. “We’ve had a multitude of very good athletes,” he said. “They want to do well. They put in the time.”

He said he has had a variety of players, from those who play only basketball to two- and three-sport athletes, and all high-caliber individuals. Bujacich said his expectation for his players is that they work hard to get the most out of their abilities. As a coach, he said, it is important to treat everyone fairly, to be consistent and to be approachable.

Bujacich said that one of the most rewarding parts of the job is when his players can continue their success at a higher level, and noted that three students from last year’s team went on to play college basketball.

One of them is Alex Parlato, who played for Bujacich for six years and is now suiting up for Fordham University. On a break from school, she was present for his milestone win, though she didn’t know it was the 300th until someone told her later. “He completely deserves it,” Parlato said. “He works so hard.”

Parlato called Bujacich a dedicated, defense-minded coach who was always well prepared for games. She cited his infectious passion for the game and his patience, particularly with the younger players.

“We not only wanted to win for us,” she said, “we wanted to win for him.”

Credit also belongs to the assistant coaches he has had over the years, Bujacich said. His current staff includes a pair of former players — Erin Colton, who graduated in 2000, and Jackie Sileo, who graduated in 2010.

“Coach B.’s love and dedication for the game of basketball is incomparable,” Colton said. “He has a passion that is infectious, and a determination that’s undeniable. And it shows through his team, every year.”

Bujacich has been a phys. ed. teacher in the district since 1982, starting at the elementary level and moving to the high school in 1988. He teaches many of the students he coaches.

He thanked the district’s administration for allowing him to coach for more than two decades. With its continued support, and as long as Bujacich remains healthy and happy in the job, he will keep leading the girls and adding to his already impressive win total. “Once you stop enjoying it,” he said, “then it’s time to leave.”

He doesn’t see that time coming any time soon.