It wasn’t your typical ‘fair’ at Peekskill High School’s gymnasium Monday, December 2 where students milled around looking at various careers and speaking with representatives promoting their profession. Instead, parents and students alike walked around visiting tables that coaches of modified, junior varsity and varsity teams had set up in their respective sports. It was an opportunity for parents and athletes to speak with coaches and learn more about them. 

“We really wanted it to be less formal with our coaches this year. I wanted our families to see our coaches as people and have good conversations,” said Peekskill Athletic Director Austin Goldberg. 

In addition, earlier in the day, varsity athletes and coaches, all lined up at the high school gymnasium to get their pictures taken, part of the schools Media Day initiative. Media Day, which was first brought to the high school in 2022, allows students and coaches the opportunity to take part in a professional photoshoot in their athletic gear and uniforms. This experience allows student athletes to feel like professional athletes and create photos they can carry with them forever.

“We always thought it was super important to promote our students and athletics and all the really positive things our students do,” said Goldberg when commenting on Media Day.

2024/25 season expectations, rules, and notes

Over 70 audience members were led through a powerpoint presentation by Athletic Director Austin Goldberg at the start of Meet the Coaches evening.

Some highlights include:

All student athletes must be registered on Final Forms in order to participate in any sport during any season.

• Individuals who wish to stay up to date with games or team schedules can do so by visiting the Peekskill Athletics website.
• Students who wish not to take school transportation to away games, will need to have their parents sign transportation release forms.
• All teams are year-to-year. If a student makes a team one year, that does not mean they are guaranteed a spot next year.
• Playing time is never guaranteed at any athletic level within the district.
• All students in grades 4,5,6,7 & 8 must be accompanied by their parent/guardian in order to attend any Peekskill City School District athletic event. 
• Furthermore, once students arrive at a game, they must stay at the event. Once they leave the game, they are not permitted to return. This applies to grades 4-12.
• If you wish to discuss a concern with a coach, individuals are allowed to contact coaches via email or phone number to set up an appointment (Information can be found on the Peekskill Athletics website.)
• Individuals should not attempt to confront a coach before, during or after a contest or practice.
• Missing games and practices will have consequences from coaches and the athletic department.
• Students who wish to pursue college sports, need to set up a meeting with Ms. Gordineer and Mr. Fernandez at the high school.
• Parents, who believe they have an exceptional young athlete who would like to challenge into a higher athletic level, are asked to contact Anthony Dicuio ([email protected]) the person in charge of the Athletic Placement Process. 

Spectator sportsmanship and treatment of officials were two topics that Goldberg emphasized during his presentation. They are important for the Peekskill community to follow. “We want to make our home games the best environment for visitors and our officials,” he said.

While Peekskill teams have received various sportsmanship awards in recent years, spectator sportsmanship and poor treatment of officials continue to be an issue nationwide. so much so that the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has seen a shortage of officials in recent years, with the treatment of officials being a major factor. According to a 2022 NFHS survey, approximately 50,000 individuals have discontinued their service as high school officials since the 2018-19 season. 

Goldberg said that during the past season, Peekskill athletes were witness to the official shortage, with many games having to be officiated by coaches and competitive games either cancelled or turned into friendlies. For this reason, the Peekskill City School District is continuing their efforts to guarantee a safe environment at games for coaches, players, spectators, and officials. 

Negative comments and inappropriate behavior at games will be addressed promptly by school supervisors and administrators. Spectators exhibiting such behavior may be prohibited from attending current and future events. Spectators may also be directed to leave the event if necessary. (If the individual refuses, the event will be paused until the individual exits the premises.)

Spectators who are parents will be removed from an event and will face a minimum penalty of completing the NFHS Parent Credential course or a one-game suspension. Proof of completion must be provided to the athletic department. Goldberg states that these are requirements from Section 1 and Peekskill could enforce more serious penalties if needed.

Families with questions are encouraged to contact Athletic Director Austin Goldberg ([email protected]) or assistant Karen Siciliano ([email protected]).

Meet the Coaches: Wrestling, Boys and Girls Basketball

The Peekskill Varsity Boys Basketball team is gearing up for their season opener next week. The defending Section 1 champions and regional finalists are doing everything in their power to ensure they have another positive campaign this season. The team is led by head coach Tyrone Searight and assistant coach Daquan Brickhouse. Last year, Searight was named Coach of the Year by Lohud for his efforts in helping bring home Peekskill’s first gold ball since 2009.

“Our goal is to just take every game, one game at a time. This season isn’t like last year. Obviously, we lost about 3 to 4 seniors, so that takes a huge hit on our program but we have some returning players and newcomers who will try to help us get back to where we left off last year,” said assistant coach Daquan Brickhouse.

In preparation for their season opener, on top of regular intense practices, the Peekskill boys have taken part in three scrimmages against North Rockland and Brewster, Beacon and Newburgh, and Haldane and Westlake. 

“These scrimmages are helping us find our personnel – what players fit best with each other on the floor – and it’s helping our new guys actually learn our plays and get used to fast paced games,” said Brickhouse. The boys will have one final scrimmage against Mamaroneck High School on Saturday, Dec. 7 before their first game of the season. 

Fans should keep an eye out for returning star players, Jaden Chavis, Isaiah Crawford, and Marquette Webster, who will be called upon by their teammates and the Peekskill community to replicate their heroics from last season. 

The Peekskill Varsity Boys Basketball team’s season opener will be against Tappan Zee on Monday, Dec. 9, at Tappan Zee High School at 4:30 p.m. The Red Devils will also play Lakeland on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Peekskill High School at 4:30 p.m. 

Girls Basketball 

This 2024-25 season will be Nyrie Holliman’s first full season as head coach of the Peekskill Varsity Girls Basketball team. Holliman, who was assistant coach last year but had to take over midway through the season, is hoping to build upon the foundation she set last season. She coached the Peekskill modified girls basketball team prior to joining the varsity program.

Holliman played on the Peekskill varsity girls basketball team for five years before graduating in 2017.

According to Holliman, last season the Peekskill girls finished with a record of nine wins and five losses in league play, and ten wins and 12 losses overall. “It was a season of growth, both on and off the court. The team developed stronger chemistry and built bonds that not only enhanced their performance but also deepened their commitment to one another and the program,” said Holliman in a statement to the Herald.  

The Peekskill girls team consists of 14 players, a few are returning players and many are new and developing players. In preparation for their first game of the season, the Peekskill girls have been participating in a few scrimmages, most recently against Yonkers on Monday, Dec. 2. According to Holliman, the girls performed well during the scrimmage, winning five out of six periods. “It was exciting to see their hard work pay off and we’re looking forward to building on this momentum as the season continues,” she said.

Fans of the Peekskill girls should keep an eye out for junior Amari Murphy, who is 131 points from 1,000 varsity points, according to a published report. 

Holliman says her goals for the season are to improve on last year’s record and to continue developing the team’s skills and confidence. “We’re focused on building a strong foundation for the program by fostering a culture of hard work, dedication, and teamwork that will carry us forward for years to come,” she added.

The girls first game will be against Sleepy Hollow on Thursday, Dec. 5 at Sleepy Hollow High School at 6:45 p.m. 

Wrestling 

Peekskill High School Physical Education and Health teacher Andre Lee is the new head coach of the school’s varsity wrestling program. Lee hopes to continue to attract interest in the program and build upon the foundation set by former coach Raul Ortiz.

This is Lee’s third year in the district. While new to Peekskill High School, Lee is no stranger in the sport of wrestling. Lee is a former All-Conference wrestler at Springfield College. He was previously the head varsity wrestling coach at Washingtonville High School for 13 years. 

During his tenure at Washingtonville, Lee was able to win more than 175 dual meets as head coach. In addition, he coached over 40 all-section wrestlers, six section 9 champions, nine individuals that reached NYS qualifiers, and three NYS placers. Lee was recognized as a Section 9 Coach of the Year.

Lee says the Peekskill community should look out for Tony Monchinski (145/152 lbs weight class), Tommaso Sodano (160-170 lbs weight class), and Kedwind Ramos (190 lbs weight class), all of whom are senior captions and expected leave a mark this campaign. Lee has been impressed with sophomore Stephen Cordero (152/160 lbs weight class), who he says could have a breakout season this year. 

The teams first competition will be a dual meet against FDR-Hyde Park at Franklin D. Roosevelt High School on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 5 p.m.