Empire Challenge 2011

Publisher / CeO Paul CoraceexeCutive editOr N.J. ComanzoseniOr viCe President / events MiChael J. BusCeMiCOntributing editOr Natalie WaiNWright COntributing editOr Mary aNN riNkleff

seniOr PrOduCer / editOr JessiCa PetersseniOr sPOrts editOr JOse luis COvarrubiassPOrts editOr MiChael brOwningart direCtOr Jeyathas POnnuthuraigraPhiC artists Kaitie MOnda adriana KiJKOMedia COrresPOndent nadine O’FarrellvideO editOrs eriK sChlenKer niCK herMs MiChael saMuels MiChael MCinerneydistributiOn Manager riChard brOOKs

COrPOrate attOrney

peter b. gierer

COntributing writers

luis grondagene Morris dr. tom ferraro Bob falkenburgh jaclynkelli kronemberg alessandra Malito matt zylbertken ryanjoe pietarokevin adler

COntributing PhOtOgraPhers

Morgan harrisonsam barretoadil borlucaPhilip hall

COver PhOtOgraPher

adil borluca

how to Contact usPhone: 1-800-680-3213 Fax: 631-261-7968

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Ultimate Athlete Magazine (ISSN 1931-5295) is published 12 times a year by Ultimate Athlete, Inc., 40 Woodbine Avenue, Northport, New York 11768. All contents copyright 2009 by Ultimate Athlete, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or part of the content without the prior written consent of Ultimate Athlete, Inc. is strictly prohibited. All logos and trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. Although the writers and the publisher have exhaustively researched all sources to ensure the accuracy and the completeness of the information contained in this publication, we assume no responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions, or any inconsistency herein. The opinions expressed in all materials are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of Ultimate Athlete, Inc or Long Island’s Ultimate Athlete Magazine.

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SHUTTER

>>>SPEED

a look BackLong Island’s Kenny Barnett looks to turn the corner on New York City defender Will Crapo as the skies open up in the 2010 Empire Challenge.

PHOTO BY ADIL BORLUCA

>>> a look Back

Members of the New York City team pose for a celebratory team photoafter a 15-10 victory in the 2010 Empire Challenge.

PHOTO BY ADIL BORLUCA

SHUTTERSPEED

empire cHallenGe GameDaY eVenT GUiDe

The 2011 UnitedHealthcare empire challenge is the kickoff to change.

The players have finished an outstanding high school football career and

will now embark on a new chapter in their lives. it is also the kickoff to a

new year of supporting youth football, college scholarships, and the cys-

tic fibrosis community.









new year of supporting youth football, college scholarships, and the cys-

tic fibrosis community.

15 Welcome to Hofstra

8 Game History

1 7 pregame & Game Time

10 letter from Boomer

19 TV coverage & Game staff

21 rules of the Game

GAMEDAY

22 Hewlett’s niv sultan

30 Brian mulligan : spirit award

FEATURES

12 Welcome from UnitedHealthcare

53 Game officials & Trainers

56 awards & Honors

55 cheerleading squads

50 coaches

48 long island players

43 kickoff to postgame schedule

4 4 new York city players

46 player roster

34 cystic fibrosis center

38 new Utrecht’s Jordan paul

GAMEFACES

insider

59 Boomer esiason foundation

61 scholarships

63 Bef in the cf community

67 Become a lifesaver

65 fighting cystic fibrosis

73 Thank You

GAMEPLAN

conTenTs

New York City 10

Long Island (OT) 7

Long Island 20

New York City 19

Game History

empirecHallenGe.com

Long Island 7

New York City 6

Long Island 44

New York City 7

New York City 35

Long Island 27

New York City 15

Long Island 10

New York City 21

Long Island 20

Long Island 31

New York City 14

Long Island 21

New York City 14

This high school all-star football game was created because Boomer Esiason wanted to give back to the community where he was raised

with a sport he passionately loves, while also supporting his foundation. The game originally started in 1996 as the Heroes Bowl, based

on the former name of the Boomer Esiason Foundation (Boomer Esiason Heroes Foundation), with only Suffolk and Nassau coun-

ties competing. In 1998, Outback Steakhouse became the game’s title sponsor. Over the years, the event continues to get bigger

and better. Now, more than 10,000 fans watch senior high school all-stars from New York City and Long Island battle for the

UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge Cup. Fans, players, volunteers and all who are involved in this special event enjoy

everlasting memories while supporting three good causes: New York area youth football, the Foundation’s support of the

cystic fibrosis community, and the Gunnar H. Esiason Endowed Scholarship at Hofstra.

’96Suffolk County 27

Nassau County 18

’98Long Island 28

New York City 14

’00Long Island 23

New York City 18

GamE HisToryinsider

’97 Nassau County 12

Suffolk County 0

’99New York City 13

Long Island 12

’01 New York City 17

Long Island 10

Find Game Facts, Highlights, mVP Honors, award

info., Game rules, Press releases, sponsorship

info., & much much more at...

Empire Challenge | 20118


Long Island (OT) 7

’06Long Island 20

New York City 19

Game History

empirecHallenGe.com

’03Long Island 7

New York City 6

’05Long Island 44

New York City 7


Long Island 27


Long Island 10


Long Island 2009Long Island 31

New York City 14,

’02Long Island 21

New York City 14

This high school all-star football game was created because Boomer Esiason wanted to give back to the community where he was raised

with a sport he passionately loves, while also supporting his foundation. The game originally started in 1996 as the Heroes Bowl, based

on the former name of the Boomer Esiason Foundation (Boomer Esiason Heroes Foundation), with only Suffolk and Nassau coun-

ties competing. In 1998, Outback Steakhouse became the game’s title sponsor. Over the years, the event continues to get bigger

and better. Now, more than 10,000 fans watch senior high school all-stars from New York City and Long Island battle for the

UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge Cup. Fans, players, volunteers and all who are involved in this special event enjoy

everlasting memories while supporting three good causes: New York area youth football, the Foundation’s support of the

cystic fibrosis community, and the Gunnar H. Esiason Endowed Scholarship at Hofstra.

Suffolk County 27

Nassau County 18

Long Island 28

New York City 14

Long Island 23

New York City 18

GamE HisToryinsider

Nassau County 12

Suffolk County 0

New York City 13

Long Island 12

New York City 17

Long Island 10

Find Game Facts, Highlights, mVP Honors, award

info., Game rules, Press releases, sponsorship

info., & much much more at...

EC INSIDER Event Guide 9

Dear Fans,

Welcome to the 16th Annual UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge – one of my favorite nights of the year.

What started as a small, local football game has become America’s fi nest high school all-star match-up, and I am very proud of how the event has grown and gained recognition over the years. We are here tonight to highlight the strength of the high school football programs and players in our area. This is one of the most well-played well-coached and well-received events of its kind in the country.

Welcome

Welcome from Boomer

In addition to helping us recognize and celebrate some of the most talented high school athletes in the region, you are lending your support to vital programs in our own community. The proceeds from tonight’s Empire Challenge benefi t a scholarship at Hofstra University, as well as youth football and high school athletic

programs throughout New York. The funding provides critical support to these programs, and I appreciate your contribution.

For the young men playing in tonight’s game, this is the end of a rich chapter in their lives and the beginning of a new one that holds endless possibilities. I want to personally congratulate all of these athletes on high school football careers well-played, and to wish them luck in their future endeavors.

One reason the Empire Challenge is such a high-caliber event are the people and companies who help make it happen. Special thanks go out to UnitedHealthcare, Under Armour, Outback Steakhouse, the New York

Jets, USA Football, Madison Square Garden Network, MSG Varsity, Hofstra University and Port Jefferson Sports for their ongoing and enthusiastic support. I also want to thank my staff and the many volunteers who consistently go the extra mile to ensure this event is as successful and enjoyable as possible.

Finally, thank you again for your participation in the Empire Challenge. As the family and friends of these talented student-athletes, you provide the support they need to excel both on and off the fi eld. This special night is for you too, and I truly hope you enjoy the game.

With warm regards,

Boomer Esiason

insider

10 Empire Challenge | 2011

Welcome

Dear fans,

Welcome to the 2011 UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge.We are entering our fi rst year as the title sponsor of the Empire Challenge and we are proud to partner with the

Boomer Esiason Foundation, an organization that shares our commitment to helping individuals, especially young people, live healthier lives. Now in its 16th year, the Empire Challenge has made great strides in the fi ght against cystic fi brosis and in its support of youth football in the New York Metropolitan area.

We are committed to supporting critical health initiatives—which is why our partnership in this event is so important to us. Our New York team, which includes more than 3,500 UnitedHealthcare employees in 18 offi ces statewide, 10 of which are located in New York City and on Long Island, aims to fi nd smart ways to promote better health in the communities where our 3.4 million New York members live and work.

The Empire Challenge recognizes the best high school football players in the area and the dollars raised help fund cystic fi brosis research as well as support local youth sports programs to help kids get active. By providing children the opportunity to play, we can help encourage them to grow up to be “all-stars of health.”

We also want to thank Outback Steakhouse and Hofstra University, whose collaboration is critical to the ongoing success of the Empire Challenge. When we all work together, we can make a real difference in the lives of others.

Have a great time this evening, and we look forward to some great football.

Sincerely,

William J. GoldenChief Executive Offi cerUnitedHealthcare of New York

insider


at Hofstra, I got street smart

As a child Edwin Raagas was mesmerized by the excitement of Wall Street. As an intern with the

New York Stock Exchange, he headed to the street to experience the excitement of a budding career.

Edwin Raagas ’10B.B.A., Marketing

It’s more than just a degree. It’s a superior education, a full college experience, access to state-of-the-art resources and facilities, and a network of peers and mentors. At Hofstra University, recognized by The Princeton Review’s Best Colleges and Fiske Guide, you’ll discover your strengths and nurture your talents with renowned faculty in small classes on a vibrant campus close to New York City with a worldwide network of successful alumni.

Find out more @ hofstra.edu/admission

Ad Raagas_Boomer2011.indd 1 5/13/11 11:20 AM

WelcomeGAMEDAY

June 21, 2011 is more than a football game. it’s a full day of fun and excitement. The day starts with fanfest for kids of all ages, TV coverage by madison square Garden, a Vip tailgate sponsored by outback steakhouse, along with live entertainment to get everyone excited for kickoff! above: Stuart Rabinowitz,

President Hofstra University

Welcome to Hofstra University for the UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge.

Welcome to Hofstra University for the UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge.

Hofstra University is proud to once again welcome our good friend Boomer Esiason and the Boomer Esiason Foundation to Hofstra for this exciting all-star game showcas-ing the fi nest high school football players from Long Island and New York City. But as you know, this is more than a sporting event. It is an important annual fundraiser for the fi ght against cystic fi brosis, an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States.

Money raised tonight will go to the Boomer Esiason Foundation and to other wor-thy causes. It is a privilege to host this great event at Hofstra’s James M. Shuart Sta-dium. We appreciate your presence on campus tonight and hope that you will return to our campus often.

Enjoy the evening.

Sincerely,

Stuart Rabinowitz, PresidentHofstra University144 Hofstra UniversityHempstead, NY 11549-1440

Prepping for GameDayBy Kevin Adler

It’s three hours before the Em-pire Challenge kickoff. Hofstra Uni-versity workers and volunteers move quickly throughout James M. Shuart Sta-dium. There are banners and advertising signs to hang, programs and t-shirts to distribute, and concession stands to open. Plus, there’s a fi eld and sidelines to get ready, and a hundred other things that have to be just right. The Hofstra athletic facilities staff prepare all spring to accommodate the all-star football players and coaches, as well as the 10,000 fans who come to enjoy the Empire Challenge. It’s game time, and the stadium is ready. Thousands of people have settled in to enjoy John Amirante’s rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” and the unfurling of the huge American fl ag. The players and coaches are pumped. The cameras are rolling, the cheerleaders are prancing, and the announcers are doing their thing. It’s as fl awless as a Vince Lombardi-era Green Bay Packer sweep. The Hofs-tra staff has done it again.

15EC INSIDER Event Guide

Visit our website to find the location nearest you!

40 Locations New York, New Jersey & Connecticut

Tonight’s National Anthem

John Amirante will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” for this year’s Em-pire Challenge. John is the National Anthem singer for the New York Rangers. He has released numerous recordings and has performed all over the United States.

The cannon shot heard after every score is provided by the Huntington Militia. Established in 1653, it is the official colonial guard of the Town of Huntington.

Color Guard

The Color Guard is from: The NY Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing, FS Gabreski Air National Guard Base, West-hampton Beach, NY.

Pregame Activities

Game Time Activities

FanFest

Outback Steakhouse Tailgate

Ultimate Athlete Sports Expo

Earlier today, fans of all ages were able to participate in Fan-Fest at the James M. Shuart stadium parking lot. FanFest featured Generation Jets Fest, the New York Jets’ interactive theme park that in-cluded inflatable rides, giveaways and fun for the whole family. Event fans kicked field goals, raced through the obstacle challenge and tested their passing skills.

For the third year in a row, Ultimate Athlete Magazine will be presenting a multi-dimen-sional Sports Expo dedicated to showcasing all of the newest and hottest sports equipment and apparel in the sports world, as well as the ever-popular action sports arena. The UA Sports Expo, which will be free for all ticket holders, will include sports fashion shows, a live music stage, and a wide range of other activities sure to keep the whole family enter-tained.

Fusing together all of the successes of the Em-pire Challenge with the many exciting new as-pects of the UA Sports Expo will surely make this event a point of destination for all families and football fans alike.

Thanks to everyone at the

New York Jets organization

for their support of the

Boomer Esiason Foundation

Activities

This pregame party was a great way to kickoff the day’s football fun. At James M. Shuart sta-

dium parking lot, Outback Steakhouse provid-ed all the tailgate needs while fans enjoyed live entertainment by Arcadia.

Admission to the tailgate supports tonight’s fundrasing efforts. Remember to purchase yours next year.

>>>>

>>>>

GAMEDAY

Tonight’s National Anthem

John Amirante will perform “The Star-Spangled Banner” for this year’s Em-pire Challenge. John is the National Anthem singer for the New York Rangers. He has released numerous recordings and has performed all over the United States.

The cannon shot heard after every score is provided by the Huntington Militia. Established in 1653, it is the official colonial guard of the Town of Huntington.

Color Guard

The Color Guard is from: The NY Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing, FS Gabreski Air National Guard Base, West-hampton Beach, NY.

Pregame Activities

Game Time Activities

FanFest

Outback Steakhouse Tailgate

Ultimate Athlete Sports Expo

Earlier today, fans of all ages were able to participate in Fan-Fest at the James M. Shuart stadium parking lot. FanFest featured Generation Jets Fest, the New York Jets’ interactive theme park that in-cluded inflatable rides, giveaways and fun for the whole family. Event fans kicked field goals, raced through the obstacle challenge and tested their passing skills.

For the third year in a row, Ultimate Athlete Magazine will be presenting a multi-dimen-sional Sports Expo dedicated to showcasing all of the newest and hottest sports equipment and apparel in the sports world, as well as the ever-popular action sports arena. The UA Sports Expo, which will be free for all ticket holders, will include sports fashion shows, a live music stage, and a wide range of other activities sure to keep the whole family enter-tained.

Fusing together all of the successes of the Em-pire Challenge with the many exciting new as-pects of the UA Sports Expo will surely make this event a point of destination for all families and football fans alike.

Thanks to everyone at the

New York Jets organization

for their support of the


Gabreski Air National Guard Base, West-

Activities

This pregame party was a great way to kickoff the day’s football fun. At James M. Shuart sta-

dium parking lot, Outback Steakhouse provid-ed all the tailgate needs while fans enjoyed live entertainment by Arcadia.

Admission to the tailgate supports tonight’s fundrasing efforts. Remember to purchase yours next year.

>>>>

>>>>

GAMEDAY


Tonight’s UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge will be televised on the MSG Plus+ Network, MSG Network, and MSG Varsity.

Air dates:

Friday June 24th: 7:00 PM (MSG Varsity)

Sunday, June 26th: 9:00 AM (MSG Varsity)

Saturday, July 2nd: 1:00 PM (MSG)

Sunday, July 10th: 2:00 PM (MSG+)

Game Coverage CrewOver the years, the following sports analysts and re-porters have provided unique insights on the United-Healthcare Empire Challenge. From the sidelines to the media booths, their coverage gives fans nationwide the opportunity to experience what has become America’s finest high school all-star football game.

Coverage & Staff

Television Coverage Game Staff

Game AdministratorsThe UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge game chairman and coordinators go to great lengths to make the event well organized and successful. Along with the Boomer Esiason Foundation staff, these individuals oversee everything from coor-dinating practice schedules and managing ticket money to arranging transportation for coaches and players.

Kenny AlbertPlAy-by-PlAy

Carl ReuterSidEliNE REPoRTER

Marty LyonsColoR ANAlyST

Mike QuickColoR ANAlyST

Tara PetrolinoSidEliNE REPoRTER

Larry RothCooRdiNATiNG PRodUCER

Chairman Emeritus: boomer EsiasonCoordinating Producer: Michael buscemiProduction Assistant: Rich Hahn

Team doctorsNew york City Team:dr. Philipp Underwood, M.d.Associate Program DirectorNorth Shore University Hospital - Manhasset, NY

long island Team:Maurice J. Chianese, M.d.Chief, PediatricsProHEALTH Care - Lake Success, NY

Michael yorio, M.d.Section Chief - Division of Primary Care SportsProHEALTH Care - Lake Success, NY

Equipment StaffAlec BliebergDerek Blieberg

Executive Producer Michael LardnerSenior Coordinating Producer Marty EhrlichVP of Studio/Remote operations Sean Kennedydirector of Studio/Remote operations Bryan ButlerCoordinating Producer Larry RothGame Producer Russ RelkinGame director Sean ManganPre Game Producer Will SanchezPre Game director Keith Noto

GAMEDAY

Peter BliebergGAME CHAiRMAN

My own quest is to find extraordinary peoplewho can do extraordinary things.

- Boomer Esiason

““

WE salutE thE BoomEr Esiason Foundation For its ExcEptional aBility to opEn doors, hEarts and minds WhilE

raising Funds and aWarEnEss For cystic FiBrosis rEsEarch.

16th Anniversary United Healthcare Empire Challenge Long Island vs NYC High School All-Star Game airs on MSG Varsity,

MSG Network and MSG Plus.

June 24 • 7pm, June 26 • 9am July 2 • 1pm July 10 • 2pm

Tonight’s UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge will be televised on the MSG Plus+ Network, MSG Network, and MSG Varsity.

Air dates:

Friday June 24th: 7:00 PM (MSG Varsity)

Sunday, June 26th: 9:00 AM (MSG Varsity)

Saturday, July 2nd: 1:00 PM (MSG)

Sunday, July 10th: 2:00 PM (MSG+)

Game Coverage CrewOver the years, the following sports analysts and re-porters have provided unique insights on the United-Healthcare Empire Challenge. From the sidelines to the media booths, their coverage gives fans nationwide the opportunity to experience what has become America’s finest high school all-star football game.

Coverage & Staff

Television Coverage Game Staff

Game AdministratorsThe UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge game chairman and coordinators go to great lengths to make the event well organized and successful. Along with the Boomer Esiason Foundation staff, these individuals oversee everything from coor-dinating practice schedules and managing ticket money to arranging transportation for coaches and players.

Kenny AlbertPlAy-by-PlAy

Carl ReuterSidEliNE REPoRTER

Marty LyonsColoR ANAlyST

Mike QuickColoR ANAlyST

Tara PetrolinoSidEliNE REPoRTER

Larry RothCooRdiNATiNG PRodUCER

Chairman Emeritus: boomer EsiasonCoordinating Producer: Michael buscemiProduction Assistant: Rich Hahn

Team doctorsNew york City Team:dr. Philipp Underwood, M.d.Associate Program DirectorNorth Shore University Hospital - Manhasset, NY

long island Team:Maurice J. Chianese, M.d.Chief, PediatricsProHEALTH Care - Lake Success, NY

Michael yorio, M.d.Section Chief - Division of Primary Care SportsProHEALTH Care - Lake Success, NY

Equipment StaffAlec BliebergDerek Blieberg

Executive Producer Michael LardnerSenior Coordinating Producer Marty EhrlichVP of Studio/Remote operations Sean Kennedydirector of Studio/Remote operations Bryan ButlerCoordinating Producer Larry RothGame Producer Russ RelkinGame director Sean ManganPre Game Producer Will SanchezPre Game director Keith Noto

GAMEDAY

Peter BliebergGAME CHAiRMAN


Rules

Game/Team Rules1. The game will be offi ciated by one NFL referee and six

college offi cials. 2. Professional hash marks will be used. 3. Each team will be permitted to have three captains

(offensive, defensive, special teams). 4. Quarters will be 15 minutes long. 5. The game clock will run continuously until the last four

minutes of each half. During this time the clock stops on out of bounds plays and incomplete passes.

Offensive Rules1. The offense must have at least one back in the back fi eld at

all times. 2. No shifts. 3. The offense can send a man in motion, except the tight end

who cannot move. 4. A tight end may be fl exed or split out. 5. Absolutely no chop blocks or cut blocking allowed. 6. No crack back blocks by a running back and/or a wide

receiver will be allowed. 7. No unbalanced lines.

Defensive Rules 1. Mandatory Base 4-3-4 Defensive Alignment. 2. The strong side outside linebacker can be over the tight end

on the line of scrimmage, but he cannot rush the quarterback on a pass play, unless the quarterback leaves the pocket.

3. Only the four interior linemen in four point stands may pass rush.

4. Defensive linemen must line heads up to the offensive linemen. They may shade to an eye only. No one may line up in the gaps.

5. The center may not be covered. 6. There will be no blitzes, no slants or no stunts such as twists,

loops, etc. 7. The linebackers must be two yards off the heels of the down

linemen on the snap of the ball. This does not include the outside linebacker covering the tight end.

8. Secondary coverage’s allowed: Cover 3, Man-on-Man. 9. In a prevent defense, a down lineman may be substituted for

a defensive back. 10. The defense can never rush less than three down linemen at

any time. 11. When a tight end is used in a wing alignment, the defense

may cover the tight end on the line of scrimmage with an outside linebacker and move up the strong safety to linebacker depth.

12. Penalties for violating any of the above defensive rules will be as follows: First Time ... Warning by offi cials

Second Time ... Five-yard penalty Third Time ... 15-yard penalty

Short Yardage Situations 1. In a three yards or less situation on third or fourth down, a

double tight end formation may be used by the offense. 2. In the above situation, the defense may cover both tight3. ends at line of scrimmage with outside linebacker, thus

resulting in a 6-1 defensive alignment. 4. Goal line offense will be considered from and within the fi ve-

yard line.

Special Team RulesPunts1. No fake punts. 2. Each team receives a maximum of two punts per half. 3. No rushing the punter. Only four down interior defensive

linemen can rush up the middle of the punting team’s line. 4. A spread punt formation must be utilized. 5. Only two outside “Ball Hawks” may leave on the snap.

Every other player is allowed to go once the ball is kicked. 6. The punt team will be penalized fi ve yards and must replay

the down if anyone but the Ball Hawks release on the snap. Field Goals and PATS1. No one may line up in “A” gaps and the center must remain

uncovered. 2. No one may jump on the back of a teammate in an effort to

block a kick. 3. The offense may fake either a PAT or a fi eld goal. 4. The defense can return a blocked extra point, interception on

a fake PAT or a fumble for two points.

Miscellaneous Rules1. Fumbles may be advanced. 2. In overtime, the ball will start at the 25-yard line. 3. Alternating coin toss at the end of each overtime period. 4. A fumble or interception may not be returned in overtime.

rules of the Game

GAMEDAY


HEWLETT’S NIV SULTAN’S TALENT KNOWS NO BORDERSNI

V SUL

TAN “He developed into the most talented lineman I have ever coached”

Niv Sultan is not your typi-cal six-foot-four 254 lb. high

school football player. No, he isn’t your average lighting-quick defensive line-man built like a compact sedan with physics-defying lateral movement and

school football player. No, he isn’t your average lighting-quick defensive lineman built like a compact sedan with physics-defying lateral movement and

HEWLETT’S NIV SULTAN’S

acceleration. He isn’t your run of the mill blue-chip prospect who receives scholarship offers in the mail like most people get grocery coupons. Ask anyone who knows him; he’s much more than that.


HEWLETT’S NIV SULTAN’S TALENT KNOWS NO BORDERSNI

V SUL

TAN “He developed into the most talented lineman I have ever coached”

Niv Sultan is not your typi-cal six-foot-four 254 lb. high

school football player. No, he isn’t your average lighting-quick defensive line-man built like a compact sedan with physics-defying lateral movement and

acceleration. He isn’t your run of the mill blue-chip prospect who receives scholarship offers in the mail like most people get grocery coupons. Ask anyone who knows him; he’s much more than that.

Aside from a physical specimen, Sultan is

a soft-spoken intellectual and consummate

gentleman who has earned the esteem of

the entire Hewlett community. His extraor-

dinary journey, which will ultimately land

him at Harvard Field this July, was more

circuitous than those of most college-bound

football players. A detour to the rugged grid

irons of Tel Aviv during his junior year is

what makes him distinct amongst this year’s

crop of incoming freshman.

A first generation Israeli American, Sultan

spoke Hebrew and English growing up in his

Hewlett, NY household. His parents, Sammy

and Dana, immigrated from Hod Hasharon,

a city just outside Tel Aviv 20 years ago to

pursue a life as restaurateurs on Long Island.

Most of the Sultans’ family ties are in Israel,

but Sammy and Dana were thriving, and

Niv, a three-sport standout, was a rising star

in the community, making the possibility of

them returning seem distant at best.

Dubbed the “Hebrew Hammer” by his

teammates, Sultan’s size and speed have al-

ways been uncommon. His physical prowess

was evident from a young age, when he first

came to the attention of Hewlett Head Foot-

ball Coach Jay Iaquinta as an eighth grader

power lifting in the Hewlett weight room.

Pushing tremendous weight and mentor-

ing his less physically mature peers, Iaquinta

mistook him for a much older transfer stu-

dent and approached him about trying out

for the team that fall.

“When he told me he was in eighth grade,

I didn’t believe him,” Iaquinta said. “When I

realized I would have him for the next four

years, I could only lick my chops.”

Sultan’s physical ability took off on the

field. Heads and shoulders above his team-

mates and opponents both literally and fig-

uratively, his strength and speed terrorized

opposing offenses as he shined during his

freshman and sophomore seasons.

“He developed into the most talented

lineman I have ever coached,” Iaquinta said.












Dubbed the “Hebrew Hammer” by his

teammates, Sultan’s size and speed have al-

ways been uncommon. His physical prowess

was evident from a young age, when he first

came to the attention of Hewlett Head Foot-

ball Coach Jay Iaquinta as an eighth grader

power lifting in the Hewlett weight room.

Pushing tremendous weight and mentor-

ing his less physically mature peers, Iaquinta

mistook him for a much older transfer stu-

By Mike Brow

ningAside from a physical specimen, Sultan is

a soft-spoken intellectual and consummate

gentleman who has earned the esteem of

the entire Hewlett community. His extraor

dinary journey, which will ultimately land

him at Harvard Field this July, was more

circuitous than those of most college-bound

football players. A detour to the rugged grid

irons of Tel Aviv during his junior year is


crop of incoming freshman.











them returning seem distant at best.

mistook him for a much older transfer stu

dent and approached him about trying out

for the team that fall.

I didn’t believe him,” Iaquinta said. “When I

realized I would have him for the next four

“He developed into the most talented lineman I have ever coached”


NIV S

ULTA

NHis athletic exploits were

matched only by his academic ones. Sultan was just as comfort-able behind a book as he was in a three-point stance and displayed the same work ethic in the class-room as he did in the weight room, resulting in astronomical test scores and the admiration of teachers and peers. His character was also admired by several col-lege programs, such as the Uni-versity of Connecticut, which has been tracking him since his soph-omore year.

that we would enjoy it, so [my sib-lings and I] were willing to give it a shot and move out.”

“Just please tell me its not to Lyn-brook or Lawrence,” a shocked Ia-quinta told Sultan upon getting the news.

Laughing, Sultan told Iaquinta that he would be moving 5,700 miles to another continent rather than an arch rival.

“Over at Hewlett, football is not the end of all things,” Iaquinta said. “Niv leaving was so tough because he was such a great kid who was so

As a stalwart on Hewlett’s offen-sive and defensive lines and in the community, Sultan’s announcement after his sophomore year that he would be returning to Israel with his family shook the foundations of the high school. He and his family had been entertaining the idea of return-ing to their roots and finally made the choice to continue their lives there.

“It really was a spontaneous deci-sion that we made over the course of a month,” Sultan said. “The only rea-soning was that my parents thought

matched only by his academic ones. Sultan was just as comfortable behind a book as he was in a three-point stance and displayed the same work ethic in the classroom as he did in the weight room, resulting in astronomical test scores and the admiration of teachers and peers. His character was also admired by several college programs, such as the University of Connecticut, which has been tracking him since his sophomore year.

His athletic exploits were that we would enjoy it, so [my sibAs a stalwart on Hewlett’s offen

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NIV S

ULTA

N well-liked. If he lived in Texas, they prob-

ably wouldn’t let him leave.”

So, Sultan traveled the 5,700 miles to

Hod Hasharon to continue his life in the

land of his ancestors. He had since let go

of the idea of playing college football, but

picked up where he left off academically.

“Honestly, it wasn’t really too difficult

for me because I would take any challenges

head-on,” Sultan said of his six days a week

classes. “I had the mindset that it will be dif-

ficult, but that once I got through the first

set of hardships, it wouldn’t be too bad.”

Sultan greeted the challenges of recall-

ing his Hebrew and adjusting to the brand

new curriculum. He was excelling, but was

about as far away from American football

as one can be on this planet, which left a

major void in his daily life.

To dispel any doubt that Sultan was

meant to play football, his aunt saw a pro-

mo on the news for the Israeli Football

League, an organization started by New

England Patriots owner Robert Kraft to

promote American football in a nation

which had little to no exposure to it.

Using modified NCAA rules, the six-

team league played eight on eight, using a

60-yard field. Sultan immediately signed

up to play for the Tel Aviv Sabers, which

made a special exception to bring him on

despite the league’s age cutoff being 17.

Sultan, the youngest player in the league,

would play with and against men in their

20s, 30s and 40s.

The Sabers, which represented one of

the major metropolitan areas of Israel,

consisted of an amalgam of foreign na-

tionals and Israelis with different back-

grounds. Niv played alongside men from

South America, South Africa and Austra-

lia, including an American Ambassador

to Israel.

up to play for the Tel Aviv Sabers, which

made a special exception to bring him on

despite the league’s age cutoff being 17.

Sultan, the youngest player in the league,

would play with and against men in their

The Sabers, which represented one of

the major metropolitan areas of Israel,

consisted of an amalgam of foreign na-

tionals and Israelis with different back-

grounds. Niv played alongside men from

South America, South Africa and Austra-


“The team was a conglomerate of people of many countries, even Muslims,” Sultan said. “We played purely for the love of the game and bonded. There were no racial dis-tinctions of any kind.”

Sultan benefited from the speed of the spaced-out game, but was at first taken aback by the physicality of the grown men. He set-tled in quickly and dominated each of the four games he was in, helping the Sabers win.

“The game was similar to America in phys-icality because they were big grown men, so they would throw their bodies around,” Sul-tan said. “It was rawer because of the lack of experience, so it wasn’t that fine of a game, but it accelerated the learning process. I was able to see the team grow over a season more

than any other team I’ve been a part of.”Although he finally had football in his

life again, Sultan and his siblings longed to be back in America. Despite receiving com-parable high school educations, the quality of higher learning in the United States is far better than in Israel. The Israel experiment ran its course, and the Sultans decided to move back to Hewlett.

“We didn’t think he would be coming back, because moving to Israel isn’t like moving to the next town,” Iaquinta said. “After Christmas, my wife got an email from Niv, asking if he could rejoin the foot-ball team for his senior year. I got down on my hands and knees and said ‘Thank you, God.’”HE

WLE

TT


“It was a great reaction,” Sultan said. “These are people I’ve been playing with since we were young and [Coach Iaquinta] re-ally taught me everything I know, so I was happy to be back, and things only got better.”

Sultan wasted little time continuing the pur-suit of a college football career. Upon returning, he had an All-Long Is-land senior season that saw him compile 88 tackles and four sacks. He won the Jules D. Mazor Outstanding Jewish High School Scholar Athlete, given to the best male Jewish athlete in the country.

College coaches were blown away by his results at several combines, with Syra-

cuse, UConn, Harvard and Princeton offering him a chance to sign on the dotted line on the spot.

Surprising no one, Sultan chose one of the most esteemed degrees in the world over the glory of a big time col-lege program. He will take his talents to Harvard, where he was considered the top defensive line recruit.

“I’m honored that I’m going to have the opportunity to play at Har-vard,” he said. “I know playing football while keeping afloat academically will be challenging, but the work ethic I developed over the years will help me tremendously. I’m confident enough that I can do what I want to do, and am looking forward to the challenge

of improving myself and being a better and stronger person.”

Other than an Ivy League Cham-pionship, Sultan will pursue a degree in English or journalism at Harvard. If the opportunity to play in the NFL presents itself, Sultan would be thrilled to continue his football career, but he is more excited about the professional prospects a Harvard degree will make available to him.

Inspired by “Seinfeld” and “Fam-ily Guy,” Sultan will pursue a career in comedy writing. He plans to join the staff of The Crimson, Harvard’s student newspaper, to hone his skills and take full advantage of the elite academic set-ting.

Sultan’s path to college was unusual, but it has molded him into the com-plete player and student he is today. Not only has he overcome the difficulty of adapting both academically and ath-letically on two continents, he’s helped build football in a nation where soccer and basketball are king.

“For the first time, there are few high school teams in Israel, so hopefully that will begin to become an option for Is-raeli kids,” Sultan said. “I think that it can definitely take root and the high school programs can take part in the communities. I don’t see any college teams taking root yet, but it can only have positive effects as a community, society and nation.” have positive effects as a community, society and nation.”


By Mike Browning

Inspiration is all around us. It can be found in obvious places like Vince Lombardi quotes and mon-

tages from the Rocky series, but it also lies within people in our every day lives.

To be able to draw the inspiration from these people and channel it into a passion is what makes great people great. When that passion happens to include helping people with a debilitating disease, that person becomes heroic.

The inspiration from people in Bri-an Mulligan’s life is the foundation on which the Empire Challenge as we know it was built.

“Brian is one of the best people I have ever known,” said Empire Challenge Chairman Pete Blieberg. “He is com-passionate, hard working and dedicated to the cause of fi ghting cystic fi brosis. Brian’s game day operation skills have elevated the persona of the Empire Chal-lenge into a fi rst rate event. His organiza-tional skills and ability to put things into motion have people follow his lead and make him the special individual that he is.”

Fueled by his passion for football and theatrics, and inspired by the courage of those fi ghting cystic fi brosis, Brian Mulligan, Director of Events and Game Operations for the New York Jets, has

Game coordinator’s work with the Empire Challenge embodies spirit of Michael Brennan


transformed a humble high school football all-star game into a minia-ture Super Bowl. Since joining the foundation, it has been his vision to create an NFL-caliber produc-tion that gives the players and fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“I’ve seen the game grow,” Mulligan said. “They took a small, local event, and made it explode. It’s loaded with sponsors, theat-rics, entertainment, banners, and ads; it’s become this huge element for Long Island and New York City and puts high school football on the map. It’s great to see the kids who get fi red up to be in a big event.”

As much as Mulligan loves fa-cilitating the best high school foot-ball exhibition in New York, see-ing the kids recognize that they are playing for a great cause is what truly satisfi es him.

“Taking sports out of it, these are high school kids who are help-ing to fi ght a cause, Mulligan said. They realize it, and that’s a credit to Pete Blieberg, and the coaches. When [Gunnar Esiason] played in the game, it took it to a whole new level. Every kid out there was playing for him. It was just incred-ible.”

Mulligan’s unwavering dedica-tion to the foundation embodies the spirit of Michael Brennan, the late Boomer Esiason Foundation intern, whose bravery in the face of cystic fi brosis inspired count-less people. Presented to the indi-vidual who most exemplifi es the spirit of the cause for cystic fi bro-sis and the game of football, Mul-ligan was a clear choice to receive this year’s Michael Brennan Spirit Award, which he considers one of the crowning achievements of his career.


“When I fi rst started at the Boomer Esiason Foundation, Mi-chael was, at the time, the only person in the offi ce that I could connect with because we were similar in age,” Mulligan said. “We always used to joke and mess around. He was one of the people that I knew and talked to all the time. To receive his award is just incredible.”

Mulligan was a fresh-faced in-tern for the Jets when he fi rst met Boomer Esiason at a golf outing in 1998. A recent graduate of Univer-sity of Massachusetts at Amherst, he knew his future was in football and philanthropy and approached Boomer to ask how he could get involved in the foundation.

Accepting an internship, Mul-ligan was more than willing to do anything in his capacity to join the fi ght. Given his special talent in producing games, this meant having the important task of or-ganizing the Empire Challenge, which raises crucial funds and awareness. Mulligan became ex-hilarated by the passion for fi ght-ing cystic fi brosis that exuded from everyone in the foundation. His special ability to create spec-tacular events and enhance the fan experience has since made him a stalwart in the Jets organiza-tion and an invaluable asset to the Boomer Esiason Foundation.

“Ever since he has been volun-teering with the Boomer Esiason Foundation and the Empire Chal-lenge, his attention to detail has been invaluable,” Esiason said. “It’s like he is working this foot-ball game as if he were leading his own Jets game day operations at the New Meadowlands.”

Mulligan viewed Boomer as a role model, impressed by the way he conducted himself and bal-anced family, work and business. He found unbounded inspiration in his son, Gunnar Esiason, whose ability to thrive despite fi ghting cystic fi brosis has given Mulligan a different perspective on life and hopes that his two-year-old son will one day take heed to Gun-nar’s example.

“Back when I met him about 11, 12 years ago, he was a little boy, battling a disease. Any time you see a kid who’s six, seven, eight years old in such a serious fi ght, it’s inspiring and kind of makes you take a second look at where you are,” Mulligan said. “To see him grow up to where he is today especially when he threw a touch-down pass in high school football and they showed the tape in one of Boomer’s events, to see how he just keeps on plugging along and build an education and career for himself; its just so inspiring.”

Looking to Boomer for guid-ance and Gunnar for inspira-tion, Mulligan’s career took off. Sharing a passion for spectacular shows and ceremonies, fanfare and loud music, Boomer became an advisor for Mulligan and a respected voice in his inner circle.

“It’s obvious that Brian has a love for the game of football,” Esiason said. “What most people may not know is that he has a true passion to support our fi ght against cystic fi brosis. Brian selfl essly continues to support the efforts of my foundation in many ways. He is one of those dear friends who you can always count on.”

Mulligan’s relationship with Esiason has transformed into a genuine friendship that has en-hanced the careers of both men.

“One of the games I was re-ally excited about was when we had Greenday and Slash perform at the opening game against the Ravens last season,” Mulligan said. “Boomer was actually at that game because he was doing the national Monday Night telecast. It was great just seeing him on the sideline to experience my work. He was like, ‘this is awesome, great job.’”

Mulligan’s body of work was again recognized when he was given the opportunity to coordi-nate the ceremony for the 10th anniversary of 9/11 when the Jets play the Cowboys. He will consult Boomer about his ideas to do it in the most respectful way that will truly honor those lost on that day.

“I have to build a ceremony to honor that day, so I’ll go to him for advice,” Mulligan said. “I don’t think there are many profes-sionals in any sport that cross that boundary.”

For Mulligan, receiving the Mi-chael Brennan Spirit award from Gunnar on the fi eld of the game of his own creation will bring things full circle.

“I’ll go about my day and work as hard as I can,” he said. “I’m honored that the work that I put in the foundation will be recognized and to be able to share the day with my family and my son.”


Story By: Ken Ryan

In the 26 months since it first opened, the Gunnar Esiason Adult Cystic Fibrosis and Lung Program at Columbia University

Medical Center has quickly become the pre-eminent CF facility in the tristate area, if not the nation.

“The center is doing extremely well, the patient base has grown [..] since last year and everyone is happy with the center,” said Jerry Cahill, Volunteer Director for Education & Team Boomer, Boomer Esiason Foundation.

Cahill, a CF patient himself, said the Gun-

nar Esiason Center has become the go-to place in the metro area, especially since an-other CF center in the city closed its doors. In the past year, the Gunnar Esiason Center has increased its staff, added a doctor, and intro-duced news services.

The center has recently added staff to deal with the social issues facing today’s adult CF population.

“Issues that are more prevalent to the adult population such as jobs, careers, dis-abilities, insurance, getting married, these

things that are a major issue for people with CF, are of concern,” Cahill said. “Boomer’s goal is to have the proper staffing in place to help adults who are going through a lot of adult issues.”

In June 2007, the Boomer Esiason Foun-dation made a large, undisclosed financial commitment to the College of Physicians and Surgeons to establish and endow the Gun-nar Esiason Adult Cystic Fibrosis and Lung Program, which is housed in the Depart-ment of Medicine at Columbia. On March 26, 2009, CUMC and The Boomer Esiason


Foundation opened the state-of-the-art-facility, which provides family-based care to adult CF patients; it is first of its kind in the New York metropolitan area.

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that af-fects the lungs and digestive system of children and adults. There is no cure as of yet, however advances in research and improved care have been promising. If nothing else, these medical advances have further extended survival. In 1970, only 10 percent of people with cystic fibro-sis were over the age of 18; today, almost half of patients treated for cystic fibrosis are adults.

Cahill, who is in his early 50s, is one of those adult patients. “There are always ups and downs with CF,” he said, in response to a ques-tion about his own health. “But, knock on wood, I’m doing well.”

Cahill has been busy working on podcasts that showcase various CF stories, most often very inspiring stories, as well as helping Team Boomer expand into other areas. Team Boomer is adding services, including a mentorship pro-gram of adult CF patients who can help mentor younger patients.

“We want to get them involved and tell their story,” he said.

The goal of the program is to pursue innova-tive clinical and basic research, train future ex-perts in the care and study of adult CF, and pro-vide patient education and outreach programs. Clinical trials underway include a phase three study of a new inhaled antibiotic, a study of a new compound that shows promise in improv-ing hydration of airway secretions and reduc-ing infections, and a study aimed at identifying


progression. The program was recently selected as a site of the Na-tional CF Therapeutics Development Network for studying novel drugs for cystic fi brosis.

The CF initiative was established in 1993 when Boomer Esiason was a quarterback with the New York Jets and his son Gunnar, then 2, was diagnosed with CF. Since 1993, the Boomer Esiason Foun-dation has raised more than $85 million in funds for CF research; it also assists young CF sufferers like Gunnar to lead fuller lives through scholarships and other support services. Gunnar, who graduated from Friends Academy in 2009 and played in the 2009 Empire State Challenge , recently completed his sophomre year at Boston College.

Gunnar deals with the challenges of CF every day. He has a strict regimen of two hour-long treatment sessions daily. Every morning and night, he clears his lungs using a nebulizer and spe-cial vibrating vest that helps loosen excess chest mucus. Because he also suffers from exocrine pancreatic insuffi ciency, a secondary condition often associated with CF, Gunnar takes 45 pills per day, a dozen or so before each meal or snack. Without supplementary enzymes, Gunnar could not absorb food normally and would be vulnerable to malnutrition.

For people like Gunnar Esiason, a college student living at Bos-ton College, and long-time CF patient Jerry Cahill, being affl icted with cystic fi brosis doesn’t mean you give up on your dreams in life. They are living proof.


Maritime Enforcement (ME)

Boatswain’s Mate (BM)

Gunner’s Mate (GM)

Operations Specialist (OS)

Damage Controlman (DC)

Electrician’s Mate (EM)

Electronics Technician (ET)

Information System Technician (IT)

Intelligence Specialist (IS)

Machinery Technician (MK)

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT)

Aviation Survival Technician (AST)

Avionics Electrical Technician (AET)

Food Service Specialist (FS)

Health Services Technician (HS)

Marine Science Technician (MST)

Public Affairs Specialist (PA)

Storekeeper (SK)

Yeoman (YN)

Investigator (IV)

Aviation

Computer Engineering

Computer Science

Command and Control

Electrical Engineering

Electronics Engineering

Engineering

Engineering Management

Information Technology

Industrial Management

Information Resource Management

Information Technology Management

Intelligence

Law

Marine Engineering

“BORN READY” IS ABOUT FINDING THOSE WHO HAVE “BORN READY” IS ABOUT FINDING THOSE WHO HAVE “BORN READY” IS ABOUT FINDING THOSE WHO HAVE “BORN READY” IS ABOUT FINDING THOSE WHO HAVE “BORN READY” IS ABOUT FINDING THOSE WHO HAVE “BORN READY” IS ABOUT FINDING THOSE WHO HAVE Electrician’s Mate (EM)

“BORN READY” IS ABOUT FINDING THOSE WHO HAVE Electrician’s Mate (EM)

Electronics Technician (ET)“BORN READY” IS ABOUT FINDING THOSE WHO HAVE Electronics Technician (ET)

A CALLING TO SERVE, WHO HAVE THE BACKBONE AND A CALLING TO SERVE, WHO HAVE THE BACKBONE AND A CALLING TO SERVE, WHO HAVE THE BACKBONE AND A CALLING TO SERVE, WHO HAVE THE BACKBONE AND Information System Technician (IT)A CALLING TO SERVE, WHO HAVE THE BACKBONE AND Information System Technician (IT)

DETERMINATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND A DESIRE DETERMINATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND A DESIRE DETERMINATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND A DESIRE DETERMINATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND A DESIRE DETERMINATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND A DESIRE DETERMINATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND A DESIRE DETERMINATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND A DESIRE DETERMINATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND A DESIRE Intelligence Specialist (IS)DETERMINATION TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND A DESIRE Intelligence Specialist (IS)

TO DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL WITH THEIR LIVES.TO DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL WITH THEIR LIVES.TO DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL WITH THEIR LIVES.TO DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL WITH THEIR LIVES.TO DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL WITH THEIR LIVES.TO DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL WITH THEIR LIVES.Machinery Technician (MK)TO DO SOMETHING MEANINGFUL WITH THEIR LIVES.Machinery Technician (MK)

BORN Readyeadyeady

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Reproduced with permission of Yahoo! Inc. (c)2011 Yahoo! Inc. FLICKR and the FLICKR logo are registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc.

JORDAN PAULMMany high school athletes have close ties to their coaches, team-mates and schools. These players typically leave a legacy and move on, but rarely affect the program for more than their four years. Even rarer is a player who is around his team for more than a decade before taking a single snap.

Since the age of six, Jordan Paul has been a mainstay at New Utrecht High School. Often visit-ing relatives who either worked at the school or took classes there, he was well known within the com-munity and found a second home on the school grounds.

Despite getting to know many of the New Utrecht faculty and staff like a second family, Paul was most comfortable by the foot-ball field, watching the team with dreams of one day donning the green New Utrecht football jer-sey and leading the team onto the field.

“I would go to the field to watch the guys play,” Paul said. “I was like the little mascot of the team.”

Due to his frequent visits, Paul got to know the school’s faculty and staff well, especially Head Coach Alan Balkan and the foot-ball coaching staff. Paul’s famil-iarity with the staff, coupled with living only a few minutes away from the school, made it an easy decision for him to attend New Utrecht when he became of high school age.

A Coach’s Guidance Goes Beyond the Field for New Utrecht’s Jordan Paul

By: Luis Gronda

Photos by: Philip Hall


JORDAN PAUL

Another factor that can not be over-looked was playing football. Paul had al-ways loved the sport, so when he got the opportunity to try out for the school’s football team, it was literally a dream come true. Now, after an all-star career, Paul is set to represent New York City in the Empire Challenge.

“Jordan was a very smart player and a hard worker. He had a really good arm, good mobility,” Balkan said of Paul’s play. “He was just a complete player at the High School level.”

Paul, with superior athleticism and a strong throwing arm, had a successful tryout and was quickly integrated into the team as a freshman.

Though he didn’t play much during his first year, Paul saw an increase in playing time during his sophomore year, which culminated in the starting quarterback position as a junior.

“I changed my work ethic,” Paul said. “I really watched other quarterbacks, their techniques and stuff, just to see what I could improve.”

Although his status on the football team was rising, that success did not translate to the classroom.

In his junior year, Paul’s grades were low and not improving. Knowing that poor grades could derail a college foot-ball career, he looked to New Utrecht’s assistant coach Wendell Fevrine, whom

Jo

rd

an

Pa

ul

he already knew from being around the high school so much, for guidance.

As a remedy for his low grades, Paul, with his par-ent’s permission, moved in with Fevrine in order to have someone to help him with his homework and keep him on track. Paul’s parents often worked at night, so it was dif-ficult for them to help Paul when he came home after practice.

“He was always with us anyways,” Fevrine said.

Fevrine and his older brother, Stan, would take Paul to the park to play either football or basketball and help him complete his school work on time.

“He was always coming over to my place, basically, so I could help him with his homework or just to hang out,” Fevrine said. “It just made more sense at the time.”

Fevrine’s house is across the street from Paul’s, which allowed him to frequently see his parents despite not living there full time.

After a standout senior season that saw Paul throw for 1,402 yards and 13 touch-downs while running for 668 yards and nine touchdowns, and with his grades on track, Paul was heavily recruited by schools such as Hampton, Charleston, Marist and Albany, which all gave him scholarship of-fers.

Paul ultimately chose Gardner-Webb, which plays in the Big South Conference. According to Paul, he chose Gardner-Webb because he loved the campus and their style of play. Gardner-Webb runs a spread of-fense, which would allow Paul to utilize his biggest strength – his legs.

“They see me as like a Cam Newton type,” Paul said about what Head Coach Ron Dickerson, Jr. thinks about his abilities.

Paul says he won’t play right away, but he has hope that he will climb his way into the starting job, just like he did at New Utrecht.

“Hopefully I’m gonna do good when I get over there,” Paul said. “I know that I’m gonna do good.”


From Kickoff to Postgame

16th Annual UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge Kickoff - 7:30 pm

Halftime: • Michael Brennan Spirit Award is presented on the sideline by Michael’s father, Hugh Brennan, BEF Board Mem-ber Aldo Parcesepe and Boomer

• Gravity Cheer & Moore Catholic High School Cheer

Postgame Awards:

• Winning team is presented with the UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge Cup • Player of the Game Award

• Timothy M. O’Brien Most Valuable Player Award

ScheduleGAMEFACES

It is the people who make the UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge such an exciting

event. From coaches, trainers and officials to cheerleaders, players and honorees, this

annual game continues to be safe, fun and memorable for everyone involved.Above: Championship Trophy: The

UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge Cup

Left: 2011 MichaelBrennan Spirit AwardRecipient: Brian Mulligan

New York City Sideline

When Daniel Perez took over last fall as head coach at Fort Hamilton, he hoped to build on the legacy established by Vinny Laino. But nobody antici-pated that Perez would capture the city championship in his first year and be named as head coach of the New York City All-Stars at the Empire Challenge.

“It kind of raises the bar a little for the future,” Perez said. “I’ve been coming to the Empire Challenge since New York City began playing against Long Is-land...sitting in the stands with players and fans. I know what it’s about, and it’s an honor to be a part of it this year.”

As a rookie, Perez will rely on coaches who’ve been here before. “My staff is all head coaches, they’re used to being in charge, and they know what to do,” he said.

He also contacted Laino, who led NYC to a 15-10 win last year. “he told me I’ve got to mold a team in a short time,” said Perez. “I’ve got four good quarterbacks, but in the early practices, I’ll pick two, and that’s who we will go with. You don’t have enough time to work with everyone.”

Regardless of whom he selects at each position, Perez is impressed with the talent and dedication of his players. “We have a good mix of kids, and I’m familiar with playing against them,” he said. “Now it’s up to us coaches to put them in position to make plays and to put on a great show for the fans.”

Russ Cellan is a veteran of many Empire Challenge games, and he was the head coach for Long Island’s 31-14 victory in 2009. He’s made sure that Long Island players understand the intensity they must bring to the game.

“I tell the players that it’s not your typical all-star game, which can sometimes be like a scrimmage,” says Cellan. “This is going to be a highly competitive game, and the hitting will be hard. There’s no love lost between Long Island and New York City.”

Cellan says that the players quickly grasped the mission this year, and practices have been crisp. “All the coaches on both teams have been very successful, and we’re out there to win the game. It rubs off on the players from day one that we’re getting ready for them to compete,” said Cellan.

Empire Challenge rules favor the offense, but they also limit teams to two punts per half. So, Cellan says his team will be aggressive and will seek to make big plays. “We’ll be using a shotgun and a spread formation,” he said. “Some teams run from the spread, but Rob Hoss, our offensive coordinator, believes in throwing it downfield. So that’s what we will be doing.”

CoaChes’ outlooks By Kevin AdlerLong Island Sideline

Daniel PerezHEAd CoACHFort Hamilton

Russ CellanHEAd CoACH

Freeport


NEW YORKNEW YORKPlayers New York CityGAMEFACES

Anthony BronzoDefensive Back

Kevon FosterOffensive Tackle

Igor GrekovLinebacker

Bertrand JeanLinebacker

Andrew JusticeLinebacker

Wilbert LeeRunning Back

Michael MarandoKicker

Jose Marc-SearsDefensive Back

Vince HardyCenter

Dujuan HeathLinebacker

James HowellWide Receiver

Terrel HuntQuarterback

Kedar HunterDefensive Back

Siddiq IddrisuDefensive End

Ivan FoyDefensive Tackle

Shaquille FrederickLinebacker

Scott GadsdenQuarterback

David GeffrardDefensive Tackle

Donavon AbreuDefensive End

Jaylen AmakerDefensive Back

James BarryTight End

Qadir ForbesOffensive Guard

Vin FeminellaLinebacker

Taron FasonLinebacker

Steve BrowneWide Receiver

Tynell Brown Wide Receiver

Each summer, high school seniors from New York City take on their counterparts from Long Island in the UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge High School All-Star football game. Fifty players are chosen from the New York City area by NYC’s participating committee consisting of ten coaches, four administrators and a game coordinator.

NeW YorK CITY PLAYerSNEW YORK#91NEW YORK#2

#55

#93

#17

#15

#44

#14

#10

#19

#26

#38

#22

#3

#16

#77

#7

#9

#25

#71

#78

#50

#21

#51

#33

#52


NEW YORKPlayers New York City Players New York City

Gil MendozaRunning Back

Jhaleel OswaldDefensive Back

Shaban ShatkuDefensive Back

Mike ScroccoOffensive Tackle

Donald ThomasLinebacker

Joe ThompsonDefensive End

Andrew VitalQuarterback

Wayne WilliamsDefensive Tackle

Wint WavellRunning Back

Rotchill MedorOffensive Tackle

Kerrick SimmonsDefensive Back

Marcus SmithOffensive Guard

Rasheem StroudDefensive End

Wesley SumpterRunning Back

Jordan PaulQuarterback

Mark ThomasWide Receiver

Michael PlonskiLinebacker

Brandon ReddishWide Receiver

Shittu SalamiDefensive Tackle

Pat O’GradyTight End

Abraham OcasioWide Receiver

Andrew MurdockDefensive Back

Haris MrkulicCenter

Rene ModesteOffensive GuardNEW YORKNEW YORK

#1

#32

#24

#88

#69

#8

#75

#20

#80

#70

#56

#11

#5

#4

#63

#6

#40#74

#42

#31

#89 #82

#23

#66

Thanks to UnitedHealthcare


Roster New York City

NEW YORK CITY ROSTER

GAMEFACESNo. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. High School College

91 Donavon Abreu DE 6’0” 215 Campus Magnet Undecided2 Jaylen Amaker DB 6’ 2” 185 MSR Farrell Bucknell21 James Barry TE 6’ 1” 225 Poly Prep Stony Brook25 Anthony Bronzo DB 5’ 10” 175 Fordham Prep Tulane16 Tynell Brown WR 5’ 10” 165 Curtis C.W. Post26 Steve Browne WR 5’ 7” 160 Tottenville Undecided44 Taron Fason LB 5’ 11” 205 St Francis University of Albany55 Vin Feminella LB 5’ 11” 230 MSR Farrell Merrimack51 Qadir Forbes OG 5’ 8” 215 Poly Prep Williams College71 Kevon Foster OT 6’ 2” 240 Fort Hamilton Undecided77 Ivan Foy DT 6’ 5” 295 Fort Hamilton Syracuse38 Shaquille Frederick LB 5’ 11” 215 Holy Cross Undecided14 Scott Gadsden QB 6’ 1” 195 Campus Magnet America International93 David Geffrard DT 6’ 4” 330 Bishop Ford Undecided33 Igor Grekov LB 6’ 2” 215 Brooklyn Tech Undecided78 Vince Hardy C 6’ 2” 385 Boys & Girls HS Lackawana7 Dujuan Heath LB 6’ 3” 190 Abraham Lincoln Bryant University22 James Howell WR 5’ 10” 185 Fort Hamilton Wagner10 Terrell Hunt QB 6’ 4” 185 Christ The King Syracuse17 Kedar Hunter DB 5’ 10” 180 Holy Cross Stony Brook52 Siddiq Iddrisu DE 5’ 10” 225 MSR Farrell Undecided50 Bertrand Jean LB 5’ 9” 180 Abraham Lincoln Wagner9 Andrew Justice LB 6’0” 200 Abraham Lincoln America International3 Wilbert Lee RB 6’ 2” 210 Boys & Girls HS UConn19 Michael Marando K 5’ 8” 155 Xaverian Undecided15 Jose Marc-Sears DB 6’ 3” 170 Sheepshead Bay Nassau Community66 Rotchill Medor OT 6’ 5” 375 Abraham Lincoln Undecided31 Gil Mendoza RB 5’ 10” 200 Tottenville Undecided63 Rene Modeste OG 6’ 2” 250 Brooklyn Tech Stony Brook56 Haris Mrkulic C 6’ 3” 260 Flushing C.W. Post20 Andrew Murdock DB 6’ 2” 185 Holy Cross Undecided88 Abraham Ocasio WR 6’ 2” 190 Cardinal Hayes Gannon University89 Pat O’Grady TE 6’ 4” 200 Xaverian Undecided6 Jhaleel Oswald DB 6’0” 200 Campus Magnet America Internatinal11 Jordan Paul QB 6’ 3” 195 New Utrecht Gardner-Webb69 Michael Plonski LB 5’ 11” 220 Brooklyn Tech Undecided1 Brandon Reddish WR 5’ 11” 175 Fort Hamilton Syracuse82 Shittu Salami DT 6’ 3” 200 Flushing Undecided74 Mike Scrocco OT 6’0” 230 Curtis Wagner40 Shaban Shatku DB 5’ 10” 200 Tottenville Nassau Junior College5 Kerrick Simmons DB 5’ 10” 170 Abraham Lincoln Undecided70 Marcus Smith OG 6’ 8” 380 Campus Magnet Nassau Community8 Rasheem Stroud DE 6’ 2” 200 Fort Hamilton Undecided32 Wesley Sumpter RB 6’0” 215 Fort Hamilton St. Frances23 Donald Thomas LB 5’ 9” 180 Cardinal Hayes Marist University 80 Mark Thomas WR 6’1” 185 Thomas Jefferson Nassau Community42 Joe Thompson DE 6’ 3” 225 Christ The King C.W. Post4 Andrew Vital QB 6’ 3” 200 Abraham Lincoln C.W. Post

75 Wayne Williams DT 6’ 6” 350 Abraham Lincoln ASA College24 Wavell Wint RB 5’ 7” 165 Campus Magnet Undecided


LONG ISLAND ROSTER

Roster Long Island

31 Michael Andreassi LB 6’ 0’’ 200 Sachem North Amherst39 Carl Brescia LB 6’ 2” 210 Farmingdale Merrimack93 Terrell Brown OT 6’ 1” 285 Freeport Bryant38 Mike Burton DB 5’ 11” 190 Bellport C.W. Post22 Donte Colter DB 6’ 1” 215 Roosevelt Undecided42 John Daddino LB 6’ 0” 215 Carey Undecided88 Jack Delahunty WR 6’ 2” 190 Northport Cortland51 Joe DeLuca DT 6’ 2” 260 Sayville Cortland7 Seiddrik Ervin WR 6’ 2” 190 Lawrence Undecided16 Greg FitzMaurice DB 6’ 2” 185 Harborfields Providence74 Wray Fucci OT 6’ 7” 260 Holy Trinity James Madison5 Gene Garay WR 5’ 11” 165 Oceanside Amherst11 Alex Gaviria LB 5’ 11” 195 Islip Undecided4 Tyler Heuer QB 6’ 2” 200 Oceanside C.W. Post24 Travis Houpe RB 5’ 6” 180 Bellport Undecided44 Derelle Hunter RB 5’ 10” 210 St. John the Baptist Undecided23 Kevin Hutchinson WR 6’ 0” 175 East Islip Undecided40 Tom Joyce LB 5’ 11’’ 205 MacArthur Sacred Heart14 Brian Kensil WR 6’ 6’’ 215 St. Anthonys Jacksonville60 Cephas Knighton-Ward OG 5’ 11’ 270 Freeport Undecided66 Greg Kolodinsky OG 6’ 4’’ 280 Seaford Cortland10 Mike Kozlakowski LB 6’ 3’’ 240 Lynbrook Maine2 Travis Lock RB 6’ 0’’ 190 Lynbrook Undecided85 Stephen Loudon WR 6’ 3’’ 210 Babylon Brown15 Paul Magloire DB 6’ 2’’ 200 Lynbrook Milford Academy21 Preshod McCoy DB 6’ 2’’ 185 N.Babylon Undecided6 Luke Miller FB 5’ 11’ 190 William Floyd Stony Brook67 Karim Mohamed C 5’ 11’’ 295 Lawrence Stony Brook52 David Ng DE 6’ 6” 240 Plainedge Harvard78 Brandon Noblett C 6’ 3” 280 East Meadow Bucknell73 Andrew Oberg OT 6’ 3” 260 Islip UNLV99 Victor Ochi DT 6’ 2” 225 Valley Stream Central Stony Brook9 Brian Prendergast DB 6’ 2” 175 Farmingdale Towson3 Ryan Rielly QB 5’ 9’’ 185 John Glenn Hofstra50 Dimitry Russ DE 5’ 9’’ 225 Deer Park Stony Brook30 Jesse Scanna LB 5’ 11” 220 Sachem North Cortland13 Stephen Skon QB 6’ 3” 220 Lindenhurst Georgetown1 Ryan Sliwack WR 6’ 0” 175 Wantagh Undecided62 Ryan Sloan DT 6’ 2” 315 Bellport Syracuse55 Niv Sultan DE 5’ 10” 250 Hewlett Harvard76 Anthony Tavarone DT 6’ 3” 275 William Floyd Undecided77 James Thompson OT 6’ 4” 290 Sachem North Undecided20 Will Veintimilla DB 5’ 11” 180 Newfield Undecided32 Kevin Wahl WR 6’ 1” 190 Farmingdale Widener69 James Walsh OG 5’ 9” 280 William Floyd Undecided8 Nick White DB 5’ 10” 200 Mepham Undecided82 Tim Wienclaw WR 6’ 2” 195 Kellenberg URI27 Jeff Williams DB 6’ 2” 200 Freeport Delaware65 Justin Winter DT 6’ 0” 320 Bellport Nassau Community56 James Wright OT 6’ 2” 235 Garden City Cortland

No. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. High School College




NEW YORK CITY ROSTER

GAMEFACESNo. Player Pos. Ht. Wt. High School College




LONG ISLANDLONG ISLAND Players Long IslandGAMEFACES

LONG ISLANDLONG ISLAND#31

#93

#7

#24

#66

#38

#16

#44

#10

#22

#74

#23

#2

#42

#5

#40

#85

#88

#11

#14

#15

#51

#4

#60

#21

#39

Mike BurtonDefensive Back

Greg FitzMauriceDefensive Back

Derrelle HunterRunning Back

Mike KozlakowskiLinebacker

Travis LockRunning Back

Stephen LoudonWide Receiver

Paul MaglioreDefensive Back

Preshod McCoyDefensive Back

Kevin HutchinsonWide Reciever

Tom JoyceLinebacker

Brian KensilWide Receiver

Cephas Knighton-WardOffensive Guard

Greg KolodinskyOffensive Guard

Wray FucciOffensive Tackle

Gene GarayWide Receiver

Alex GaviriaLinebacker

Tyler HeuerQuarterback

Travis HoupeRunning Back

Michael AndreassiLinebacker

Carl BresciaLinebacker

Terrell BrownOffensive Tackle

Seiddrik ErvinWide Receiver

Joe DeLucaDefensive Tackle

Jack DelahuntyWide Receiver

John DaddinoLinebacker

Donte ColterDefensive Back

Long Island high school senior all-stars compete against their rivals from New York City in the UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge High School All-Star football game every summer. Fifty LI players are chosen by the Long Island’s participating committee consisting of ten coaches, four administrators and a game coordinator.

LonG ISLAnD PLAyErS


LONG ISLAND Players Long Island Players Long Island

Ryan SliwackWide Receiver

LONG ISLANDLONG ISLANDLONG ISLAND#9

#62

#69

#6

#3

#55

#8

#67

#50

#76

#82

#52

#30

#77

#27

#78

#13

#20

#65

#73

#1

#32

#56

#99David Ng

Defensive End

Dimitry RussDefensive End

Niv SultanDefensive End

Nick WhiteDefensive Back

Tim WienclawWide Receiver

Jeff WilliamsDefensive Back

Justin WinterDefensive Tackle

James WrightOffensive Tackle

Luke MillerFullback

Anthony TavaroneDefensive Tackle

James ThompsonOffensive Tackle

Will VeintimillaDefensive Back

Kevin WahlWide Receiver

James WalshOffensive Guard

Karim MohamedCenter

Jesse ScannaLinebacker

Stephen SkonQuarterback

Ryan SloanDefensive Tackle

Ryan RiellyQuarterback

Brian PrendergastDefensive Back

Victor OchiDefensive Tackle

Andrew ObergOffensive Tackle

Brandon NoblettCenter

Thanks to New York Organ Donor Network


NEW NEW NEW Alan Balkan

AdministrAtorNew Utrecht

Joe DesienareceiversXaverian

Pete GambardellaoFFensive Line

Curtis

Kevin FountaineAdministrAtor

Poly Prep

Dom LaurendiAdministrAtor

Xaverian

Howard LangleysecondArY

Clinton

Barry O’ConnordeFensive Line

Boys & Girls

Shawn O’ConnordeFensive coordinAtor

Lincoln

Daniel PerezHeAd coAcHFort Hamilton

Mike CamardeseAdministrAtor

Canarsie

Kyle McKennareceivers

Brooklyn Tech

Dan LandbergdeFensive Line

Erasmus

Jim MunsondeFensive coordinAtor

Tottenville

Eric BarnettrUnninG BAcKsCampus Magnet

Coaches New York CityGAMEFACESNEw YOrK CitY COACHESNEW NEW NEW NEW NEW

Thanks to Outback Steakhouse


Pat PizzarelliAdministrAtor

Lawrence

Mike Stanleyoffensive Line

Carey

Joe Martillottidef. tAckLes & def. ends

Lawrence

Joe VitosecondAry

Roosevelt

Rich Reichertreceivers

St. Anthony’s

Joe CippLinebAckers

Bellport

Rob Hossoffensive coordinAtor

Sayville

Dave ShanahanQuArterbAcks

John Glenn

Russ CellanHeAd coAcH

Freeport

Buddy Krumenackerdefensive coordinAtor

Farmingdale

Dave Falcorunning bAcks

Sachem North

Hans WiederkehrAdministrAtor

Babylon

Tom CombsAdministrAtor

Patchogue

Matt GentileAdministrAtor

Plainview-JFK

Coaches Long Island

LonG ISLanD CoaCHeS

Coaches New York City

Thanks to Under Armour


Game Faces Officials & TrainersGAMEFACES

Stephen Angelella - Back Judge

Hugh Bentley - Side Judge

George Botsch, Jr. - Alternate Official

Joe Cook - Umpire

George Gaiser - Field Judge

Al Lucia - Line Judge

Bill Moran - Alternate Official

Ray Renart - Head Linesman

Steven Zimmer – Referee

Chain Crew

Larry CuzziEd O’BrienJohn RussellTom Wheatley

Ball Crew

Joseph BentleyAlec BotschKevin BraddishAnthony DeLucaDan JagielloMichael MonittoNicholas MonittoTom MooreKyle Ziegler

Clock Operators

James ReidyRon Winchester

Athletic TrainersGame Officials

Robert SullivanHead Trainer

Joseph Killeen Jeffrey Corben Michael J. Wulforst

NeW YoRK CitY tRaiNeRS

LoNg iSLaNd tRaiNeRS

Christopher KalinogluHead Trainer

Chris CarannanteWhittney Smith Craig LoNigro

The following individuals are certified athletic trainers who volunteer their time for the UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge. Each are a constant presence on the field during practices and on game night, helping to keep players healthy. Their time, effort and dedication help to make Empire Challenge a success year after year.


B I SH OP M O OR E C H S

MCHS is a competitive cheerleading program from Staten Island, NY.Our season is filled with charity events, cheering for our school’s football team,

Boys & Girls Basketball game as well as competing in competitions monthly.

Game Faces CheerleadingGAMEFACES

Gravity Cheer provides a safe, fun, competitive at-mosphere for all children and athletes ages 6 months to adult. Our highly trained, experienced staff specializes in many areas to ensure the best experience for each of our students.

Gravity Cheer, conveniently located in the center of LI, provides a clean, friendly environment in a 10,000 sq ft fully air conditioned facility with 3 fl oors: spring, foam and dance foam block, tumble track, rock wall, zip line, a variety of mats & equipment, a large party room, a large viewing room, many cubby rooms & a cheer & dance supply store. Our teams compete at 5-10 regional and national competitions each year and have over 50 national titles.

Learn the sport of cheerleading. Improve and become the best in the sport if cheerleading. Make new friends. Get in shape, stay in shape. Do what you love to do, have fun and perform your heart out.

There is a competitive team for everyone grades K-12 and we even have an open team and parent team for some competitions. Please see registration and forms and team contracts for more information.

Gravity staff will choreograph your school, recreation, competition, or pep rally team. We will keep working with you throughout the year to ensure the best possible routine. Unique transitional stunts and pyramids along with a cheer, dance, jumps, tumbling and creative chore-ography will give you a routine you can be proud of. We even choreograph music to your fi nished routine.

The Gravity Cheer Team from Holbrook, New York, will be cheering on the Long Island sideline during the game. This is Gravity’s fi fth year at the UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge.

Long Island Sideline Cheerleaders

91-1B Colin DriveHolbrook, NY 11741

(631) 676-2041(631) 285-7671

We offer summer cheer camps for any team. We will travel to you or you can come to us.

Learn the newest transitional stunts and pyramids. Work on mo-tions, jumps, tumbling, strength, fl ex-ibility and team work. We will help you work your material into a well-choreographed routine.

Why pay for a big name when you can get the best right here on Long Island? We know Long Island Cheerleading and we know the safety rules. Call Nicole Gabrinow-itz and Nancy Fragala. for more information. 631-676-2041.

ography will give you a routine you can be proud of. We ography will give you a routine you can be proud of. We even choreograph music to your fi nished routine. even choreograph music to your fi nished routine.

can get the best right here on Long Island? We know Long Island can get the best right here on Long Island? We know Long Island Cheerleading and we know the safety rules. Cheerleading and we know the safety rules. itz and Nancy Fragala. for more information. 631-676-2041.itz and Nancy Fragala. for more information. 631-676-2041.

can get the best right here on Long Island? We know Long Island can get the best right here on Long Island? We know Long Island Call Nicole Gabrinow-Call Nicole Gabrinow-

any team. We will travel to you or any team. We will travel to you or

Learn the newest transitional Learn the newest transitional


AwardsAwardsGame Faces Awards & HonorsGAMEFACES

Game Ball RecipientsAs any athlete knows, the ultimate reward is having the game ball presented to him or her in front of the entire team. The game ball goes to the player who has played above and beyond usual abilities. It shows that this player has displayed great and selfless contributions on behalf of the team. The Boomer Esiason Foun-dation presents Game Balls to the following individuals who have made contribu-tions to the 2011 UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge. Congratulations!

AwArds & Honors

This Year’s Award Recipient2011: Brian Mulligan

Fueled by his passion for football and theatrics and inspired by the courage of those fighting cys-tic fibrosis, Brian Mulligan, Director of Events and Game Operations for the New York Jets, has helped transform The UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge from a humble high school football All-Star game into a miniature Super Bowl.

Since joining the Boomer Esiason Foundation, it has been his vision to create an NFL-caliber production that gives the players and fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Mulligan believes that through football, players participating in the UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge will not only showcase their skills, but team up to fight a debilitat-ing disease.

Mulligan, who has been a part of the foundation since 1998, is a graduate of Mepham High School on Long Island and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Derek Nicoll

Michael LoNigro

Michael Lardner

The Michael Brennan Spirint Award was established in 1999 to honor the memory of BEF friend and colleague Michael Brennan. This honor is awarded to an individual who exemplifies the spirit of the cause for cystic fibrosis and the game of football.

This Year’s Game Ball Recipients

Michael Brennan Spirit Award

AwardsAwardsAbove: Michael Brennan

Thanks to Xenith

W W W . X E N I T H . C O M


The Timothy M. O’Brien MVP Award

On September 11, 2001, the Boomer Esiason Foundation suffered many casualties. The loss of BEF Board Member Timothy M. O’Brien, left a void that is irreplaceable. He will always be remembered as the consummate MVP: on the basketball court, at the office, with BEF, and most im-portantly, as a husband and father.

At the conclusion of the 16th Annual United Healthcare Empire Challenge, Boomer will present the Timothy M.

O’Brien Award to the winning team’s most valuable player.

Previous MVP Award Winners

2010: Jason Bromley | Flushing -LI2009: Miguel Maysonet | Riverhead-LI2008 : Jeffrey Legree | Fort Hamilton - NYC2007: Antonio Walcott | Fort Hamilton - NYC2006: Jerry Edwards | Roosevelt - LI2005: Anthony Muscarella | Wantagh - LI2004: Will Barrow | Baldwin - LI2003: Louis Jones | South Shore - NYC2002: Jeff Dena | Commack - LI2001: Christopher Legree | Poly Prep - NYC Stephen Gregory | Curtis - NYC2000: Douglas Goodwin | Holy Trinity - LI

1999: Leon Clarke | Canarsie - NYC1998: Derric Rossy | Patchogue-Medford - LI1997: Pat Rock | Division - LI1996: Vaughn Sanders | Lawrence - LI

The Player of the Game AwardThe Player of the Game Award is given to the opposing team’s most out-standing player.

Previous Player of the Game Award Winners

2010: Malcolm Center | William Floyd-LI2009: Tristan Akong | St. Francis - NYC2008: Joe Sidaris | William Floyd - LI2007: Will Porter | Freeport - LI2006: Andre Smith | New Dorp - NYC2005: James Romain | Far Rockaway - LI2004: Naheem Harris | Poly Prep - NYC2003: Trevon Rodney | Babylon - LI2002: Chris Zambrano | St. Francis Prep - NYC2001: James Wyche | Roosevelt - LI 2000: Russell Jessamy | Carnarsie - NYC 1999: Clifton Smith | Freeport - LI1998: Cassel Smith | Tottenville - NYC 1997: Opoku Johnson | Bellport - LI 1996: Keith Morgan | Lindenhurst – LI

Game Faces Awards & Honors Game Faces Awards & Honors

Previous Spirit Award Winners2010: Larry Roth

2009: Bryan Collins

2008: The Conklin Family

2007: Kevin Adler

2006: Empire Challenge Trainers

Joseph Callahan - NYC

Jeffery Corben - LI

Chris Kalinoglu - NYC

Joseph Killeen - LI

Whittney Smith - NYC

Robert Sullivan - LI

Mike Wulforst - LI

Jim Zegers - NYC

2005: Lou Desiderio

2004: Rich Rossetti & Chris Pasquariello

2003: Norm Murray

2002: George Botsch, Jr.

2001: Mike Kensil

2000: Jim DiBenedetto

1999: Pete Blieberg


FB_brand_ad_8.5x11.indd 1 5/23/11 3:56 PM

BEFGAMEPLANBoomer esiason foundation The Boomer Esiason Foundation is a dynamic partnership of leaders in the medi-cal and business communities joining with a committed core of volunteers to heighten awareness, education and quality of life for those affected by cystic fi brosis, while pro-viding fi nancial support to research aimed at fi nding a cure. Boomer Esiason vowed to eliminate the threat of cystic fi brosis after his young son, Gunnar, was diagnosed with the disease in 1993. Boomer and his wife, Cheryl, are strongly committed to supporting this critical research to discover the cure for cystic fi brosis that they believe could be near.

The Boomer Esiason Foundation works to ensure that:

• The brightest researchers and scientists, who every day come closer to fi nding a cure for cystic fi brosis, have the resources they need to expand and accelerate their efforts.

• Dedicated doctors and caregivers have access to innovative and effective treatments that ease the suffering and enhance the lives of the children and adults affl icted with cystic fi brosis.

• People from all walks of life are educated and motivated to become committed par-ticipants in the ongoing battle against cystic fi brosis.

• Those directly affected by cystic fi brosis are encouraged and empowered to fully understand this deadly disease and to take active roles in combating it.

• Students and hospital staffs are provided with the fi nancial resources and educa-tional tools they need to prepare for life’s challenges and to create a legacy of quality healthcare for generations to come.

To achieve its mission, the Boomer Esiason Foundation sponsors a series of diverse annual fundraising events. It also relies on individual pledges, corporate contributions and philanthropic grants.

PRESIDENTDavid B. Rimington CHIEF OPERATING OFFICERNatalie Wainwright SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, FINANCEEtsuko Murase SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, EVENTSMichael Buscemi SPECIAL PROGRAM DIRECTORTami Amaker

VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR FOR EDUCATION & TEAM BOOMERJerry Cahill

EVENT PROGRAM DIRECTORMichaela Seccareccia SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR & RIMING-TON TROPHY MEDIA RELATIONSSeth Gonzales OPERATIONS MANAGERRich Hahn

EVENT COORDINATORLeighann Lauro

BEF Executive Staff

Pete Abitante

Steven M. Bowman

Jack Cassidy

Bob DiFazio

Joe “Dee” Dussich

Billy Heinzerling

Nina R. Mitchell

Mark Murphy

Mike Norseth

Kevin Plank

David B. Rimington

Jim Rosetta

Ron Rubin

Harvey Sanders

Ralph Stayer

GENERAL COUNSEL Jerrold D. Colton

Scott Mishkin

Wayne Watkinson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CO-CHAIRPERSONSBoomer & Cheryl Esiason

BEF Now Accepting Online DonationsThe Boomer Esiason Foundation’s website is equipped to

accept credit card donations. To make a contribution, got to www.Esiason.org and click “donate” on the home page.

For more information, contact BEF at (646) 292-7930or [email protected]


The UnitedHealthcare empire challenge has a Game plan that stretches beyond the

sidelines and uprights of the football field. proceeds from this event go towards

youth football, a college scholarship and the cystic fibrosis community. The kickoff

of the 2011 football game is only the beginning of good things to come.

ScholarshipsGAMEPLAN

Boomer Esiason Foundation Supports Various Scholarships

As therapeutic developments increase the lifespan of CF patients, the need for a scholarship program to support college students with CF has emerged. BEF’s scholarship program assists students who are working toward academic success while living with CF. It’s the only program of its size and scope focused solely on sup-porting the CF community.

BEF Scholarships assist CF patients pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. They are awarded quarterly on the basis of dem-onstrated need and academic accomplishment.

Grants Assist CF Families Struggling with Transplant Expenses

While the cost of transplantation is typically covered by most in-surance companies, travel and relocation costs are typically ab-sorbed by the patients’ families. The BEF Lung Transplant Grant Program helps families pay for the expenses that are not covered by their insurance. Possible expenses include, but are not limited to: patient and family transportation costs for evaluation, surgery, and clinic visits; and housing, food, and living expenses associated with relocation to the transplant site. For more information, visit the BEF web site.

BEF Quarterly Scholarships

BEF Scholarships assist CF patients pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. They are awarded quarterly on the basis of dem-onstrated need and academic accomplishment.Amount: $500 to $2,500

Exercise For Life Athletic Scholarship Program

Doctors and CF centers nationwide have made it clear: when it comes to CF centers, exercise saves lives. The Exercise for Life Athletic Scholarship is awarded annually to high school senior scholar-athletes. Amounts: $10,000

“Sacks for CF” Scholarships

The “Sacks for CF” Scholarship is related to quarterback sacks made during the NFL season. The undergraduate and graduate award is made annually to 30 people who stive for therapy adher-ence and academic success. Amounts: $3,000 to $10,000 each.

Scholarship of the Arts

The Scholarship of the Arts promotes communication through creativity. Artwork in the form of painting, sketching, and sculp-turing is considered for this annual award. Amount: $500 to $1,000

Bonnie Strangio Education Scholarship

The Bonnie Strangio Education Scholarship is awarded annually to a person living with CF who, like Bonnie, has an upbeat person-ality and “can-do” attitude. Amount: $500 to $1,000.

The Rosemary Quigley Memorial Scholarship

The Rosemary Quigley Memorial Scholarship honors a woman who relished academic challenges and enjoyed a career as a medi-cal ethics professor and health policy attorney. Amount: $500 to $2,000

Continues on page 65


In addition to supporting research toward a cure for cystic fi brosis, the Foundation directly affects the lives of CF patients around the coun-try through scholarships and transplant grants to aid families. These and other programs help it meet the evolving needs of those with cystic fi brosis. Featured below are the Foundation’s ways of supporting the CF community in the here and now. To learn more about these pro-grams, visit www.esiason.org

Club Cystic Fibrosis People with cystic fibrosis are living lon-

ger and more productive lives than ever be-fore, and they are overcoming many of the life challenges previously presented by the dis-

ease.Cross-contamination still is a real threat, however, which means people with CF cannot be in proximity to each other. This reality can make it difficult for them to form relationships with other CFers. Club Cystic Fibrosis bridges this gap, and it also provides inspiration. For more information, go to www.clubcysticfibrosis.com.

Team Boomer Fighting Cystic Fibrosis Offi cially, Team Boomer is a registered USA Track and Field club, which means athletes at USATF-sanctioned meets, races or other events can affi liate themselves with Team Boomer when they register for the competition. But in a broader

sense, Team Boomer is an umbrella program that: 1. encourages people with cystic fi brosis to incorporate exercise into their everyday lives; 2. provides an avenue for individual athletes in a variety of sports to raise money for cystic fi brosis; and 3. offers assistance to grassroots athletic events looking for a cause to support. For more information, go to www.esiason.org/teamboomer.

Team Boomer Upcoming Events:WESTCHESTER TOUGHMAN HALF IRONMAN – September 11, 2011 – The beautiful course of the Westchester Toughman Half Ironman takes in the protected waters of the Hudson River and the rolling hills of the Croton reservoir region.ING NYC MARATHON – November 6, 2011 - The Boomer Esiason Foundation is proud to be a among the New York Road Runners’ Charity Partners for the ING New York City Marathon 2010. This program allows the Foun-dation to provide guaranteed marathon entries to runners who pledge to make a donation or raise funds totaling $2,800 or more to the Boomer Es-iason Foundation. At least 100 runners will be participating on our behalf!

supporting cysitic fibrosis community

GAMEPLAN

Jerry Cahill’s CF Podcasts Inform and Inspire With the help of today’s therapies, CF

patients are living longer and achieving more than ever before, and an increasing number of adults with CF are pursuing their dreams by attending college, entering the working world

and raising families. Their stories serve as the basis for a popular se-ries of podcasts and vidcasts produced by BEF Volunteer Jerry Cahill. The “Living. Breathing. Succeeding.” series of podcasts provides infor-mation and inspiration to the CF community and anyone else who’s interested in CF. To download a podcast, go to www.jerrycahill.com.

CF ‘Wind Sprints’ BEF produces an ongoing a series of brief videos—“Jerry Ca-

hill’s CF Wind Sprints”—answering the cystic fibrosis commu-nity’s questions about living with CF. The short format videos are hosted by 54-year-old BEF Volunteer Jerry Cahill, who has CF. They address a variety of topics, including traveling, nutri-tion, exercise and treatments, with many of the questions com-ing directly from people with CF. The videos are posted on the BEF web site and on the Foundation’s YouTube page.

Second Life & CF University

Second Life & CF University Second Life (www.secondlife.com) is a 3-D virtual world with virtual characters (avatars) in a cyber community. The online world allows people to socialize and communicate (via

typing) “face to face.” CF University, located on Second Life, is an educational and resourceful tool that also allows people with CF to have social interaction. PLEASE NOTE: CF University is situated in the adult grid on Linden Labs Second Life. CFU is designed for parents, spouses and adults with cystic fi brosis. You must be over 18 years old to enter the CF University campus.PLEASE NOTE: CF University is situated in the adult grid on Lin-den Labs Second Life. CFU is designed for parents, spouses and adults with cystic fi brosis. You must be over 18 years old to enter the CF University campus.


one in 20 americans is a carrierof cystic fibrosis.

each time two cf gene carriersconceive a child, there is a...

25% chance the child will be born with cf...

50% chance the child will just be a carrier...

25% chance the child will not be a carrier.

The NFL Youth Football Fund and USA Football salute the players of the 2011 Empire Challenge High School Football

All-Star Game. Football teaches its players, coaches and participants

valuable life lessons that can be applied both on and off the field.

Your participation today is not only a celebration of your all-star season,

but also a testament to the perseverance of Empire Challenge Inc.

and the Boomer Esiason Foundation. Their tireless e�orts in the fight

against cystic �brosis bring those with the disease closer to a cure,

and help them live healthier lives.

What is cystic fibrosis?Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening disease that causes mucus to build up and clog some of the organs in the body, particularly in the lungs and pancreas. When mucus clogs the lungs, it can make breathing very difficult. The thick mucus also causes bacteria (or germs) to get stuck in the airways, which causes inflammation (or swelling) and infections that leads to lung damage. Mucus also can block the digestive tract and pancreas. The mucus stops digestive enzymes from getting to the intestines. The body needs these enzymes to break down food, which provides important nutrients to help us grow and stay healthy. People with cystic fibrosis often need to replace these enzymes with capsules they take with their meals and snacks to help digest the food and get the proper nutrition.

How do people get cystic fibrosis?Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease. To have cystic fibrosis, a person must inherit two copies of the defective CF gene — one copy from each parent.

Who gets cystic fibrosis?Approximately 30,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis. An additional 10 million more — or about one in every 31 Americans — are carriers of the defective CF gene, but do not have the disease. The severity of cystic fibrosis symptoms is different from person to person.

How does CF affect the lungs?It all begins with defective CF genes. Normally, the healthy CF gene makes a protein that is found in the cells that line various organs, like the lungs and the pancreas. This protein controls the movement of electrically charged particles, like chloride and sodium in and out of these cells. When the protein is defective, as in cystic fibrosis, the salt balance in the body is disturbed. Because there is too little salt and water on the outside of the cells, the thin layer of mucus that helps keep the lungs free of germs becomes very thick and difficult to move. And because it is so hard to cough out, this mucus will clog the airways and lead to infections that damage lungs.

fighting cystic fibrosis

Cystic FibrosisGAMEPLANScholarships continued from page 61Rosemary Quigley Memorial Scholarship

The Rosemary Quigley Memorial Scholarship honors a remarkable woman who achieved her personal, educational and professional ambi-tions despite the constant presence of cystic fi -brosis in her life. Rosemary was a devoted wife, friend and family member, and had a certain

predisposition for travel and adventure. She relished the challenges and enrichment of her academic studies at Harvard and Michigan that, along with various internships, governmental appointments and fellowships, led to her career as a medical ethics professor and health policy attorney. For more information, go to www.cfscholarships.com. Amounts: $500 to $2,000 each.

Scholarship of the ArtsCalling all CF artists! Art is culture, art is expres-sion, and BEF awards an annual scholarship to promote communication through creativity. Artwork in the form of painting, sketching, and sculpturing is considered. For more information, go to www.cfscholarships.com. Amounts: $500 to $1,000 each.

Is cystic fibrosis fatal?Currently, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis. However, specialized medical care, aggressive drug treatments, and therapies, along with proper CF nutrition, can lengthen and improve the quality of life for those with CF.

What is the life expectancy for people who have CF?There is no way to accurately predict how long people with cystic fibrosis will live, as many different factors may affect a person’s health. However, the predicted median age of survival is more than 37 years old, up from 32 in2000. The steady rise of the median predicted age of survival suggests how improvements in treatment are advancing the lives for those with CF. In 1955, children with CF were not expected to live even to first grade. Today, an increasing number of people with cystic fibrosis are living into adulthood and leading healthier lives that include careers, marriage, and families of their own.

What is a typical day for someone with CF?Because the severity of CF differs widely from person to person, and CF lung infections flare up from time to time, there is no “typical” day. However, each day most people with CF:

• Take pancreatic enzyme supplement capsules with every meal and most snacks.

• Do some form of airway clearance at least once and

sometimes up to four or more times a day. • Take aerosolized medicines—liquid medicines that are

made into a mist or aerosol and then inhaled through a nebulizer.

What treatments or therapies are available? Since CF affects the lungs of most patients, a large part of the medical treatment is to clear mucus from the airways by using different airway clearance techniques. These techniques use vibrations to help loosen the mucus in the lungs so it can be coughed out. There are several medications that treat lung infections and can help people with cystic fibrosis breathe better.

Is gene therapy a treatment for people with CF?When scientists found the most common gene that causes CF in 1989, there was much excitement about the possibility of developing gene therapy. Scientists are currently exploring the use of gene therapy for many diseases but have had little success. That is because it has been very hard to find a safe and reliable way to deliver healthy genes into the cells and tissues of the body.

When will there be a cure?Because CF researchers are blazing new trails in drug development and gene therapy, experts have no way of saying for sure when a cure will be available. The “aging” of the cystic fibrosis community is largely due to the increase in innovative new treatments and specialized medical care. But a better quality of life and partially increased length of life are simply not enough. That is why BE F supports the CF Foundation’s efforts to expand and strengthen the drug development pipeline of potentially life-saving new therapies while, at the same time, supporting a vital care center network.

Souce: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation


Give the Gift of LifeThousands of Americans are in need of vital organs and tissues. For many, the chance to live a full life won’t come unless many more of us consider organ and tissue donation. Organ and tissue transplants offer patients a new chance at healthy, productive, normal lives and return them to their families, friends and communities. You have the power to change someone’s world by being a donor. It’s about living. It’s about Life.

Because the laws that oversee donation vary from state to state, it is important for you to know how to designate your donation decision. It is also important to keep your family informed of your wishes to avoid any confusion or delays. To fi nd out how to become an organ, eye and tissue donor in your state of residence, visit www.DonateLife.net.

Did You Know?90% of Americans say they support donation, but only 30% know the essential steps to take to be a donor.

Every 10 minutes, another name is added to the national transplant waiting list.

Nearly 1,800 children under age 18 are registered on the organ transplant waiting list.

Eighteen patients die every day while waiting for a donated organ an average of one person every 80 minutes.

More than 110,000 people in the United States are waiting for organ transplants, including 1,786 who need lung transplants.

In 2009, 1,660 lung transplants were performed in this country, while 237 patients died while waiting for a lung transplant.

Learn the FactsDespite continuing efforts at public education, misconceptions and inaccuracies about donation persist.Learn these facts to help you better understand organ, eye and tissue donation:

FACT: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.

FACT: All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.

FACT: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.

FACT: When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information, not your financial status or celebrity status.

FACT: An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.

FACT: There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.

FACT: Signing a donor card and a driver’s license with an “organ donor” designation may not satisfy your state’s requirements to become a donor. Be certain to take the necessary steps to be a donor and ensure that your family understands your wishes.

Become a lifesaver

LifesaversGAMEPLAN

Please visit www.esiason.org for the most up-to-date information on cystic fibrosis, upcoming events, and how

you can help support the cystic fibrosis community.

You have the powerto Donate Life.

Be an organ, eye andtissue donor.

www.donatelife.netSource : Donate Life America and the

United Network for Organ Sharing


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The Empire Challenge Foundation is selling copies of the 2011 UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge broadcast that

airs on Madison Square Garden Network. If you would like a copy, please send a check made payable to “Empire

Challenge Foundation” in the amount of $25.00 to:

Empire Challenge Foundation

200B Armstrong Road

Garden City Park, NY 11040

*Please write on the envelope and check “2011 Empire Challenge Game DVD Request.”

*With payment, please include a return address for delivery.

Thank you for supporting the

UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge!

www.esiason.org

Visit the Boomer Esiason Foundation website to learn

about the Foundation’s fight against cystic fibrosis. Find

out the latest information about upcoming events, fund-

raising efforts, cystic fibrosis news, ways to donate and

more.

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Game sponsors

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Phone: (646) 292-7930

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E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.esiason.org

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Empire Challenge

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Phone: (516) 746-0077

Fax: (516) 746-4437

E-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.empirechallenge.com

The Empire Challenge Foundation would like to thank all of our volunteers who make this wonderful event possible.

THank YoU!

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The field-length American Flag unfurled during the national anthem at the United-Healthcare Empire Challenge was pro-vided by 50 Star Productions, an event production company specializing in gi-ant American flags and other large props. The flag is 150 feet by 300 feet and weighs roughly 11,000 pounds, requir-ing at least 150 volunteers to hold it.

The flag has made appearances at Pro-gressive Field, Turner Field, University of Phoenix Stadium and more recently at the New Meadowlands Stadium for the Jets’ home opener of the 2010 season. 50 Star productions has teamed up with Op-eration Home Front to donate $50 of every rental to benefit the families of America’s service members and wounded warriors.

Visit to find the location nearest you!

Catch You after the

game, mates!

oxfordhealth.com

Insurance coverage provided by or through: UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, or their affi liates. Oxford Health Plans LLC. Oxford HMO products are underwritten by Oxford Health Plans (NY), Inc., Oxford Health Plans (NJ), Inc. and Oxford Health Plans (CT), Inc. Oxford insurance products are underwritten by Oxford Health Insurance, Inc. © 2011 United HealthCare Services, Inc. © 2011 Oxford Health Plans LLC. UHCNY528490-000

We all know that regular visits to the doctor are important. But growing healthy is about more than just doctor visits. An active lifestyle that includes exercise is an essential part of your overall well-being, including both your body and your mind. � at’s why we provide members with the tools, resources and information they need to get active and stay motivated. At UnitedHealthcare, through our Oxford products, we’re committed to helping New York area members live well and grow healthy.

Step up your healthy lifestyle. UnitedHealthcare is right behind you.

Grow Healthy.

Empire Challenge 2011

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Transcript of Empire Challenge 2011