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Haldane Bids Adieu to Varsity Girls Coach Desiderio
PV Field Hockey starts season this week
by Ray Gallagher
You can add the name Rich Desiderio to the list of former Haldane varsity sports coaches looking for another coaching job this sch year. The ex-varsity girl's basketball coach was stunned to learn of the District's decision to can him after one year on the Hald sideline; a year which concluded with the 17-4 Blue Devils failing to win a Section 1 title for the first time in 14 years.
The fiery Desiderio, who came over to Haldane after a couple of years on the Kennedy Catholic sideline, led the Blue Devils to Section 1 Class C finals where the then-defending champions were shocked/upset, 57-39, by a Blind Brook team Haldane had defea twice during the regular season by a combined 18 points.
Despite Desiderio's being named League IV-North Coach of the year, the writing may have been on the wall that March evening, Haldane officials decided to wait until this week to rock the Blue Devils hoops foundation with its decision. He's said to have tic off some parents and players with his sideline antics, which apparently quickly wore thin on some. In other words, there was, with question, some external pressure to force his departure, but the guy could coach basketball and he was flat-out dedicated.
"I have no idea what to say," a hurt and bewildered Desiderio said. "I just want to coach basketball and try and help kids grow mature. It's probably best that I say nothing, as it will only end up hurting me. I will miss the kids so much. I have received heart notes from Brittany Shields, Scotti King and some of the other kids."
Those kids, like many other kids at Haldane, need a new coach more than anything right now, as stability among the coaching ra has simply flown the coop at Haldane. The knock on Desiderio over the course of his time in Section 1 is that his style of coaching ruffled some feathers. He is loud, demanding and demonstrative on the sideline, which may have led to his demise at Haldane, tho school officials cannot comment officially on his release; other than the company line that they are headed in another direction.
This much is certain: Haldane High hangs its hat on girl's basketball, so the prevailing thought around town is that the uncertai within the program shouldn't linger long, but mustn't be hastily decided upon either. The season is just two months away. Some play on the team are familiar with AAU Pride coach Aldo Redendo, and he is rumored to be interested, so don't be surprised to see anot passionate personality on the Haldane sideline guiding of one of Section 1's most successful programs this winter.
The Putnam Valley High field hockey team takes the field in this week's opener with, two years removed from the first s championship in school history: With a new coach (Toni Ann Cortina) and without the kid who played goal for five years (Kim Kastu The Tigers were sectional runner-ups in 2006, one season after winning the state title in snowy Syracuse. The Tigers have gradua two of the best players in program history in Boston University freshman Kastuk, the state's career shutout leader, and ???-bo Christine Kemp. The Tigers do return two players from the state championship team who saw major time, including center back Britt Kinsley and forward Ashley Morgan, who both starred for the gold-medal winning Hudson Valley scholastic Empire State team, al with Erica Fisher. That trio will gladly welcome Hen Hud transfer Jackie Gallagher, who will stand tall between the pipes. Quite find, I might add.
Again, arch-rival Rye will be at the end of the sectional title trail, speeding full bore ahead and favored to hoist the hardware ag We can expect a possible prelude on October 4th when Rye pays a visit to the sticks.
I may not know much about field hockey anymore, but I suspect the parents of these players might want to keep November 3rd op Plan on a 3pm trip to Lakeland for the Class B finals where Rye will lie in wait, looking to snag its seventh Section 1 title since 19 Remember this, my Valley brethren, if it weren't for these dang Rye Garnets, Putnam Valley might have as many as 10 Sectio championships to its overall credit, instead of the three currently on display (boys lax, field hockey, softball). At the very least, w need a bigger trophy case if it weren't for those fancy stones from lower Westchester. Lacrosse may be a close second, but field hoc has been the Valley's finest chance for sectional gold under former Coach Tracy Parchen, who takes a maternal leave of absence to r her newborn. Good luck with that, Trace.
With No. 2 on the way in early January (my 1st boy), I'll be looking for a week's paternal leave right around the New Year, so yo excuse me if I fall off the planet that week, bowled over with euphoria.
Good luck to everyone who takes the field, the gridiron, the woods (X-C) or the gym floor this week. May the health and wealth g be watching over all y'all.
Visit www.yourdirectrays.com during the season to view Section 1 photo galleries.
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