The Northport Boys Lacrosse team has always believed in the power of community. For years, players have been encouraged to engage in meaningful service projects that not only give back but also leave a lasting impact on both the individuals they help and the team itself.
William Cordts, a 2003 Northport graduate and current coach of the team, has been deeply influenced by the community-driven values he experienced during his playing days. His coach, George Searing, played a pivotal role in creating opportunities for players to give back, including organizing service days to benefit causes like the VA Hospital in Northport, where the team would clean up the grounds and show appreciation for veterans.
Northport’s lacrosse community has also been deeply affected by personal tragedies, which have further driven the team’s commitment to community service. In 2000, freshman lacrosse player Louis Acompora tragically passed away on the field due to commodio cordis, the same injury that nearly took the life of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. Following his passing, his family, with the support of the community and Coach Searing, helped establish Louis’s Law, which mandates the availability of AEDs in public spaces throughout New York State. Since the law’s enactment, over 125 lives have been saved, a powerful legacy of Louis’s life and the work of his parents and supporters.
In another act of resilience, the Northport lacrosse community faced the loss of Corporal Christopher Scherer, a 2004 graduate and Marine who was killed in action in Afghanistan. His family created the “I Did the Grid” event, a 5k fundraiser that not only honored veterans but also sent care packages to soldiers overseas. This initiative lasted for 20 years, supporting those who served and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Drawing inspiration from these stories, Coach Cordts and his players have worked to continue the tradition of giving back. Over the years, the team has collaborated with local organizations, offering their time and efforts to help those in need. One example of this is their work with Commander Bill McKenna at the American Legion Hall in Northport, where the team spent a day cleaning up the outdoor spaces, from pulling weeds and planting flowers to clearing debris and scrubbing walls. It’s a day the team looks forward to every year, and one that continues to teach valuable lessons about teamwork and the importance of service.
This year, the boys took their service project a step further by reaching out to local garden centers and nurseries, collecting donations for the American Legion Hall. With support from generous local businesses, the team received mulch, flowers, plants, and trees, which were used to beautify the space. On April 18th, 38 players arrived ready to work, with Commander McKenna providing a list of tasks to tackle. Together, they worked in groups, cleared the grounds, planted flowers, and created stunning flower beds, all while playing music and engaging with the veterans on site. The day ended with a sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that Coach Cordts considers one of his proudest moments.
The heart of these projects lies in the life lessons the boys learn. “It’s not just about making an impact on the organizations we serve,” Cordts shared. “It’s about empowering these young men to understand that their actions, no matter how small, can create positive change.” Through these experiences, the team not only helps the community but also builds lasting relationships and fosters a sense of responsibility and respect among the players.
As Coach Cordts emphasizes, the values of respect, responsibility, and relationships are essential both on and off the field. These projects help teach the players that while Northport is a great community, there are always those who need a helping hand. By giving back, they learn the power of service and the importance of supporting one another, both as teammates and as citizens.
For more about the Northport Boys Lacrosse team’s community service projects, or if you would like to get involved, feel free to reach out to Coach Cordts. The local paper, The Observer, also covered the event, with David Ambro documenting the story.
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