Elmont Spartan Team Names Dutch Broadway Principal Walter Aksionoff as Honorary Coach
June 19, 2012
The Elmont Spartan Basketball team facing off against the Henry G. Viscardi School Wheelchair Basketball squad has named Dutch Broadway School Principal Walter Aksionoff as their honorary head coach. The special game is part of the Senator Jack Martins Classic 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament being held on July 14th at Dutch Broadway School.
The game is a wheelchair basketball exposition between both teams. This is the second installment game. Last year, the opening tip-off of the contest was done by New York Knick Legend John Starks.
Mr. Aksionoff or Mr. “A,” as the students call him, is the beloved Principal of the Dutch Broadway School who has also coached High School Basketball for decades in the greater community. Scott Cushing, tournament chairman, noted, “Mr. ‘A’ is an incredible role model and leader for the children of Elmont. He motivates our young people to strive for their dreams. The decision to ask him to coach the Elmont team was unanimous. It is such an honor to have him working with us.”
This year, the Spartan Wheelchair Basketball squad is being led by Team Captains Kyle Johnson and Goldie Harrison. Rounding out the team are: Michael Dugue, Bria Fisher, Elijah Ross, Sahadia Cadet, Jeffrey Cadet, Beatrice Pierre, Michael Braun, Kyla Ridley, Ben Odugbesan, Reggie Pierre and Tristan Brown. The students represent athletes from all sports played in the Sewanhaka Central High School District.
For Spartan squad members Johnson, Harrison, Fisher, Braun, Ridley and Brown, this is a very special game as Aksionoff was their elementary school principal. “Having Mr. “A” as our coach is pretty exciting for our team and an honor,” said Spartan team captain Kyle Johnson.
Senator Jack Martins noted, “the Elmont-Viscardi Wheelchair Basketball game is one of the most exciting parts of the 3-on-3 tournament. The crowd gets pumped up and the kids on all sides have a great time.”
The 3-on-3 Tournament is being played on July 14th at the Dutch Broadway School. Tournament forms can be attained by emailing dutchtourney@gmail.com or by calling Senator Martins’ office at 746-5924. Tip off for the tournament is at 10am.