The annual James C. Metzger Leadership Award for Nassau County high school boys’ lacrosse was presented to one player on each of the four teams that competed in the June 16 finals of the 2021 Section VIII Nassau County high school boys’ lacrosse championships.
The recipient for Manhasset High School is senior goalie Colin Kuester. Along with the other award winners, Kuester reflects the tenacity, honesty, commitment and positive attitude required in Nassau lacrosse. Each recipient also possesses the ability to inspire others on and off the field.
“I was five when I attended my first summer lacrosse camp and I have been playing ever since,” Kuester said. “Before deciding to play goalie full time, I also played middie and defense for Igloo Black Ice, Rebels and my school teams. My experience of playing all positions on the defensive end of the field for so long really helps me lead the defense, especially against tough, competitive teams.”
The leadership awards were presented by 1970s Long Island lacrosse star and local lacrosse benefactor James C. Metzger, who set assist records (82 in one season) and won many awards during his days at Half Hollow Hills East High School in Dix Hills, including All-American honors and the 1977 Lt. Ray Enners Award for outstanding Suffolk County lacrosse player when he scored 102 points. Metzger also starred in football and played varsity basketball as a sophomore in the Suffolk County playoffs. Following high school graduation, Metzger played lacrosse for two years at Hofstra University. Metzger is a member of the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame and the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame. He is the founder and CEO of The Whitmore Agency, a leading insurance services and estate planning company in the New York metropolitan area that is headquartered in Garden City.
In addition to the leadership presentations, Metzger provided the funding for the most valuable player awards presented at the championship games.
The results of the games held on June 15 and 16:
Level A – Syosset versus Farmingdale with Syosset the 13-7 winner.
Level B – Garden City versus H. Frank Carey with Garden City the 11-8 winner.
Level C – Manhasset versus Cold Spring Harbor with Manhasset the 10-8 winner.
Level D – Friends Academy versus Oyster Bay with Friends Academy the 13-7 winner.
—Submitted by Mike Virgintino
