PM wrestler Garone among 8 inducted into Suffolk HOF

Nick Garone looked around the room and his eyes began to water. The former state wrestling champion at Patchogue-Medford and All-American at Syracuse seemed overwhelmed before last night's Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies at the West Lake Inn in Patchogue.

Flanked by his four children and his wife, Holly, Garone - a six-time gold medalist at the Empire State Games who now coaches at Eastport-South Manor - was humbled by the experience in his hometown.

"This is so special to be honored in my home community in front of the people who saw me grow up," Garone said. "And it's especially gratifying to be recognized as someone who persevered and was successful in wrestling, one of the greatest sports in the world."

Garone, an icon in the wrestling community, was one of eight inductees. He was joined by Bay Shore coach Jim McGowan, arguably the greatest high school softball coach in state history. He has captured six state championships, nine Long Island crowns and 11 county titles. On this special night, McGowan's Marauders improved to 16-0 and earned the school's 24th league title in 28 years.

After a quick parking lot change, McGowan made it to the festivities. "It's an honor to be recognized by the Hall of Fame," he said. "It's a reflection of all of the outstanding high school athletes and teams that have represented Bay Shore. The athletes have made a big difference in my life and I hope I've had an impact in their lives."

McGowan has the best winning percentage in state history at .877 with a record of 625-88.

Tom Howard, Bay Shore's football coach from 1981-1987, was 51-14-1, won four consecutive Suffolk Division II playoff titles and earned two Rutgers Trophies.

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Joe Patrovich Sr. has coached football and wrestling as well as anyone. He won the Rutgers Cup at Division in 1981 and 1982 and earned three county titles at Islip. Patrovich also led Islip to a 144-41-1 record in wrestling with six league, two county and two state crowns.

Former major-leaguer Jeff Schaefer of Patchogue played 14 years with the White Sox, Mariners and Athletics.

Former Sachem baseball coach Bill Batewell won two county titles and retired in 2004, then returned to the dugout to revive the Bellport baseball program in 2008. He led Long Island to seven gold medals at the Empire State Games.

There was Miller Place standout basketball player Will Brown, who starred at Dowling, where he had more than 1,000 points and 500 assists. He coaches the men's basketball team at Albany. And Buzz Deschamps, a former Long Island Ducks all-star, the area's first professional hockey team. He coaches the hockey team at Stony Brook University.

The West Islip boys lacrosse program, which has won six consecutive Suffolk championships, five Long Island titles and three of the last four state championships, earned the 2010 Special Recognition Award.