Sachem Football, Swim Teams Compete for Breast Cancer Awareness

Dalton Crossan doing back flips. Tyler Andreassi swimming relays. Jacob Starling in the 500 free. It doesn’t sound right, but Sachem North’s football team took to the pool for a good cause earlier this week.

Joined by the girl's swim team at Sachem North, they competed to raise money for breast cancer awareness. The football program raised more than $500.

During the month of October, many Sachem football players also wore pink gloves and arm bands to support breast cancer awareness.

Football players had to compete in at least two events against their female classmates and tried their hardest to look like gifted athletes and not oversized fish flapping around without form.

Crossan was all over the pool, diving, competing in multiple free-style events and one relay.

“We were joking around, talking trash,” he said. “We all had a good time.”

Perhaps the highlight of the day was when Crossan completed a double front flip. He said he has never swam competitively in his life and rarely hits the water to compete.

“We’re always looking for community service that fits into our schedule. It allows the kids to give back to the community,” Sachem football coach Dave Falco said. “Breast cancer awareness is really big in our building. It was great for team bonding.”

It was equally as fruitful for the swim team.

"I could not be more proud of my young women and coach Falco's young men," said Sachem North girls swim coach Al Scott. "All my Sachem girl's swim teams have had this kind of heart. I was very impressed with the boys on the football team. They were real gentlemen and excellent sports, a tribute to their parents and coaches. We also proved swimming is not an easy sport. Just ask the boys.  I am very proud to be associated with these young athletes."