Long Island Metro Lacrosse Foundation Welcomes 2023 Hall Of Fame Class

The Long Island Metro Lacrosse Foundation, a chapter of USA Lacrosse, welcomed 11 players and coaches into its 2023 hall of fame class during the 38th annual ceremony held on Saturday, January 27.

Among the inductees were two family members, James C. Metzger and Rob Pannell. Metzger, a standout player at Half Hollow Hills High School East and Hofstra University, also was recognized for his mentorship and as a Long Island lacrosse benefactor. His nephew is a former award-winning college player who has continued to set records and win awards with the MLL New York Lizards and PLL California Redwoods. Pannell also participated on three USA National Teams. Special awards were bestowed on Ed Wallace and Rosalia Gioia.

The foundation's mission is to share the positive spirit of lacrosse and support the highest ethical standards for all participants through annual initiatives that include targeted grants, scholarship programs, lacrosse educational clinics and events that raise awareness and resources to support the game. It collaborates with Nassau and Suffolk counties, and Metro New York, to improve the game. The organization’s board consists of men and women who coach and/or volunteer with teams from youth to post-collegiate levels, along with referees, umpires, organizers, managers, parents, supporters and others dedicated to lacrosse.

Award Recipients

Harold “Whitey” Henrickson Lifetime Achievement Award: Ed Wallace – East Meadow’s WT Clark High School, Hofstra University, Long Island Lacrosse Club and game official.

Harvey Cohen Service Award: Rosalia Gioia – Coach at New Hyde Park High School and Great Neck North Middle School, LIMLF Hall of Fame (1988), National Lacrosse Hall of Fame (2004), Hunter College Athletic Hall of Fame and The Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame.

Class Of 2023

Brian Boyle – St. Mary’s High School, Towson University, New York Tech, Rochester Rattlers, Baltimore Bayhawks and Long Island Lizards.

Daielle Skakandi Castellane – Farmingdale High School, Hofstra University and Cold Spring Harbor High School (coach).

Michael Chanenchuk – Famingdale High School, United States Naval Academy, established LI Express Lacrosse Club, St. Anthony’s High School (coach) and Under Armour All-America team (coach).

Steven DeNapoli – Hewlett High School, Hofstra University, Team USA, Baltimore Bayhawks, Rochester Rattlers, Long Island Lizards, Team Atlas and Team Waterdogs.

Christopher Fiore – Freeport High School, University of Massachusetts. Boston Cannons and Long Island Lizards.

Paul McDermott – Huntington High School (player and coach), SUNY Cortland, Suffolk Community College, CW Post, Under Armour All-America team (coach) and Cold Spring Harbor High School (coach).

Michael McLaughlin – Deer Park High School (player and volunteer coach), United States Naval Academy and Bishop Brady Lacrosse in New Hampshire (coach).

James C. Metzger – Half Hollow Hills High School East, Hofstra University, Lacrosse Mentor, Long Island Lacrosse Benefactor.

Mike Nelson – Sewanhaka High School (player and coach), Adelphi University, Levittown PAL, Levittown Tomahawks Lacrosse Club (founder), NCPAL Special Needs Lacrosse (founder), Long Island Hammerheads Wheelchair Lacrosse (founder and coach) and Levittown’s MacArthur High School (assistant coach).

Rob Pannell – Smithtown West High School, Deerfield Academy, Cornell University, Team USA (2014, 2018, 2023), New York Lizards and California Redwoods.

Erica DeVito Vitale – Shoreham-Wading River High School and Adelphi University.