Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Town Councilwoman Michele M. Johnson, Town Councilman Thomas P. Hand and Town Councilman Louis B. Imbroto joined in dedicating a youth athletic field at Centre Island Beach in honor of Al Staab, a longtime resident of Bayville and a strong proponent and advocate of local youth athletics.

Supervisor Saladino stated, “This athletic field will forever stand as a permanent testament to Al Staab’s many years of devoted service to local youth sports organizations and our community’s young athletes.  A graduate of Locust Valley High School in 1973, Al was an outstanding three sport athlete.  His love of the game was so profoundly positive that it served as motivation to pay it forward to future generations in Bayville and Locust Valley as he knew his efforts would instill a similar appreciation and enthusiasm for the game.”

Al Staab founded the Oak Neck Athletic Council and was responsible for the establishment of youth programs in football as well as wrestling and lacrosse.  He helped establish Falcon Pride, a non-profit organization which raises money for both the middle school and high school sports programs. Falcons Pride helped create a new state-of-the-art sound system for the high school wrestling room and a new scoreboard for the football field.

“Al is a visionary who created important administrative support mechanisms for athletics in Bayville and Locust Valley,” added Councilwoman Michele Johnson. “But, if you were to ask Al, I am sure he would be most proud of the many young people he helped move in the right direction in the game of life. Over the years, Al has empowered countless numbers of young people, including his own two children, to hone athletic skills and develop the character and drive necessary to achieve their goals.”

“Al Staab is a true leader and the most selfless person you would ever meet,” said Village of Bayville Mayor Paul Rupp. “Al’s selfless affection, dedication and commitment to our community is beyond measure. He’s had a positive impact on so many families and especially children in our community.”

On Tuesday, October 3, 2017, the Oyster Bay Town Board voted to unanimously approve the naming of this athletic field at Centre Island Beach in honor of Al Staab.