Local Gridiron Star Celebrates NYC H.S. Honorees

Former local high school and college football player Louis D’Agostino celebrated with other past local athletes, current coaches and administrators, and the families of 11 outstanding New York City high school football players who recently were honored at the “Elite Eleven” Scholar-Athlete Award Banquet in Manhattan. The event was hosted by the New York City Chapter of the National Football Foundation.

D’Agostino starred at Lawrence High School and Hofstra University. He currently is senior vice president at Iron Cove Partners, a division of Garden City-based The Whitmore Group, specializing in the needs of small to middle market private and public companies and high-net worth individuals.

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Photo: James C. Metzger, left, founder and CEO of The Whitmore Group, was lead-sponsor of the “Elite Eleven” Scholar-Athlete Award Banquet. He was joined by Louis D’Agostino, former Long Island star football player and now senior vice president of Iron Cove Partners.

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Players And Coach Honored

The high school athletes who were honored represented public and private schools – Brooklyn Prep, Brooklyn Tech, Cardinal Hayes, Fieldston, Jamaica, McKee-SI Tech, Monsignor Farrell , Port Richmond, St. Peter’s, Stuyvessant and Tottenville. The organization also honored CJ O’Neil, head football coach of Cardinal Hayes High School in The Bronx, with its Vincent O’Connor Coach of the Year Award. New York Jets Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall received the organization’s Ernie Accorsi Humanitarian Award.

The chapter chairman of the National Football Foundation is Marc T. Hudak, managing director of The Whitmore Group. The New York City Chapter of the National Football Foundation was founded during 2012. It honors the top high school football players who participate in the five boroughs, recognizing them for their performance on the field, in the classroom and as leaders in the community. The organization also honors outstanding individuals for their contributions to the game. Click here for video highlights from the event.

Football To Business

Before entering business, D’Agostino was a high school running back and linebacker. He received the 1990 Thorp Award for most outstanding high school football player for Nassau County. Besides playing for Hofstra, D’Agostinto also played at the University of Rhode Island. During college, he received three team MVP awards along with first-team All-Conference and All-American honors for the 1996 and 1997 seasons.

D’Agostino was not a National Football League draft selection after college but he earned a professional contract and was on the New York Jets roster for two seasons. He also played with the XFL New York/New Jersey Hitmen and the Florida Bobcats of the Arena Football League.

Raised in Lawrence, D’Agostino currently resides in Hewlett with his wife, Lori Ann, and their four children.