HHH East’s James Metzger Honored By Local Universities

James C. Metzger, a three-sport all-star athlete at Half Hollow Hills High School during the 1970s, recently was recognized by Hofstra University and Adelphi University for his high school and college athletic achievements and also for his business and philanthropic leadership on Long Island.

The founder of Garden City’s The Whitmore Group, a leading independent insurance brokerage and financial services firm, Metzger was named Hofstra Alumnus of the Year by the Hofstra University Alumni Organization and he received the Woodruff Lifetime Achievement Award by the Adelphi University Athletic Hall of Fame. The honors acknowledged Metzger’s positive influence on Nassau and Suffolk counties along with his commitment to programs throughout the greater New York metropolitan area that focus on youth, education and communities.

Metzger set assist records (82 in one season) and won many awards during his high school playing days, including All-American honors and the 1977 Ray Enners Award for outstanding Suffolk County lacrosse player when he scored 102 points. Metzger also starred in football and played varsity basketball as a sophomore in the Suffolk County playoffs.

Metzger is a leading benefactor of his alma mater’s athletics program. The James C. Metzger Outstanding Player Award is presented each year to a boys’ lacrosse athlete.

After his high school graduation, Metzger played lacrosse for two years at Hofstra University. As an All-American, he led Hofstra in assists during his freshman and sophomore seasons (1979 and 1980). His single season points per game average (4.9) ranks fourth all-time and his single season assist average (2.8) ranks eighth.

Commitment To Hofstra

At Hofstra, Metzger is a member of the Hofstra University Pride Club board of directors. He was inducted into the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame during 2015.

Metzger provided the largest gift ($1.5 million) in Hofstra Athletics history. James C. Metzger Hall at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium was dedicated during 2015 and he was instrumental in the construction of the Royle-Sombrotto Locker Room at the university that provides a state-of-the-art facility for the men’s lacrosse program.

Metzger also supports the women’s lacrosse program and The Hallways Traditions Project at Hofstra's Margiotta Hall that showcases the history of both lacrosse programs and the university’s football program. For the college classroom, Metzger champions the Metzger-D’Innocenzo Summer Internship for the Center of Civic Engagement. The program honors his former Hofstra professor Michael D’Innocenzo.

Recognition From Cross-County Rival

During the recent induction ceremonies for the Adelphi Athletic Hall of Fame, Adelphi University also recognized Metzger for his service to the campus community and the greater Long Island community.

Metzger was named the 25th recipient of the Woodruff Award. Presented since 1998, the award recognizes “excellence in coaching, teaching and educating young adults while saluting an ambassador of sportsmanship and goodwill and stressing that the athletic experience enhances the educational experience and quality of life.”

The Adelphi community presented the award in tribute to Metzger’s impact on Long Island student athletics through the Nassau County high school boys’ lacrosse leadership awards, his commitment to his high school and college programs, and as a benefactor to the athletic program at St. Anthony’s High School in South Huntington.

Besides athletics and education, Metzger also supports Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Long Island, PAL, the American Heart Association and many other community programs.