July 20, 2016

Ray Deren’s name in Blue Devil athletic history is engraved in granite. The trendsetting sports administrator’s creativity and foresight helped ignite an explosion in the number of opportunities available to Huntington’s student-athletes. His planning and commitment to the young people of the community continues to benefit countless teenagers each year.

Ray Deren’s name in Blue Devil athletic history is engraved in granite. The trendsetting sports administrator’s creativity and foresight helped ignite an explosion in the number of opportunities available to Huntington’s student-athletes. His planning and commitment to the young people of the community continues to benefit countless teenagers each year.

A legend in the area of sports program innovation, Mr. Deren played a leading role in a long list of initiatives that have become an essential part of the district’s cherished traditions.

Although he passed away more than 15 years ago, Mr. Deren’s influence is still widely felt in Huntington’s classrooms and gyms and on its fields.

At this year’s 48th Blue Devil senior athletic awards banquet, which Mr. Deren created in 1969 to recognize and honor graduating seniors, Class of 2016 member Infinite Tucker was presented with a $1,000 scholarship and handsome plaque in honor of the longtime district director of health, physical education and athletics.

“My dad believed that students who participated in athletics would have the most success in their careers and relationships,” said Mr. Deren’s daughter, Georgia McCarthy, who now fills the same position her father once did. She was joined for the award presentation by her mother, Carol and son, John.

The Deren Scholarship recognizes athletes who have consistently showed dedication to their academic and athletic programs and are determined to complete a college education while participating in athletes.

Infinite Tucker’s Magical Senior Year

Tucker enjoyed one of the most amazing senior year’s ever enjoyed by a Huntington athlete. He rushed 70 times for 885 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Blue Devil football team. He also caught 16 passes for 386 yards and four touchdowns and recorded 98 solo tackles, 14 tackles for a loss and three quarterback sacks.

The teenager was even better on the track, winning county, state and national championships during the winter and spring seasons. Tucker excelled in the 55m, 110m and 400m hurdles, 400m run, 600m run, high jump, long jump and 4x400m relay.

As the captain of the football, winter and spring track and field teams, Infinite was truly committed to his teammates and his coaches in all programs,” Ms. McCarthy said. “He has received multiple accolades from the local level all the way to the national level and is one of best athletes to have graced Huntington’s fields. We are so proud of him. He will be sorely missed.”

Ray Deren’s Road to Huntington

Mr. Deren attended Flushing High School before earning an undergraduate degree at Adelphi University and a master’s degree at Hofstra University. He was a physical education teacher and coach in the Jericho School District before being elevated to the athletic director’s position. At the time, he was the youngest AD on Long Island. He eventually found his way to Huntington in the late 1960s and immediately made a positive difference.

Mr. Deren was so unshakeable in his belief that athletics encompasses so much of what is good in this world that it helped define who he was as a person. Athletes held a special place in the administrator’s heart and his daughter proudly listed all the reasons why this was so.

“Our student-athletes are obligated to work well with others on a daily basis in some of the most unique situations,” Ms. McCarthy told the crowd at the senior banquet. “You all have a strong work ethic, can problem solve, be unselfish and manage your time wisely because of your experiences in Huntington. These are just a few of the skills that are second nature and will help you live happy and successful lives. This banquet is all about you, who have put so much time and energy into this strong program, rich with traditions.”

During Mr. Deren’s tenure the number of athletic teams sponsored by the district skyrocketed from 28 to 70 and the program was seen as a model by districts across New York. A true visionary, he identified the need for a full-time athletic trainer, a first for a Long Island high school, writing the job description for the position. Throughout his tenure he pushed for improvements to the district’s athletic program and sports facilities.

Mr. Deren passed away on February 28, 1999, but his memory lives on through the memorial scholarship presented annually in his honor by his family.