Defensive tackle Scott Vallone signs with Rutgers, finally!

By JASON MOLINET

POSTED 2-6-08

Minutes later, Rutgers football coach Greg Schiano was on the phone with Vallone. “Congratulations,” Schiano reportedly told his star defensive recruit. “It’s been a long time coming. Now get ready to work.”

The 6-3, 270-pound St. Anthony’s defensive tackle orally committed to the Big East school over the summer, putting a halt to the recruiting process before it ever really revved into gear. Rutgers was the first school seriously interested in Vallone, of Central Islip, and he developed a bond with the coaching staff that in the end made his choice easy.

“It’s about the relationship he built with coach Schiano and the staff,” said Vallone’s dad, Gregg. “They are like family now.”

While Schiano received Vallone’s letter of intent bright and early, Vallone couldn’t celebrate the event until later in the day. St. Anthony’s held a signing day ceremony in the school library for both Vallone and four girls soccer standouts, also headed to Division I schools.

The usually spacious library suddenly overflowed with friends, family, coaches, school administrators and media. And let’s not forget the catered spread of pizza and pasta.

Vallone’s girlfriend, Kristine Best, is no stranger to choreographed moments. She is the point guard on the girls basketball team. She signed with Marist in the fall. But even she seemed overwhelmed by the moment.

“I’m just happy for him,” said Best, holding a Rutgers hat in hand.

Quarterback James Brady, one of three football players headed to Division I-AA schools, stopped in to mug with his teammate. Brady, the CHSFL offensive player of the year, is headed to Georgetown.

The girls soccer players enjoyed their moment in the media glare as well. Defender Brianna Garcia, the Nassau-Suffolk CHSAA MVP, signed with Penn State. Another defender, Lauren Lucas, is headed to Cincinnati. Goalkeeper Arianna Efstathiou will attend American. Defender Maggie O’Callaghan committed to Sacred Heart.

As athletic director Don Buckley fitting said as he introduced each student-athlete, it’s the rarest of days to see so many talented and accomplished teens in one place. No doubt this was a signing day unlike any other on Long Island.