A Box Worth Opening

When Stony Brook women’s lacrosse coach Joe Spallina sends you a box, you probably know there is going to be something interesting inside.

Recently, former NFL head coach and television personality Jon Gruden received a package from Spallina and the Stony Brook women’s lacrosse program, and Gruden shared an unboxing video while giving the Seawolves some major love.

Gruden referred to Spallina as “my man Joe Spallina at Stony Brook” and made sure to point out just how much respect he has for the Seawolves.

“These Seawolves DOMINATE on the field,” Gruden said, while also mentioning the incredible alumni who have come through Stony Brook.

For Stony Brook fans, having someone with Gruden’s national profile talking about the Seawolves is a pretty cool bit of publicity. But for those who know Spallina and his roots, the connection is even more special.

Spallina is a true Suffolk County product. A Rocky Point native and graduate of Rocky Point High School, he went on to become one of the most successful lacrosse coaches to come out of the county. He was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame in 2020.

Before taking over at Stony Brook, Spallina coached the Rocky Point girls lacrosse team, leading the Panthers to five Suffolk County finals and three consecutive championships in his final three seasons. He then continued building his reputation at Adelphi before taking over the Seawolves in 2012.

That local connection has remained important throughout Spallina’s career. He currently resides in Mount Sinai, and the Spallina name has become almost synonymous with Long Island lacrosse.

So when Spallina sends a box to Jon Gruden and gets a national shoutout for Stony Brook, it is more than just a fun social media moment.

It is another reminder of how far a Suffolk County lacrosse coach has taken his program — and how much attention the Seawolves continue to receive beyond Long Island.

Not bad for a Rocky Point guy who has spent his career helping put Long Island lacrosse on the map.