Smithtown East Ready to Take Another Swing at Success

After reaching the playoffs for the first time in several years, the Smithtown High School East football team isn't satisfied with simply getting there. Instead, the Bulls are working hard this summer to build on last season's success, even after graduating 20 seniors.

Head coach Greg Lauri has established a simple but powerful theme for the 2026 season. Players are wearing shirts featuring the acronym SWING, which stands for Sacrifice, Wisdom, Integrity, Nerve, and Growth.

Lauri explained that the message is about more than just a slogan.

"If you focus on sacrifice and continue to grow, then when you cover those letters, all that's left is WIN," he said.

The Bulls may have a new look this fall, but the coaching staff is excited about the next wave of talent ready to step into larger roles. One of the biggest advantages from last season was being able to keep the junior varsity team together rather than calling up younger players too early.

"The positive part of last year was we didn't have to bring up a lot of JV kids," Lauri said. "We were able to let them stay together and develop, and we're really excited about the young talent that's coming up."

Throughout July, Smithtown East has been taking part in an intensive speed and strength camp designed to prepare players for the upcoming season. Each workout includes an hour of speed training followed by an hour of strength training and football drills, helping players improve both physically and mentally before preseason practices begin.

The roster also features several promising freshmen who were part of Nesaquake Middle School's undefeated season, giving the Bulls another reason to be optimistic about the future.

Although Smithtown East may not be receiving much attention heading into the season, Lauri believes that could work in his team's favor.

"We're kind of unknown," he said. "But we feel confident as coaches that we'll be able to make some noise."

With a strong offseason, an emerging group of young talent, and a winning mindset built around the principles of SWING, the Bulls are hoping last year's playoff appearance was just the beginning.