We Get To remember the life and legacy of Matt “Dezy” DiStefano.
The Sachem legend, who passed away in January 2020, received his latest honor as the basketball/volleyball court at Sachem High School North was dedicated in his name on Tuesday, September 21.
A large “Matthew DiStefano Dezy Court” logo will sit on both sides of the gym floor forever as Sachem student-athletes play in honor of his spirit.
DiStefano, an inductee of the Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame, Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame and Mt. Saint Vincent Hall of Fame, is one of Sachem’s finest two-sport athletes. He was also an influential coach and teacher.
Sachem does not dish out naming locations frequently as it’s the highest honor in the school district’s athletic world. DiStefano joins the short list of Sachem icons to have the honor, including Bill Batewell (baseball), Fred Fusaro (football), Jack Mahoney (wrestling), Tom Sabatelle (gymnasium) and Don Woolley (press box).
Members of DiStefano’s family, including his wife, children, parents and siblings, were on-hand for the special moment. Speakers included Sachem Athletic Director Gary Beutel, Matt’s wife Jennifer DiStefano, Sachem volleyball coach Matt Rivera, Dezy Strong Foundation trustee Rick Cole Jr. and Sachem Alumni Association President Chris R. Vaccaro.