Carle Place High School star Ryan Leary barred from playing football and soccer — despite coaches’ approval

Carle Place High School Star Athlete Denied Opportunity to Play Two Sports

Carle Place High School senior Ryan Leary, a standout athlete who played a key role in leading his school to a state soccer championship last year, was recently faced with a disappointing setback. Despite obtaining permission from his coaches to compete in both boys soccer and football this fall, district officials intervened and prevented him from pursuing his dual-sport aspirations.

Leary, who had initially discussed the possibility of participating in both sports with Carle Place head football coach Paul Selhorn before the school year commenced, was met with unexpected opposition from school administrators. Despite Coach Selhorn’s initial approval and Leary’s eagerness to juggle responsibilities on both varsity teams, Carle Place Superintendent Ted Cannone delivered the news that Leary would not be allowed to play for both the soccer and football teams.

The school district justified its decision by citing concerns for student safety and equity among team members. While Leary was given the option to choose between being a “full-fledged” member of either the varsity soccer or football team, a compromise was also proposed where he could participate in both sports if he served solely as the football team’s kicker. However, the ultimatum forced Leary to make a difficult decision, ultimately leading him to prioritize football for his senior year.

Expressing his disappointment over the turn of events, Leary shared his initial excitement at the prospect of showcasing his talents on both the soccer field and the gridiron. Despite the setback, Leary has decided to focus his efforts on football for the remainder of the season, where he has already made significant contributions to the team’s success.

While the district’s decision to restrict Leary from playing two high-contact sports simultaneously was based on safety concerns, it raised eyebrows among the local athletic community. NYS Section 8, the governing body for Nassau County public school athletics, typically allows student-athletes to compete in two sports during the same season, provided that certain practice requirements are met and a primary sport is chosen in case of scheduling conflicts.

Despite the setback, Leary remains a talented athlete with a proven track record of success in multiple sports. As he focuses on his football commitments for the current season, his dedication and perseverance serve as a testament to his resilience and passion for athletics.