Award Recognition Marks Milestone in Local Sports Journalism
Hank Winnicki, the longtime sports editor of Newsday, was presented with the Distinguished Media Award by the National Football Foundation during a recent brunch that also honored scholars and all‑county athletes. The ceremony, hosted by the Suffolk County chapter of the foundation, highlighted Winnicki’s dedication to elevating girls’ athletics across Long Island.
Under Winnicki’s leadership, Newsday has dramatically broadened its high‑school sports coverage, especially in flag football, a sport that entered the local scene in 2022. What began as a modest 16‑team league has blossomed into a 66‑team competition slated for the 2026 season, reflecting both community enthusiasm and the editor’s advocacy.
A Growing Sport on Long Island
Leonard Genova, president of the Suffolk County chapter, praised Winnicki’s impact, noting that his reporting has not only chronicled the sport’s rise but also inspired greater participation among young women. Gregg Sarra, Newsday’s high school sports editor, echoed the sentiment, describing Winnicki as a steadfast champion for gender equity in high‑school athletics.
Starting in 2027, the Long Island High School Flag Football Player of the Year Award will bear Winnicki’s name, a tribute that will recognize outstanding talent each season. Winnicki himself expressed pride in the growth of the sport and the newspaper’s role in its story, saying the expansion mirrors the increasing popularity of flag football throughout the region.