Southampton soccer star commits to play at Buffalo State

For the first time in a decade, a Southampton High School varsity football player has committed to play in college. In the fall, Nehemiah Mack will join the Bengals at Buffalo State.

“We wish him well,” Mariners manager Franklin Trent said. “He has all the qualities to play at university. He has a great work ethic and plays with purpose.

Mack began his football career in fifth grade, playing in Little League until seventh grade. He was able to play again last year at the college level, when Southampton, after a hiatus, resumed its soccer program. With just one year of college football under his belt, Mack earned All-League, All-Division and Scholar Athlete honors. He was also named to the Suffolk All-Star team.

Coach Trent said he asked Mack to reinvigorate the school’s football team, noting, “He embodies all the values ​​of the program, including commitment, family and pride.” »

Two of Trent’s uncles played for the Mariners and earned all-county honors.

Besides football, Mack also plays on Southampton’s varsity basketball team and runs the 100 meters and 200 meters for the spring track and field team.

When he is not participating in sports, he volunteers with the Special Olympics.

Mack said he’s looking forward to heading to Buffalo State. “I think it’s the right place for me,” he said. “There’s a brotherhood and a lot of connections to Long Island.”

The Southampton School District extended its congratulations to Mack.

The Buffalo State Bengals team competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Liberty League, which it joined in 2019 after the following years in the Empire 8 from 2012 to 2018.