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| Alex de Bourja |
Interview Conducted by Eric Moskowitz
What was it like to make the playoffs last year after the multi-year drought?
It was a great feeling and it felt like a turning point for the program. I got into coaching after watching Eastport South-Manor celebrate a county championship on our field in 2006. I never wanted to experience that feeling again. The kids really worked hard to prove that Harborfields belonged last year and we ended up undefeated on our home field. It felt like we constantly proved people wrong last year, which was fun.
How do you feel about your team this year? Do you feel you guys are ready for another playoff run?
I’m always going to believe in my guys. We’re going to be young this year, we graduated 8 seniors, and lost a great kid that was our starting right fielder to Ski School. With that said, I see how hard our guys have worked this offseason and I love our depth. I don’t see a reason why we can’t play with every single team on Long Island. Getting back to the playoffs is one of our many goals.
Do you have any team captains? If so why did you pick them?
Our captain is senior shortstop Kevin O’Connor. I’ve known Kevin since he was a 7th grader but even if you only spend a few minutes around him you can tell he’s a special kid. He’s a great ball player but an even better person who comes from a great family. We’re lucky to have a leader like Kevin to lean on this year.
Do you have any players that could surprise people this year?
I think our whole team is going to surprise people this year. We may not be on anyone’s top 10 list but we’ve got a bunch of selfless team-oriented guys that are hungry to win. Keep an eye on juniors Alex de Borja and Jesse Lankeaux this year, they may not be well known yet, but they will be.
Who do you feel is your top competitor in your league this year?
I think League VI is one of the toughest leagues on Long Island and there really are no easy games. Rocky Point has a fantastic program with some stellar athletes, Islip has won a state championship in the last 10 years, Westhampton has a few studs, and I can’t remember the last time Sayville didn’t make the playoffs. Comsewogue is a newcomer to the league but I expect them to be strong after playing in League V last year. As long as we take care of what we can control, I believe we’re the team to beat.
It was reported that Harborfields almost got new turf fields. Is that something you pushed for the school to get?
There was some sort of bond referendum that didn’t pass. In addition to having a district that’s always looking to help us, we have a great Booster Club and some unbelievable residents in the community that want to help improve our field.
