#mike lunney

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MEDIA ADVISORY: 2026 RIIL Hockey Championships Press Conference - March 16th

MEDIA ADVISORY 

2026 RIIL Hockey Championships Press Conference 

March 16, 2026 | Amica Mutual Pavilion 

Media Contact:  Rhode Island Interscholastic League  (401) 272‑[email protected]

WHAT: 

Press Conference for the 2026 RIIL Girls and Boys Ice Hockey Championships 

WHO: 

Governor Daniel J. McKee 

Ernest Almonte, Chairman, Rhode Island. Convention Center Authority 

Michael P. Lunney, Executive Director, Rhode Island Interscholastic League 

Coaches and player representatives from each of the six finalist teams 

Emcee: Daniel McConaghy, Executive Director & CEO, Rhode Island Convention Center Authority 

WHEN: 

Monday, March 16, 2026 - 3:00 p.m. 

WHERE:  Amica Mutual Pavilion, 1 Lasalle Square, Providence, R.I. – main lobby

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL), in partnership with the Amica Mutual Pavilion, will host a press conference featuring the six teams competing in the 2026 RIIL Girls and Boys Ice Hockey Championships. The event will include remarks from state and RIIL leadership, as well as coaches and student‑athlete representatives. 

The 2026 RIIL Hockey Championship Finals, presented by Ortho Rhode Island, will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at the AMP. 

Championship Finals Schedule – Wednesday, March 18 

4:00 p.m. – Division II Boys Hockey Championship 

6:00 p.m. – Division I Girls Hockey Championship 

8:00 p.m. – Division I Boys Hockey Championship

Ticket Information: Thanks to the generosity of the Providence Bruins, any tickets pre‑purchased online by March 16 at 11:59 p.m. EST will include a voucher redeemable for admission to an upcoming Providence Bruins game during the current season. Tickets are available at:https://gofan.co/riil 

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PCOA recognizes outgoing Chair Warner for two decades of service

BY CAROLYN THORNTON

Rhode Island Interscholastic League

     WARWICK, RI (December 1, 2025) - The final item of business at the Principals’ Committee on Athletics’ November meeting was a bittersweet one as its members recognized outgoing chairperson Dan Warner for his more than 20 years of dedication and service both to the Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s governing body and to the tens of thousands of high school and middle school students across the state who play interscholastic athletics.

     “It was 2004 when Dan rolled onto this committee,” said RIIL Executive Director Mike Lunney, as he presented Warner with a commemorative plaque at the November 17th meeting in the RIIL office. “That was quite a few years ago. I was an athletic director at the time and just getting involved at the state level, and I know that the amount of institutional knowledge that Dan has is immense. So we’re definitely going to miss that, and his leadership of this organization during a really difficult time, as well. These past few years have been really challenging, and you’ve had a steady hand in leading us through all of that.”

RIIL Executive Director Mike Lunney presents outgoing PCOA Chair Dan Warner with a plaque recognizing his service to the organization. (PHOTO: CAROLYN THORNTON/RIIL)

      A Newport native and Rogers High School graduate, Warner began his career out in Colorado, but returned to Rhode Island in 1999 and spent the next 24 years working for the Narragansett School Department, the first several years as assistant principal and another 20 years as principal of Narragansett High School. Upon retiring from Narragansett in 2023, Warner then served as principal of Block Island School for two years.

     Over the course of his career, Warner was recognized as the 2007 School Administrator of the Year by the Rhode Island Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and the 2009 Principal of the Year by the Rhode Island Association of School Principals.

     After serving for 15 years as a member of the RIIL’s Principals’ Committee on Athletics, Warner was appointed Assistant Chair in 2019. He was then named PCOA Chair in 2022.

     “I’ve seen a lot and I’ve seen a lot of camaraderie and I can’t express enough the awesome responsibility that you folks have as members of the PCOA,” Warner said at his final meeting leading the group.

     “This appointment and your service on this committee should never be taken lightly,” he continued, sharing some of the sentiments he had expressed in a letter to the members. “The responsibility you have to the thousands of student-athletes we serve can sometimes feel overwhelming. It is your duty, and really your honor to deal with those situations with thoughtfulness, courage and reverence. Do not ever take your role, or the decisions you make lightly, because their impact can be far reaching. I know in my heart that in working with you on this committee, the student-athletes of Rhode Island are in good hands. Again, thank you for allowing me to chair such a wonderful and talented group of principals, I will miss you and the work we share. Your work is indeed without measure.”

Warner offers some parting words as Assistant Chair Candace Caluori and PCOA members, Dr. Mike Sollitto and Mark DeCiccio, look on. (PHOTO/CAROLYN THORNTON, RIIL)

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Former RIIL Executive Director Tom Mezzanotte honored with conference room dedication

Meeting space will serve as "a daily reminder of his contributions and his spirit"

Many current and former members of the Principals' Committee on Athletics gathered for the Thomas A. Mezzanotte Conference Room Dedication Ceremony on November 27, 2025. (PHOTO/CAROLYN THORNTON, RIIL)

BY CAROLYN THORNTON

Rhode Island Interscholastic League

     WARWICK, RI (December 1, 2025) - “The space where ideas are shared, decisions are made, and the future of Rhode Island athletics and activities continues to evolve now bears the name of the man who helped shape its past and present.” 

     Shortly after convening for its November meeting in the conference room of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s Warwick office, the Principals’ Committee on Athletics then dedicated that very meeting space to the individual who was instrumental in the RIIL relocating to its current home on Centerville Road. 

     Joined by members of his family and many current and former members of the PCOA with whom he had worked beside for decades as both a principal and the Executive Director of the RIIL, Tom Mezzanotte and his wife Kathy unveiled a plaque in what is now known as the “Thomas A. Mezzanotte Conference Room.” 

Tom Mezzanotte and his wife Kathy unveil the commemorative plaque as current RIIL Executive Director Mike Lunney looks on. (PHOTO/CAROLYN THORNTON, RIIL)

     The plaque reads: “RIIL Executive Director 2004-2020. In recognition of his exceptional leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to interscholastic athletics in Rhode Island. A lasting tribute to his vision, passion, and legacy. Dedicated November 17, 2025.” 

“This conference room will serve as a daily reminder of his contributions and his spirit,” said Mike Lunney, who succeeded Mezzanotte as Executive Director in 2020 after serving as Assistant Executive Director of the RIIL for nine years. 

     “What set Tom apart was not just his strategic vision—it was his humanity,” Lunney said. “He knew every administrator by name, every coach by story, and took genuine pride in the achievements of every student-athlete. His legacy is not measured in administering state championships, but in the countless young lives he inspired and the enduring community he built.” 

     “The years here were great. I was very blessed,” Mezzanotte said. “I had two unbelievable careers – principal in the city of Providence . . . and then coming here. . . . We had a lot of fun and I really enjoyed it. I look back and I don’t regret one day, not one day. . . . I had a great tenure and a great run and I really enjoyed it.” 

Tom Mezzanotte poses with Mike Lunney, left, and Richard Magarian, who both served as Assistant Directors during Mezzanotte's 16 years as Executive Director. (PHOTO/CAROLYN THORNTON, RIIL)

     Mezzanotte’s career in education, athletics and administration spanned nearly five decades, including 30 years within the Providence School System. During that time, he served as a coach, a social studies teacher, an assistant principal at Mt. Pleasant High School, the principal at Bridgham Middle School and then principal at Classical High School before finally becoming Executive Director of Student Support Services. 

     While principal at Classical, Mezzanotte sat on the Principals’ Committee on Athletics from 1990 to 1999 and served as Chairman of the PCOA for three years in addition to serving as the RIIL’s Director of Football. He became Executive Director of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League in 2004, serving in that position for 16 years. 

     “Tom and I, we served as principals, and he never lost that perspective throughout all of his time as executive director of the Interscholastic League,” said Bob Littlefield, now Executive Director of the R.I. Association of School Principals. “He still had the mindset of a principal that learning was more important than winning. And for anybody who felt that winning was more important than learning, Tom would say in no uncertain terms that's not what we are about. He was always a principal first. That approach carried through. It created the atmosphere that exists here in this office building that Mike (Lunney) and (assistant executive director) Tom (Marcello) are carrying on, and that's your legacy, and that's something that you and your family should be very, very proud of.” 

RIASP Executive Director Bob Littlefield noted that Mezzanotte never lost sight of "the mindset of a principal that learning was more important than winning." (PHOTO/CAROLYN THORNTON, RIIL)

     During his tenure as the RIIL’s executive director, Mezzanotte expanded the opportunities offered within the league’s education-based athletics program, which included working with Special Olympics Rhode Island to implement a unified high school sports program for students with intellectual disabilities. He also implemented a mandatory certification requirement for coaches, helped develop the R.I. Concussion Law and initiated a student leadership program for student-athletes. 

      “As a member of the Principals' Committee on Athletics in 2005, I was a first-hand witness to Tom's leadership, bringing the organization to prominence in the nation,” said Kevin McNamara, former PCOA chair and now superintendent of schools in Lincoln. “He set the organization on a path to financial independence, ultimately culminating in the purchase of this very property. He navigated the tumultuous process of insisting on standards and training of our officials. He modernized scheduling, tournament ticketing, and sought advantageous partnerships for the benefit of our member schools. We expanded traditional sport offerings, began unified sports and e-sports, and none of this would have been possible without Tom's dynamic, energetic and skilled leadership.” 

Former PCOA Chair Kevin McNamara, left, noted that Mezzanotte's "forward-thinking leadership" helped establish Rhode Island as "a national leader in the creation of unified sports, insisting on coaches' education and elevating the role and the status of our athletic directors." (PHOTO/CAROLYN THORNTON, RIIL)

     Nationally, Mezzanotte became the first Rhode Islander to serve a term on the National Federation of State High School Associations’ Board of Directors in 2011, a term that culminated with his selection as the 55th NFHS President in 2014-15, another first for Rhode Island. 

“A funny thing happened on the way to the office for Tom around 2004, 2005,” former PCOA chair Gerry Foley said. “He realized. . . there was more to the world than Rhode Island. There was a bigger world out there, and he thought, `If I could explore this particular world, I probably could learn some stuff, and I could bring it back to Rhode Island.' And he sure did. What kind of programs were needed to make us a world-class organization? What had to be done for teachers, coaches, officials? What kind of programs could be set up to benefit kids? The unified games - my god. Tremendous undertakings and tremendous contributions. I would say to you all here today that it's the principal’s vision that brought us here today....Long overdue.” 

Former PCOA Chair Gerry Foley coined the phrase “Mezzafication, which he defined as "a movement to better conditions" adding "I will say things are better now than they were way back when." (PHOTO/CAROLYN THORNTON, RIIL)

     Mezzanotte commended the current members of the Principals’ Committee on Athletics and noted the vital role they play as the governing body of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League. 

“I remember we used to talk about it all the time. The responsibility that you have,” he said. “It’s so important for principals to be active in athletics. There’s nothing better than to go to a game and watch your kids play. It’s the best way to spend part of your day. I know today principals have a much different job than when I was a principal; no question about it. But it’s still important to make sure that you’re involved with athletics and involved with the kids in your school.” 

Reflecting back on his long and storied career in education and athletics, Tom Mezzanotte said, "I was very blessed. . . I look back and I don’t regret one day, not one day ." (PHOTO/CAROLYN THORNTON, RIIL)

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RIIL announces new partnership with RI Council on Problem Gambling

WARWICK, R.I. – [January 15, 2025] – The Rhode Island Interscholastic League (RIIL) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling (RICPG) to tackle the rising issue of online gambling among students. With increasing access to betting apps, many parents remain unaware of the potential risks these platforms pose to their children’s well-being.  This initiative focuses on raising awareness and educating both students and parents about the dangers of online gambling and the warning signs of problematic behaviors.

A state affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling, the RICPG is a non-profit organization that advocates for research, prevention, education and treatment for problem gamblers. The RICPG also provides a confidential 24-hour helpline for individuals experiencing a gambling problem.

Through this collaboration, the RIIL and RICPG aim to provide resources, education and guidance to ensure families have the tools they need to prevent and address gambling-related issues among youth.

Thomas Joyce, President of the Rhode Island Council on Problem Gambling said, “With the expansion of legalized gambling, especially the mobile sports betting apps that are legal for 18-year-olds here in Rhode Island, it is imperative that we have the proper resources to provide education and awareness to all Rhode Islanders. The Rhode Island Council is thrilled to partner with the RIIL in order to get this important message and spread awareness of the possible issues that can arise with this issue.”

"Gambling is becoming a bigger and bigger issue, especially now that there is online gambling that makes it easier for kids to get access through betting apps," said Mike Lunney, Executive Director of the RIIL. "This problem is a mystery to a lot of parents. We want to make parents and students aware of the dangers, and we want to educate parents about the warning signs and what steps they can take to help their children should they develop a gambling problem.

For more information about RICPG and its resources, visit https://ricpgstg2.wpenginepowered.com/

About RI Council on Problem Gambling

The RI Council on Problem Gambling is a state affiliate of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), the only national nonprofit organization that seeks to mitigate gambling related harm. The organization works to improve health and wellness by reducing the personal, social and economic costs of problem gambling. NCPG is neutral on legalized gambling. By promoting awareness, providing education and advocating for change, the goal is to create a more informed and compassionate society equipped to support those impacted by gambling related harm. RICPG is dedicated to empowering individuals and communities by raising awareness about the risks of gambling. Its vision is to foster a culture of responsible gambling across Rhode Island, ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to make informed decisions. RICPG provides a wide range of programs and services designed to educate, prevent, and support.

About the Rhode Island Interscholastic League

The Rhode Island Interscholastic League is a voluntary organization of high school and middle school principals who pledge that their schools and participants will support and follow the Rules and Regulations of the League. The RIIL is a support organization to its membership and administers championships in 31 sports and activities to its membership, which includes approximately 73 public, charter, private, and parochial high schools and 61 middle schools (grades 6-8). More than 40,000 student-athletes compete annually in thousands of competitions among Rhode Island Interscholastic League member schools.

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RIIL and Amica Mutual Pavilion announce Boys & Girls Divisional Basketball Championships moving back to the AMP

February 16, 2024

Seven Divisional Finals to be played March 4-6

BY CAROLYN THORNTON

Rhode Island Interscholastic League

(PROVIDENCE, R.I.) - The RIIL and Amica Mutual Pavilion announced today that the finals of the RIIL Boys & Girls Divisional Basketball Championships will be played, March 4-6, at the AMP in Downtown Providence. The slate will comprise seven championships – Boys Divisions I, II and III and Girls Divisions I, II, III and IV. 

“We are excited that the Road to the Ryan Center for the Credit Union State Championships will also now include a stop in Providence at the AMP for the RIIL Boys & Girls Divisional Championship games,” RIIL Executive Director Mike Lunney said at a Friday morning press conference. 

“Through a coordinated effort between the RIIL, [AMP General Manager] Larry Lepore, [Rhode Island Convention Center Authority Executive Director] Dan McConaghy and their staff over the last couple of years, we worked through some significant logistical challenges," Lunney said. "Ultimately, thanks to everyone’s persistence and especially thanks to the support of our friends at Amica Mutual, we're happy to say that the RIIL Boys and Girls High School Basketball Division Championships are coming back to Providence.” 

From 1981 to 2004, the Providence Civic Center was the home of the RIIL Boys and Girls Division Basketball Championships. 

“During those 23 years, high school basketball players across the state dreamed of having the opportunity to play at this great facility,” Lunney said. “I had the opportunity to take two teams to the Civic Center as head coach of the Portsmouth High School boys basketball team in 1996 and 1997. So I know how special this experience is for kids.” 

Quarterfinal round games will be played Feb. 26 and 27 at the home sites of higher-seeded teams. 

The semifinal rounds will be played March 1-3 at East Providence High School, Cranston East High School, Cumberland High School and Rhode Island College. 

The Divisional Finals will then be played over a three-day period at the AMP beginning on March 4 with the title games for Girls Division IV (4 p.m.), Girls Division III (6 p.m.) and Boys Division III (8 p.m.). The Girls Division III (6 p.m.) and Boys Division III (8 p.m.) championship games will be played on March 5. The Girls Division I (6 p.m.) and Boys Division I (8 p.m.) finals will be played on March 6. 

“We look forward to putting on a first-class event,” said Lunney. “And I know that there is tremendous excitement among our 102 boys and girls high school basketball teams, who have been battling it out all season long for the chance to create their own special memories on the court right here at the AMP.” 

Dan McConaghy recalled having the opportunity to play for La Salle Academy in what was then known as the Class A Championship at the Civic Center back in 1985. Although the Rams lost a 75-73 heartbreaker to Classical in a game that went into triple overtime, McConaghy says he will never forget what a special experience it was to play at the Civic Center.

"It was a really, really memorable experience for me, just to be able to walk in and look around and know that you were playing on the floor that PC played some of the greats here," he said. "I've been here now for three years. It's one of the most important things that I wanted to help bring back to the AMP because it was such an important experience for me as a young man and a boy at that time."

Friday's press conference also included a special dedication of the Media Room at the AMP in memory of late Providence Journal sports columnist Bill Reynolds. Larry Lepore, who had lobbied for the dedication of the room, and Reynolds' former Journal colleague Kevin McNamara offered a tribute to Bill, who was a sports columnist at the ProJo for nearly 40 years and also authored several award-winning books. Governor Dan McKee signed the Bill making the media room dedication official, as Bill Reynolds' longtime partner Liz Abbott looked on.

"I think it's only fitting, too, that we're going to be honoring Bill Reynolds because as we all know . . . Bill Reynolds was synonymous with basketball, and he definitely had an affinity for high school basketball," Lunney added. "For someone that grew up in the East Bay, I know he's a Barrington guy and I crossed paths with him a lot. He knows what a special experience this is, so I think combining this press conference together is an important thing. You knew - and kids knew - that when he showed up to one of your games, it was a big game. So when he was covering it, it was a big deal. Definitely a great opportunity for us to recognize and remember Bill."

RIIL BOYS & GIRLS DIVISIONAL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 

Schedule 

QUARTERFINALS 

Quarterfinal round games to be played Feb. 26 and 27 at the home site of higher seeded teams. 

SEMIFINALS 

March 1 at East Providence High School 

Girls Division II Semifinals, 5:30 & 8 p.m. 

March 1 at Cranston East High School 

Girls Division IV Semifinals, 5:30 & 8 p.m. 

March 2 at East Providence High School 

Boys Division II Semifinals, noon & 2:30 p.m. 

March 2 at Cumberland High School 

Boys Division III Semifinals, noon & 2:30 p.m. 

March 2 at Cranston East High School 

Girls Division III Semifinals, noon & 2:30 p.m. 

March 3 at Rhode Island College 

Boys Division I Semifinals, noon & 2 p.m. 

Girls Division I Semifinals, 4 & 6 p.m. 

FINALS 

March 4 at Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) 

Girls Division IV Championship, 4 p.m. 

Girls Division III Championship, 6 p.m. 

Boys Division III Championship, 8 p.m. 

March 5 at Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) 

Girls Division II Championship, 6 p.m. 

Boys Division II Championship, 8 p.m. 

March 6 at Amica Mutual Pavilion (AMP) 

Girls Division I Championship, 6 p.m. 

Boys Division I Championship, 8 p.m. 

RIIL Executive Director Mike Lunney: "I know how special this experience is for kids.” 

Governor Dan McKee: "Bringing high school basketball into this facility is a big plus for our schools in the state."

R.I. Convention Center Authority Dan McConaghy: "It's one of the most important things that I wanted to help bring back to the AMP..."

Amica Mutual Pavilian GM Larry Lepore recalled how Bill Reynolds would sit in the media room with his chair facing the door "greeting others like he was the media ambassador."

[riilsports]

Op-Ed - Enough is Enough: Bad Behavior by Coaches, Parents and Fans Must Stop

By Dr. Karissa Niehoff, Chief Executive Officer of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and Mike Lunney, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League

    WARWICK, RI (September 27, 2022) - There’s an unfortunate trend continuing in Rhode Island and across the nation that must be stopped: the bad behavior of coaches, parents and fans at high school athletic events.

    We’ve all seen it: the yelling, harassing, berating,  and disrespecting of high school referees, umpires and other officials during and after games. And oftentimes, the harassment continues on social media. Perhaps you’ve witnessed it firsthand or even been one of those offenders yourself.

    Not only is this behavior unacceptable and embarrassing, but it’s also having serious consequences on the future of high school sports.

    That’s because another unfortunate trend is sweeping the nation: a critical shortage of high school officials in every state. The #1 reason? You guessed it: Coaches, parents and fans mistreating officials.

     National surveys of officials report alarming statistics:1

55% of officials say verbal abuse from coaches, parents and fans is the #1 reason they quit.

59% don’t feel respected.

57% think sportsmanship is getting worse.

84% feel officials are treated unfairly by spectators.

46% have felt unsafe or feared for their safety due to spectator, coach, administrator or player behavior.

    Officials are quitting faster than new ones are signing up. It’s a major area of concern for states like Rhode Island just to cover games. We’re already seeing Varsity games being moved and Sub-Varsity games being postponed or cancelled too. All because there aren’t enough officials.

    Unfortunately, bad behavior at high school athletic events has become normalized. It is almost expected that coaches, parents and fans will disrespect the individuals serving as officials.

    This culture of bad behavior and the negative perception of officials must change now. Everyone involved in high school sports—parents, coaches, administrators, fans, the media—must turn their focus to the student-athletes playing the games and away from the individuals officiating the contests.

    The bottom line: With no high school officials, there can be no high school sports.

    That’s why the NFHS is partnering with state high school associations across the country to launch the nationwide #BenchBadBehavior campaign. We’ll use the power of social media along with other tools to help educate everyone about the importance of good behavior at high school athletic events.

   You can help by being a positive role model at your high school’s athletic events. And if you think you have what it takes to be a licensed official, sign up today at HighSchoolOfficials.com and help fill an urgent need in Rhode Island!

[1] Officially Human: The State of Sports Officiating 2020; National Association of Sports Officials: National Officiating Survey

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RIIL Executive Director Mike Lunney inducted into RIIAAA Hall of Fame

      The Rhode Island Interscholastic League would like to congratulate all of the award recipients at the Rhode Island Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Awards Ceremony, held Monday at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick. We would especially like to congratulate RIIL Executive Director Mike Lunney on his induction into the RIIAAA Hall of Fame!

     Mike Lunney has been connected to the Rhode Island Interscholastic League for four decades, dating back to his days as a student-athlete at the former Bristol High School. From there, he has enjoyed successful stints as a basketball coach and an athletic administrator before joining the RIIL staff and ascending to his current position as Executive Director of the league.  

     Lunney began his service to interscholastic athletics in 1995 when he was appointed director of athletics and student activities, as well as head basketball coach at Portsmouth High School. He was the school’s athletic director for 16 years and coached the basketball team for eight seasons (1995-98, 2006-11). Named the R.I. Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year three times, Lunney guided Portsmouth to two RIIL Championships (the Class B title in 1996 and the Division II title in 2010), three league championships (1997, 2006 and 2010) and two Providence Journal Dick Reynolds Sportsmanship Awards (1996 and 2009).       

     His 16-year term as the Patriots’ athletic director included organizing an athletic program that featured 14 sports and 33 teams. Lunney was influential in the development of a $3.5 million gymnasium at the school, and from 1998 to 2011, he was a member of the R.I. Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, serving as its president from 2006 to 2008.   

      While working as an athletic director, Lunney served stints as RIIL Sport Director for golf and baseball and sat on numerous other RIIL committees. A two-time recipient of the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association’s State Award of Merit, as well as a 2016 Distinguished Service Award winner, he was the first Rhode Islander to serve on the NIAAA Board of Directors and also was a member of the NIAAA’s third Strategic Planning Committee. 

     From his position at Portsmouth, Lunney became assistant executive director of the RIIL in 2011. His many responsibilities included overseeing 16 sports and the RIIL’s Unified programs. He has served on the Officials Advisory Committee and Coaches Education Committee for the National Federation of State High School Associations and has also served as president of the Council of New England Secondary School Principals’ Association, assisting with the coordination of the annual New England Championships in eight sports and activities. 

    After nine years as Assistant Executive Director, Lunney succeeded Tom Mezzanotte as the RIIL’s Executive Director on Aug. 1, 2020. Taking the helm in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic, he has worked closely with state officials, the R.I. Department of Health, the NFHS and the league’s member schools to ensure that the RIIL has been able to continue to provide valuable education-based athletic opportunities to our state’s 36,000 high school student-athletes during this extremely challenging time in our nation’s history. 

      A 1986 graduate of Bristol High and a 2006 inductee into the Bristol High School Athletic Hall of Fame, Lunney was a three-sport athlete for the Colts, earning All-Division and All-League honors in football, basketball and baseball. He went on to play basketball at the University of New Hampshire, where he was a four-year varsity letterman and was selected to the North Atlantic Conference All-Academic Team.  

     Just months after graduating from UNH, Lunney launched his coaching career in 1990, when he was appointed assistant men’s basketball coach at Roger Williams University. Two years later, he became the NCAA’s youngest head basketball coach when the 23-year-old was appointed to the top position at Roger Williams. 

     Lunney’s honors also included the 2016 Men Who Make a Difference Award, presented by the Women’s Resource Center of Newport. 

      Lunney, 54, lives in Portsmouth with his wife Donna and daughter Jill, who competed in volleyball, basketball and track at Portsmouth High School and is now a sophomore enrolled in the Nursing Program at the University of Rhode Island. 

[riilsports]

Op-Ed: Celebrating Return to Play During National High School Activities Month

By Karissa Niehoff, Executive Director of the National Federation of State High School Associations and Mike Lunney, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League.

     WARWICK, RI (October 5, 2020) - The COVID-19 pandemic has caused everyone to hit the pause button on life. During the stoppage and forced time away from routines, many people have come to appreciate the important things in life – family, friends and faith among others.

     Still, the loss of some routines and regular activities hurt worse than others, namely last spring when high school sports and performing arts were shut down. Millions of students, coaches, parents and fans quickly began to realize the privilege of involvement in these education-based programs in schools.

     Now, slowly but surely, high school sports and performing arts are on their way back into schools in Rhode Island and across the country. While things are different – with social distancing, masks and hygiene protocols in place – there is a resounding feeling of thankfulness that some degree of normalcy is returning.

     As a result, this year’s celebration of National High School Activities Month will be like none other in the 40-year history of the event. Since 1980, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and its member state associations have promoted the values of high school activity programs during the month of October, but this year will be extra special.    

     Kicking off the month-long focus:

October 4-10 is National Sportsmanship, Fan Appreciation and Public-Address Announcers Week

     Hopefully, one of the silver linings of the pandemic is that parents and other fans are more grateful for any opportunity to attend contests this year and positively support student participants. At this time last year, there were numerous incidents of inappropriate adult behavior at high school events – mostly directed at officials.  

     This year, in addition to being respectful of officials, being a good fan involves supporting participants by social distancing and wearing a mask. Attending a high school contest is even more of a privilege, and players, coaches and officials need positive and encouraging support.

October 11-17 is National Performing Arts Activities and Local State High School Associations Week

     More than four million high school students are involved in speech, debate, music, band and theatre activities each year. And the results of an aerosol study conducted by the NFHS and 125 other organizations show that if schools are in session, these activities can be safely conducted by implementing a mitigation strategy focused on Masks-Distance-Time-Air Flow-Hygiene.        

      Competing on the debate team or playing in the marching band or acting on stage as a part of the theatre team help students develop critical-thinking skills. They also learn to be better communicators and tend to be good listeners – qualities that are essential for success in life and in their chosen careers.

      This week is also set aside to recognize the 51 NFHS member state associations, which have been working overtime for the past seven months with state government, health and education leaders to outline a safe return to activities.

October 18-24 is National Coaches, Advisors, Officials and Sponsors Week

      High school coaches are playing an even larger role this year in connecting with their athletes – whether that connection is virtual or in-person. In some situations, a coach may be the most significant mentor in a student-athlete’s life, so keeping that relationship intact is paramount.  

      The nationwide shortage of officials has been exacerbated by the pandemic as some officials have decided not to return. To help with this critical situation, the NFHS is continuing its #BecomeAnOfficial campaign. Individuals can get started on a career in officiating by clicking on the following link: www.highschoolofficials.com

October 25-31 is National Community Service/Youth Awareness Week.

     Schools across the country need financial support from communities due to loss of revenue from the pandemic.

      Whether as a participant, parent, coach, official, teacher, administrator, community supporter or general fan, millions are invested in the greatest education-based programs in the country – high school sports and performing arts. In Rhode Island, and throughout the rest of our nation, we encourage support of these programs more than ever this year during National High School Activities Month.  

      More information on National High School Activities Month is available on the NFHS website at www.NFHS.org/HSActivitiesMonth.