Farewell to ‘the heartbeat of the Blue Waves’

It is with a very heavy heart that I pen this farewell to Brian Sacks, the esteemed director of health, physical education, and athletics at Riverhead Central School District. Brian has been in this role since 2016. For nearly a decade, he has been the heartbeat of the Blue Waves, exemplifying unwavering loyalty, visionary leadership, and an unrelenting commitment to excellence that has left an indelible mark on our community. From the day he started, he has fully supported our staff, students and teams in numerous ways — from a hello to students as he walked the halls, to cheering our on teams at athletic events, to attending Field Days across the district, to sending texts of support to staff, to purchasing more Blue Waves spirit wear than anyone I’ve ever met!

His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was nothing short of heroic. Navigating unprecedented challenges, Brian guided the Health, Phys Ed & Athletic Department through uncharted waters, adapting to ever-changing guidelines to keep the Blue Waves moving forward. In addition, he also worked hard to keep the driver education program moving forward for the students. The following year, when the district faced the devastating failure of the school budget, resulting in two seasons without sports, Brian’s steadfastness was a beacon of hope. He worked tirelessly to rally the community, support athletes, and lay the groundwork for the triumphant return of athletics, demonstrating resilience that inspired us all. His passion for preserving opportunities for student-athletes shone through, as he noted the enthusiasm this decision sparked: “A chance to be together and participate this spring is something to get excited about.” 

Brian’s commitment to excellence extended beyond the playing fields. Physical education was improved by integrating technology into the gym, creating engaging environments that made fitness accessible and exciting. His motto, “Physical education needs to be fun,” became a guiding principle, reflected in his strategic hiring of staff who shared his vision for innovative, student-centered programs. This philosophy fostered a culture of enthusiasm and participation, ensuring every student felt empowered to embrace an active lifestyle.

Under Brian’s leadership, the #GoBlueWaves platform and the Riverhead High School athletic website (www.riverheadathletics.com) became vibrant hubs for celebrating student-athlete achievements, sharing schedules, and fostering community spirit. His dedication to promoting all things Blue Waves was evident when he was nominated and won a Blue Waves Recognition and Appreciation Award in December of 2021 for his positivity and support for staff, embodying the collaborative spirit he instilled across the district.

At the core of Brian’s legacy is his unwavering commitment to student-athletes and coaches. He celebrated their successes, from record-breaking performances to playoff runs as well as middle school team wins, ensuring every athlete felt valued. 

On a personal note, I can say with absolute certainty that Brian Sacks has been, hands down, the best boss I’ve had the privilege of working with and his shoes will be big ones to fill. His optimism, integrity, and genuine care for every individual in the Blue Waves athletic community has made him a true leader. As I say goodbye, I celebrate a man who bled blue, whose legacy will inspire the Blue Waves for generations. Thank you, Brian, for your service, your passion, and your heart. #GoBlueWaves forever.

Lisa Douglas-Aubé works in the Office of Health, Physical Education & Athletics at the Riverhead Central School District. She is a 1992 graduate of Riverhead High School.