On Tuesday, April 7, the Ravenscroft community came together to honor longtime coach and educator Greg Long with a surprise tribute celebrating his retirement after 42 years of service to the school. 

Held between the Junior Varsity and Varsity Baseball games, the event brought together students, faculty, families, and alumni in recognition of Long's lasting impact on Ravenscroft athletics and community life. 

The tribute remained a well-kept secret until the moment Long was formally recognized. Director of Athletics Ned Gonet spoke in his honor, outlining his career and highlighting his contributions as both a teacher and coach across multiple programs. Attendees gathered early in anticipation, ensuring they did not miss the opportunity to recognize a figure who has been a consistent presence at Ravenscroft for nearly half a century. 

Current baseball player Hayden Shoemaker ’26 shared his perspective as a student-athlete who experienced Coach Long's profound impact. 

"Coach Long is a coach who has been extremely important to my athletic journey at Ravenscroft," Shoemaker said. "For three seasons on both JV Football and JV Baseball, his coaching and personality created a fun environment to be in. While winning always helps team spirit, I never felt like I dreaded going to a Coach Long practice, even after a loss. Some of my favorite sports memories, including having the chance to work with younger players during his summer baseball camps each year, have come under the watch of Coach Long." Shoemaker is a current member of the Varsity Baseball team.

A graduate of UNC-Greensboro, where he played baseball, Long joined the Ravenscroft faculty shortly after completing his degree. Over the course of his career, he has taught Physical Education in both the Lower and Middle School divisions while coaching a variety of teams, including JV Football and JV Baseball. He currently serves as the head JV Football and head JV Baseball coach. 

In 2024, Long was inducted into the Ravenscroft Sports Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the Varsity Baseball program, including leading Ravenscroft to its first baseball state championship in 1996. 

"I count myself among the fortunate many whose lives Coach Long shaped during his time at Ravenscroft," Alumnus Sean Kelly ’11 said. "I am especially grateful that my own son had the opportunity to know Coach Long as a teacher, and attend his baseball camp – just like dad. Coach Long's legacy is one of enduring excellence, and the Kelly family is proud to be a small part of it."

Throughout his tenure, Long has balanced classroom instruction with coaching responsibilities across multiple sports, maintaining a steady and active role in the daily life of the school.

Reflecting on Long's impact, colleague and assistant JV Football and Baseball Coach Frank Regalbuto said, "Greg is an extraordinary teacher, coach, and man. He has been a mentor to me for the past five years. His character is as solid as his sense of humor," Regalbuto said. 

"Sometimes when people leave you miss their work, but when Greg leaves, we are going to miss the man who consistently put the students' and the school's interests ahead of everything else. I'm glad he's trading in the whistle for a book and another cup of coffee at the beach. He's leaving behind a legacy that cannot be replaced," Regalbuto said. 

Long's dedication and impact leave a lasting legacy that will continue to be felt throughout the Ravenscroft community for years to come.