2026 Lifeguard of the Year – Ty Kolar
This summer, Ty made Smith Point history by being named the 2026 Suffolk County Lifeguard of the Year for the second year in a row! This special honor recognizes his dedication to public safety, strong work ethic, and leadership on the Smith Point Ocean Rescue team.
Now in his eighth season with Smith Point Ocean Rescue, Ty continues to be a trusted lifeguard and a great role model for those around him. Among more than 120 ocean lifeguards, his commitment to excellence continues to stand out.
Congratulations, Ty, on another outstanding season!
Rookie of the Year – Aiden Kaler
From Sayville High School to Stony Brook University, Aiden has built an impressive career through hard work, leadership, and dedication. At Sayville, he became one of Suffolk County’s top football players, earning the Rob Burnett Award as Suffolk County’s top defensive player and the Collotta Award as Suffolk’s top linebacker.
He continued that success at Stony Brook, where he was a starting linebacker and team captain. His leadership and performance on the field earned him recognition as a William P. Campbell Award Semifinalist. Off the field, Kaler has worked just as hard in the classroom. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Sociology in 2023 and his Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration in 2025.
From a standout high school athlete to a college captain and graduate, Kaler has shown that success comes from hard work, leadership, and never giving up.
Congratulations!
Still Water Lifeguard of the Year – Nate Strittmatte
Still Water Rookie of the Year – Jacob St. Clair
Meet Jacob St. Clair: a student-athlete whose character has been shaped by athletics, academics, service, and growing up in a military family. Learning to adapt to new environments taught him to value relationships, embrace new experiences, and appreciate the communities he becomes part of.
Athletics have been a constant throughout Jacob’s life. As a young athlete, he excelled in baseball and jiu-jitsu before choosing to focus exclusively on ice hockey. Competing at both the high school and travel levels, he has developed into a respected teammate and leader. Consistently selected to serve in captain roles, Jacob currently leads his AA PAL Blue Knights team by example with a composed and mature approach, emphasizing accountability, hard work, and team success over individual recognition.
That same discipline carries into the classroom. As a student at Eastport-South Manor (ESM) high school and a member of the National Honor Society, Jacob balances academics with the demands of competitive ice hockey while remaining committed to serving and giving back to his community.
At Meschutt Beach, Jacob quickly earned the respect of those around him through his work ethic, willingness to learn, and readiness to contribute wherever needed. His first season brought not only the opportunity to become part of the Smith Point tradition and benefit from the mentorship and camaraderie surrounding it, but also the honor of being named the 2026 Meschutt Beach Rookie of the Year.
From the classroom to the ice and now the beach, Jacob continues to distinguish himself through leadership, humility, and a strong sense of responsibility to others. His accomplishments reflect the standards he sets for himself and the respect he has for the teams and communities he represents.
Congratulations, Jacob St. Clair, on being recognized as the 2026 Meschutt Beach Rookie of the Year.
Leave a Reply