Ryan Norton Receives Full Ride to Syracuse

Feb. 1 was National Signing Day in high schools across the country and Garden City was no exception.

With his family beside him, Ryan Norton was one of three Long Islanders to sign with Syracuse University on a full football scholarship.

“This is the first time for a number of years that a Garden City student has received a full scholarship to a Division 1 school, and we are thrilled for Ryan,” said Nancy Kalafus, district director of physical education and athletics.

The Garden City senior has played varsity football for the reigning Nassau County champion Trojans for the past three years.

Norton, sporting his new Syracuse cap, was joined at the signing by his father, Michael, and mom, Kristen, and athletic director Nancy Kalafus, Stewart Avenue principal Linda Norton, Ryan’s grandmother and sister Brittany, assistant football coach David Ettinger and head football coach Tom Flatley.

“Ryan is a terrific student and athlete who has worked very hard to achieve this goal,” assistant football coach Dave Ettinger said. “It has been a dream for him to earn a division 1 football scholarship. Now that it's come true, I couldn't be happier for Ryan and his family.”

Ryan’s aunt, Linda Norton, added, “He has worked very hard to achieve this and I am very, very proud of him."