By Craig Brown

Steve Zaitz is passionate about high school sports and community as can be seen by his photography, which is on display at Trinity Episcopal Church on Main Street in Northport. The exhibition started Sunday, Oct. 6, and will continue through Oct. 19. There are photos of young athletes playing football, baseball, lacrosse, basketball and so many other competitions. 

Zaitz calls his work “Blue, Sweat, and Tears,” which is a Churchillian take on athletic life in Northport High School. Their school colors are blue. The photographer, who contributes to TBR News Media, shares his sense of joy in capturing the moments of competition in a young person’s life. 

He lived and worked in New York City for many years. When he relocated to Long Island he was moved by the sense of school spirit in the high schools in the area. It seemed like a throwback to a different time and place in America. 

An award-winning sports journalist, he dedicates himself to bringing the struggles of the young adult athlete to life. He is modest when talking about his success in journalism, and he constantly gives credit to coaches and community members. However, his professionalism and commitment shine through in his words and art.

Zaitz introduced this writer to lacrosse coach Carol Rose and her husband Al. She is a pioneer in women’s sports and brought girls lacrosse to Northport High School in 1990. Recently she earned her 500th win in a match against Northport’s strong rival, Commack. Some of the best pictures in Zaitz’s exhibit are of Rose and her outstanding lacrosse players.

The curators of this event, Bob and Nancy Hendrick, belong to the church and have a strong affinity for the arts. They met in the early 1980s when they were both bodybuilders in the Schwarzenegger era of “Pumping Iron.” The couple have converted a building that used to be a nursery school into Trinity Community Art Center for the people of Northport and all of Long Island to enjoy. The center has sponsored events such as the popular cigar and bourbon nights, speed painting and powerlifting. 

The Hendricks were enthusiastic as they explained what this Zaitz event has meant to the church and the village.

The rector of Trinity Episcopal, Father Andrew Garnett, was delighted with the attendance and the positive feedback he was getting for the exhibit. He described it as “Meet Main Street.” Garnett is a great conversationalist, who is well versed in church politics during the American Revolution, the theology of British writer C.S. Lewis and, above all, the needs of his Northport community.

One of the advantages of this exhibit is being able to savor Northport itself, a beautiful and lively village on the North Shore. It was heartwarming to see the place filled with people enjoying the restaurants and pubs. 

There were loud cheers from the local bars as the happy patrons cheered for the Mets as they played the Philadelphia Phillies; there were couples merrily walking their dogs on sidewalks and in the parks; there were families laughing and enjoying a refreshing ice cream cone. And there is always John W. Engeman Theater.

The village of Northport feels like a living Norman Rockwell painting, so full of life and laughter. Go see this excellent photography exhibit that Zaitz and Trinity Church have put together, and enjoy a wonderful time in Northport with all its charms. 

If you want to learn more about Zaitz, and high school sports in general, follow his podcast at the_xi.buzzsprout.com.