Support the Killer Bees

Here in Bridgehampton, Carl Johnson, head coach of the High School boys’ basketball team, is a hometown hero. Over the years, his team’s success has brought great pride and inspiration to a community that he knows very well. Not only did he coach the Killer Bees to three consecutive state titles (’96-’98), but he also won three championship rings as a player for Bridgehampton (’78-’80), making him the first person in New York State history to win titles as both coach and player.

Mr. Johnson says it was exciting to win as a player, but more gratifying to win as a coach – a task that was unforeseen by him. “I got into coaching by accident. I didn’t have anything to do with my extra time, so a former coach of mine asked me to help out with the Jr. High team,” he explained. “I told him I didn’t know anything about coaching, but he said, ‘you’ll do fine’.” Fine was an understatement. During his 17-year reign, the Killer Bees have been an electrifying force in the community. Large, rowdy crowds fill the stands of their tiny gym, known as the “beehive,” to see the “swarming bee-fense” and “stinging offense,” terms coined by fans over the years. Each time the Killer Bees returned to Bridgehampton after competing in a state championship tournament, the fire department escorted their bus through town, a banner was hung across Montauk Highway and a sign was erected at the entrance of the hamlet. “It was an unbelievable feeling to know that the community was proud of us,” said Johnson. But even when the team isn’t wining state titles, the community is supportive and knows they’ll eventually be back, because, like they say, “Killer Bees never die.”

Johnson claims that the secret to his success is really no secret at all. He recognizes the extraordinary talent that has come through the program, but feels getting kids involved at a young age is key. “It’s good for them to experience school spirit early so they associate pride with the uniform and want to be part of the legacy.” Johnson also credits his players for taking time out of their busy schedules to spend with the younger kids in the program. “They become their role models,” said Johnson, who has never cut a player from his team. He believes that if a player is dedicated and can handle the hard work and pressure, they can be part of the team.

The Bridgehampton Killer Bees compete as a Class D school, meaning they are placed in a division with other low enrollment schools. The maximum enrollment for a Class D school is 214, but Bridgehampton currently enrolls about 36. So in reality, they compete against teams from much larger schools, which makes their accomplishments even more impressive.

In 2003, Johnson was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame. “I was very surprised that the board thought my accomplishments were good enough to be voted in. It was an amazing opportunity. I felt great about it,” he said.
The Bridgehampton boys’ basketball team has all the pieces it needs to succeed. They’ve won trophies, produced standout players, have a loyal, enthusiastic fanbase and community support, however, until recently there was no booster club. In fact, Bridgehampton was the only school in the area that didn’t have one. Johnson recognized this weakness in the program, and knew it was time to get the ball rolling. “We’ve been lacking a booster club for a long time, and when we brought up the idea to parents and other members of the community, everyone was really enthusiastic and wanted to help out in anyway they could,” he said. Although the Killer Bee Booster Club is separate from the school, Bridgehampton High School Principal, Jack Pryor, recognizes the direct connection Johnson has with the community. “He’s [Johnson] a legacy here, and a real central figure to the social capital of the school. I appreciate everything he is doing to keep our school spirit alive.”

On May 5, an art show and auction will be held at the Bridgehampton Community House to benefit the Killer Bee Booster Club. The night begins at 6 p.m., when attendees will have the opportunity to preview fine art, sports memorabilia, music memorabilia and other items up for grabs. There will also be wine, cheese, coffee and cake availible. Ross Galleries is supplying the artwork for the auction, and will include pieces by Wooster Scott, Orlando, Lena Liu, Shaviko, Kinkade, Rockwell, Disney Cells and many more. Live auction bidding begins at 7 p.m., and each item is guaranteed to be priced below retail value and will include an exclusive lifetime exchange privilege.
This is the first fundraiser for the organization, and Mr. Johnson hopes that if the auction is successful it will become an annual event. “We are very pleased by the generous support and contributions we have received so far from the area businesses,” he added. All proceeds from the auction will support the Killer Bee Booster Club.

Tickets are $20 per person or $30 per couple. For more information, call 631-682-5077.

– Janine Cheviot