E. Islip, NY: The LIUSBC is saddened to learn of the passing of Harold C. Cooley Jr. who passed away on December 18, 2020. Harold was the legendary East Islip High School Varsity Girls bowling team coach since 1985 and a dominant figure in high school sports. The longtime coach died from complications of a stroke at the age of 66.
Harold, who was an East Islip middle-school math teacher for 34 years, coached multiple high school teams including football, baseball, golf, and bowling. He is best known for his phenomenal success with the East Islip Girls varsity bowling team. Harold started the East Islip varsity program in 1985 and quickly created a dynasty. Cooley’s teams won 27 league titles, 13 county championships and three state crowns (2000, 2008, 2014). His all-time record was 410-29-1 an incredible .933 winning percentage. Newsday named Harold the girls bowling coach of the year four different times (2008, 2011, 2012, 2019.)
Harold Cooley was not only a great bowling coach but an avid bowler himself. He rolled at least 10 perfect games. The LIUSBC sends its deepest sympathies to the Cooley family.