I felt really sad reading about the passing of Randel Mac. People in Long Island always talked about him like he was a hero on the field and in life. He was known for his strength in football and wrestling. Now, he has left a vast space for his family and the entire sports community.
He passed away due to issues caused by ALS. This condition slowly damages the nerve cells that control the muscles. He learned he had it in February 2018 when he was only thirty-three. I remember reading stories about people dealing with ALS, and it honestly always scares me how fast it changes their lives. Knowing that he fought it for so long shows how strong he was.
Huntington feels this loss deeply. Randel’s full name was Randel McCoy, and he grew up in Huntington Station, New York. This place shaped him into the person he became. He attended Huntington High School, where people first noticed his sports talent. Later, he studied at Five Towns College.
He returned to Huntington later and remained close to the people who helped him grow. His life was not easy. He lost his mother when he was young and was raised by his grandmother and uncle. I think facing something like that could break many of us, but for him, it made him stronger. His friends often said he combined talent with genuine intelligence, inspiring many young kids.
People in Long Island remember him for his football skills. Some of his comebacks are still stories people share. But what I liked most was how others remembered his personality. They said he was funny, loyal, and the kind of guy who could brighten up a whole room.
Even after being diagnosed with ALS, he did not stop living his life. He continued to work as a teacher’s aide and coached wrestling and football at Cold Spring Harbor High School. That took real courage. His wife, family, and friends supported him throughout. Many said he always tried to stay positive, even on tough days.
He tried new treatment options like exosome therapy because he wanted to slow down the disease as much as he could. His story was honored at the Lou Gehrig Sports Awards Benefit through a film called A Test of Time.
People supported him through a GoFundMe campaign called Help Randel Fight ALS because ALS treatment costs a lot. It showed how much people cared about him.
Despite all the support, love, and his own strong spirit, Randel McCoy passed away in December 2025. It hurts to read this because he truly fought till the end.
My heartfelt prayers go out to his family, friends, and everyone who loved him.
Rest in peace, Randel. You may also be interested in: Coolidge Arizona Mom Says High School Baseball Coaches Used Her Son’s Name Without Permission
