LuHi Honors the Legacy of John Alberda ’65 with Field Dedication
Long Island Lutheran celebrated the life and legacy of one of its most beloved community members this spring with the dedication of Alberda Field, honoring longtime teacher, coach, mentor, and alumnus John Alberda ’65.
Before the Crusaders’ baseball game against Holy Trinity, family, friends, alumni, former players, and members of the LuHi community gathered as a new “Alberda Field” sign was unveiled along the right field line. The ceremony served as a fitting tribute to a man whose impact on LuHi spanned generations.
A member of LuHi’s very first graduating class in 1965, Alberda dedicated 50 years of service to the school as a called teaching minister, educator, coach, and mentor. He served as a physical education teacher from 1969–2019 and became a beloved figure to generations of students and families. From 1973–1998, he led the Crusaders baseball program, earning more than 400 career wins while building a culture rooted in passion, discipline, and care for his players. Beyond baseball, he also coached basketball and remained a constant presence at LuHi events long after retirement.
Alberda’s grandson, Mateo, threw out a ceremonial first pitch in honor of his grandfather. Alum reflected on how much the field meant to them, remembering the countless hours Alberda spent caring for and improving the space he loved so deeply.
Community Host, Todd Huebner, who coached alongside Alberda for many years, described him as a passionate leader whose love for LuHi extended far beyond athletics. Whether coaching, teaching, or supporting students from the sidelines, Alberda’s presence became woven into the fabric of the school community.
A special thank you to Bryan McWilliams ’97 for providing commemorative caps for the team, Alberda family, former coaches, and alumni to honor the occasion. The Crusaders also recognize Chris Briller for his continued support of LuHi Baseball, including the recent infield renovation and the Alberda Field signage dedicated in Coach Alberda’s honor.
The dedication was made even more meaningful by a strong performance from the Crusaders on the field. Senior Matthew Muzikant delivered a dominant complete-game effort with 13 strikeouts in a 9-1 victory, while several seniors contributed key performances on a day that also included Senior Day celebrations.
Now, with Alberda Field standing as a permanent tribute, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Crusaders both on and off the diamond.
