

Tony De Phillips
was a standout basketball and baseball player at Newtown High School and at Fordham University. He played minor league baseball for the New York Yankees and played in the Major Leagues with the Cincinnati Reds. Tony also officiated college and NBA basketball games and was a scout for the Philadelphia A's and the New York Yankees.
On November 11, 1949 Tony opened a sporting goods store on Francis Lewis Blvd in Bayside. The grand opening was attended by sports greats of the times which included Phil Rizzuto of the Yankees, Gene Hermanski of the Dodgers, and Jake LaMotta the middleweight boxing champ. In the spring of 1950 Tony started a youth baseball league in the neighborhood with 150 kids. By 1954 600 youngsters were participating and by 1958 Tony's youth club had 1200 members.
Initially a baseball club, other sports were added that included basketball, football, bowling, handball, roller hockey and archery. The initial ages of the participants were 10-14 with 15-16 year old division being added in 1952 and a 9-year-old group in 1953.Varsity baseball and basketball travel teams were also added, and players from those teams went on to participate in high school and college teams and receive major league tryouts.
In 1978, he was inducted into the Fordham University Hall of Fame. He died on May 5, 1994 in Port Jefferson, New York at the age of 81.

John Zullo
John Zullo, born and raised in Whitestone, Queens, has dedicated nearly 25 years to DAC Sports, starting his involvement in 2000 as a coach for basketball and baseball. In 2002, John was appointed as the Commissioner of Baseball for DAC Sports. Two years later, in 2004, he founded the Northeast Queens Baseball Alliance, an organization that is still around today.
In 2008, John went on to establish the Queens Marksmen Travel Basketball team. By 2010, he assumed the position of Athletic Director. After the untimely passing of president Tom Hubany, John stepped into the vacant role of President in 2020, continuing to lead the program with the same passion and commitment.
Throughout his years with DAC, John has also shared his love for the game with his three children, all of whom have played and coached in the program. John's passion for sports goes beyond the game itself—he takes great pride in watching young athletes develop, not only as players but also as individuals, growing into responsible and productive young men and women.

Steve Gross
Steve Gross has been a part of DAC since 1988. He has been involved in the program for over 35 years. Steve came to the club as a Baseball Coach for his two boys Noah and Andrew. A board member since 1995, Steve currently serves as the commissioner for recreational basketball. He oversees the scorer’s table at games and the assignment of game referees. Both boys participated in the basketball and baseball program. Steve has always cherished his involvement in the DAC sports program. Long after his boys have left the program, Steve continues to be a fixture at DAC Basketball games. You will find Steve behind the desk with his books and pencils ready to go.

Tom McGarry
Tom McGarry has been a part of DAC since 1995. Tom became involved with DAC after his CYO baseball team (St. Anastasia) joined DAC’s Pitch Machine League for 7 and 8 year olds. Once baseball season ended, Tom along with current DAC President John Zullo formed The North East Queens Baseball Alliance back in 2004 which still exists in the community today. The relationships Tom made with others led him to become a baseball, basketball, and flag football coach for five years. DAC became a family affair for Tom and his wife Sara as both were the driving force of our community Field Day events (2010-2016). Tom’s daughter, Christina, along with their two sons Matthew and Willliam also played for the program and served as volunteer coaches. Tom enjoyed his time on the field with the kids he coached. He believed teaching kids how to win was important, but he also believed that learning how to lose was equally important, as losses provide valuable lessons and opportunities for growth.

Anthony Rizzo
Anthony Rizzo started at DAC playing basketball, baseball and flag football as a 9 year old. A local kid from Whitestone, Anthony enjoyed playing all three sports in the program. While in college, Anthony came back to the program to help coach teams. In 2013 he became an assistant coach to one of our Queens Marksmen Travel Basketball teams. As part of travel basketball, Anthony oversaw the training and development of players. In 2016, Anthony formed his own basketball training program under the name Supreme Hoops Training which has become the model for kids to learn and understand the game of basketball. His business remains closely affiliated with DAC, continuing to provide top-tier training services to the community.
As a board member, Anthony oversees the direction of both our recreational and travel program. Anthony is the head coach for the girls varsity basketball team at St. Francis Preparatory School, where he continues to inspire and mentor high school athletes. In addition to his work with high school basketball, he also serves as a referee for flag football games, further demonstrating his commitment to youth sports.

Anthony Zullo
Anthony started playing in DAC as a 5 year old as a basketball and baseball player. A member of the original Queens Marksmen Baseball and Basketball Travel Teams, Anthony still coaches Varsity Marksmen Travel Basketball. When available you can find him refereeing in both our basketball and flag football programs. A member of The Board since 2022, Anthony reviews all outside correspondents and advises on travel sports initiatives.

Mickey Elbaum
Mickey Elbaum began his involvement at DAC back in 2013 as a coach for his son Derek in the Rookie Ballers Program. In 2014, he joined forces with John Zullo and The Queens Marksmen Travel program. In 2015, he guided the 10U travel team to a National Championship at Zero Gravity’s Boston Nationals. Mickey was an advisor to both programs and after several years, he was asked to join the board. Outside of DAC, Mickey is the assistant varsity women's basketball coach at ST. Francis Prep . One of Mickey's greatest joys is watching the kids he once coached grow and develop into skilled athletes. His passion for their success drives him to always prioritize their well-being and ensure that the program provides the best possible experience for every participant.

Steve Wolfin
Steve Wolfin has been a part of DAC since 2000. He is a dedicated board member and a passionate, lifelong New York Jets fan. Steve started in the program as a baseball and flag football coach along with his two boys James and Michael. As our current flag football Commissioner, Steve oversees the program both on and off the field. His impact on the football program starts with the First Time Ballers Program. Steve has managed the program for the past 15 years, introducing children ages 4-6 years old on how to play the sport. Most of our current flag football coaches started with Steve. What Steve values most about his time with DAC is the opportunity to develop the young players and watch families grow within the program .

Joshua Puello
Joshua Puello began his involvement in DAC starting in 2015 as a referee in both DAC in-house programs. In 2017, Josh became a coach in The Queens Marksmen Travel Basketball. Joshua continues to do many roles within the program including coaching and overseeing the winter middle school basketball league. Growing up playing basketball, Joshua developed a deep passion for the sport, which continues to drive him today. He takes great pride in helping develop the children in the program, including his daughters Elisa and Guiliana. Beyond his duties as a referee, coach, and league advisor, Joshua serves as a Board Member and advisor.

Lenny Saputo
Lenny began his involvement in DAC sports in 1998, as a player in both the basketball and flag football program. His father Sal Saputo was a long time coach and advisor to the board. Lenny coached his younger brother Sal in leagues as well. Over the years, his commitment to the program has grown, both as a coach and a referee in both our recreational basketball and flag football league. He is in charge of assigning our flag football officials. A board member since 2022. Lenny joined the board driven by his love for sports and the program.