Stephen M. Wirth ’70

Stephen M. Wirth is an alumnus of Adelphi University, having received his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1970. A student-athlete during his Adelphi years, Mr. With was a member of the men’s soccer team.

After graduating from Adelphi, he taught physical education and coached the swimming and football teams at John F. Kennedy Middle School in Bethpage for two years before entering graduate school. In 1974 he earned his degree in physical therapy from New York University. He began his career in physical therapy at Nassau County Medical Center, and then started working in private practice.

For nearly 40 years, he has specialized in sports medicine and orthopedic rehabilitation. In 1982, he founded the Long Island Sports and Rehabilitation Center. He has been a physical therapist and strength consultant for many professional and collegiate athletes in various sports. He has served as a consultant to the New York Mets, and was the team physical therapist for the New York Islanders from 1980 through 1996. In 1998, he founded New York Sports & Physical Therapy Institute. Today he is the administrative director of outpatient rehabilitation services and sports medicine at Winthrop University Hospital.

In his current role, he has developed relationships with local high schools and coordinated athletic training services to many communities. This service continues to educate local residents, parents, coaches and players on all aspects of injury prevention and sports performance.

Throughout the years, Mr. Wirth has remained active in Adelphi athletics. From 1992 to 2006, he provided his leadership as president of the Panther Club, which supports Adelphi’s athletic programs through its financial support. For more than 20 years, he has served as co-chair of the University’s annual Golf Classic, which raises funds for student-athletic scholarships.

Mr. Wirth is a member of the Companions in Courage Foundation’s Medical Board. Founded by NHL Hall of Famer Pat LaFontaine, the foundation’s mission is to instill courage and provide friendship, compassion and support to children and families who are overcoming illness and life-threatening obstacles.

He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, American College of Sports Medicine, and an Affiliate Member of the National Athletic Trainers Association. In the past, he has provided his expertise as an instructor in the Department of Physical Education and Health Education and an adjunct professor for athletic trainers at Hofstra University, as well as at Nassau Community College’s physical therapy assistant program. He has also served as a consultant to the Nassau County Police Department, providing muscular skeletal screening and assessing the injuries of officers.

Mr. Wirth and his wife live in East Meadow. During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his daughters, grandchildren, golfing, and attending sporting events.