NORTH SHORE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:

Hank Bjorkland Inducted into Nassau High School Hall of Fame

Hank Bjorkland, a 1968 North Shore Schools graduate, was inducted into the Nassau High School Hall of Fame on September 27, 2017 at the Crest Hollow County Club North. This year, 31 people were inducted into the Hall of Fame, 13 were athletes. Only, three classes have been inducted into the Hall of Fame with this distinct honor.

Mr. Bjorkland was an athletic star in the late sixties, playing three varsity sports where he received All Division honors four times in football, baseball, and basketball. He was also All County four times in baseball and football, and was a member of the 1967 All Long Island Football team. His last high school honor came in 1986 when Newsday released its Silver Anniversary team and named Hank Bjorkland an elite member.

During Hank’s senior year, coaches including Bear Bryant and Woody Hayes, called to recruit him. Scholarship offers came from twenty different colleges and universities including Notre Dame, Duke and Tennessee. In the end, Hank chose Princeton University where he became a two-sport star in both Baseball and Football.

After winning Ivy League Championships, setting numerous records, and getting a superior education, Hank was drafted by the New York Jets in 1972. He was the only running back chosen that year by the Jets. Hank spent the next four years being coached by legendary Coach Webb Ewbank as a running back and special team's player. He played with former Jet greats Joe Namath, Emerson Boozer, Matt Snell and John Riggins.

In 1975, Hank retired from the NFL and attended Hofstra University School of Law. After practicing law, Hank went back to Hofstra where he earned a M.S. in Education. Mr. Bjorkland then taught at the North Shore School District as well as the Buckley Day School in Roslyn.

Hank Bjorkland, is a Sea Cliff resident and has remained very active in the North Shore community. He is a member of the North Shore Athletic Hall of Fame Committee and has been a speaker at a number of events. Additionally, he served as a Scholar Athlete Award committee member. Along with his wife of over 40 years, Victoria, the Bjorklands have been extremely charitable making numerous donations to fund scholarships and help in the purchase of athletic equipment including scoreboards.

Alumni Spotlight - Hank Bjorkland

Congratulations go out to North Shore alumni, Mr. Hank Bjorkland!