Blue Devils to Challenge for
Suffolk Titles
The Huntington wrestling program has had an almost mythic ability to turn in stunning performances at the county and state tournaments each year. The Blue Devils will get a chance to summon their particular blend of magic again this Sunday and Monday when the Section XI Championships unfold at Stony Brook University's Indoor Sports Complex.
The Blue Devils are led by Nigel McNeil (32-0) and Louis Puca (30-0). McNeil is a defending county and state champion and Puca was a runner-up in the Suffolk and New York tournaments last winter. They are among the most highly regarded wrestlers in the country this season and are both seeded first in their respective weight classes at the Section XI tournament.
Corey Jamison (29-5), Ken Stropoli (13-14), T.J. Wilson (28-7), Duncan Murchison (30-5), Nick Lupi (27-6) and Anthony Puca (24-11) have also qualified for the Suffolk meet after placing in the top three at last weekend's League V tournament.
McNeil will face Chris West of Half Hollow Hills West in the first round at 119 lbs. The Huntington senior has won 71 consecutive matches, a streak that has stretched over parts of three seasons. Among his 32 wins this year are 18 pins, three technical falls and five major decisions.
Puca will square-off against Zekie Yazak of Rocky Point in his opening match at 171 lbs. The senior has pinned 20 of 30 opponents this winter and picked up two technical falls and a major decision. "Louis is focused and ready to go," Huntington head coach Kieran Mock said.
Jamison has enjoyed an excellent season so far. The freshman has pinned 11 opponents, earned two technical falls and beaten six other foes by major decision. He's won a string of big matches and is seen as having a legitimate shot at capturing All-County honors. Jamison will face Brentwood's Eric Orellanna in the first round at 112 lbs.
Stropoli came on strong in the League V tournament before dropping a decision in the finals. Among his 13 wins were five pins and a major decision. He's wrestling better now than he had all season. The senior will battle West Babylon's Kerrigan Coyle in a preliminary round bout at 145 lbs.
Wilson is one of Huntington's best wrestlers. He's pinned 15 foes this winter and beaten two others by major decision. The senior will face DeShaun McNeil of Half Hollow Hills East in the first round at 152 lbs.
Murchison is looking to closeout his Blue Devil mat career with a strong showing. The senior has fought his way past various injuries this winter, pinning 19 opponents and picking up three major decisions. He'll go toe-to-toe with Comsewogue's James Mitsos in the opening round at 189 lbs. "If Duncan wrestles hard, there's no telling what he can do in the tournament," Mock said.
Lupi is one of Suffolk's top wrestlers at 215 lbs. The sophomore has been impressive the past two months, with 16 pins and a major decision. He is in a strong position to grab All-County honors. He will face Comsewogue's Billy Postupak in the first round. "Nick is right there and can compete with anyone in the county," Mock said.
Anthony Puca is only a freshman, but he's been ranked among the top six in Suffolk at his weight. He has 11 pins this season and is a legitimate wild card in the tournament. The underclassman has the potential to upset anyone. He'll get a chance when he takes on John Glenn's Mike Pinto in the opening round.
Huntington closed out the dual meet season with a 10-2 mark. The Blue Devils went 290-148 in individual matches. They picked-up 139 pins and surrendered 46. Huntington also won 10 matches by technical fall and 27 by major decision.
Section XI Tournament Schedule
Sunday, February 13
- 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Monday, February 14
- 9:30 a.m. - Semi-finals, wrestle-backs and consolation finals
- 6:30 p.m. – Championship finals
Admission Fee: $ 6 Friday all sessions
- $ 6 Saturday first Session
- $ 6 - Saturday final session