Blue Devil Sports News
Huntington High School varsity boys' soccer coach publicly thanked the seniors on his team with an announcement over the school's public address system. The Blue Devils are saying goodbye to James Neary, Steven Ulloa, Adil Gowani Sergio Gonzalez, Norman Gomez-Vasquez, Christian Campos, Andone Plieitez, Jon Ceide and Jon Pena.
Pagano cited the seniors' "hard work and dedication."
Former Coach Passes Away
Former Huntington High School soccer coach Paul Amato, Jr. has passed away. He was 69 years old and leaves behind his wife Vicki, daughters Tracey and Christine and sons Paul III and Robert.
Mr. Amato coached the Blue Devil girls' varsity soccer team in 1994 when Huntington was ranked No. 1 in the country. Several of the team's players went on to NCAA Division I colleges, including Jennifer and Margaret Tietjen, who earned All-American honors with the Blue Devils.
After many successful seasons coaching Huntington's girls' soccer team, Mr. Amato switched over and became the Blue Devil boys' varsity soccer coach, serving in that post for several years. His former players were spreading the word of his passing among each other.
During his years as a Huntington coach, Mr. Amato worked as an insurance adjuster. He earlier served in the United States Navy aboard a destroyer. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking.
Trustees Approve Winter Coaches
Huntington School Board approved the appointment of numerous winter coaches during a meeting of the trustees this past Monday night.
The coaches include Richard Agnello (Finley boys' and girls' basketball), Brian Carey (varsity boys' basketball), Danielle DeAngelis (JV girls' basketball), Michael Fabio (assistant varsity fencing), Peter Fusco (assistant varsity wrestling), Michael Kaplan (varsity girls' basketball), Philip Lowe (Finley boys' and girls' basketball), Margaret McConnell (assistant varsity boys' swimming), Kieran Mock (varsity wrestling), Chris Mooney (Finley boys' volleyball), Valinda O'Garra (assistant varsity fencing), Natalee Rubcewich (Finley girls' volleyball), Gilbert Smith (varsity boys' swimming), Travis Smith (assistant varsity wrestling) and Ronald Wilson (varsity track).
DeAngelis Joins BB Staff
Danielle DeAngelis has joined the Blue Devil winter coaching staff. She was appointed to coach the junior varsity girls' basketball team. Ms. DeAngelis replaces James McCabe, who guided the squad last season.
The new coach obtained a BA degree in psychology at Sacred Heart University and a master's degree in social work at Stony Brook University.
Ms. DeAngelis has worked as a girls' basketball and lacrosse coach in Commack and at the All-Island Basketball Camp since 2009. She has also served as an Empire State Games basketball assistant coach.
Amazing Runners
The Huntington High School girls' cross country team placed second in the league. For the first time in six years, the Blue Devils qualified for the county championships. "You were amazing," head coach Debra Cheskes told her team.
Swimmers in Section XI Championships
While Molly Arceri was the big winner for Huntington at the Section XI swimming and diving championships last Saturday at Suffolk Community College-West in Brentwood, several other Blue Devils turned in good performances, too. Arceri won her third consecutive county diving title while teammate Rachel Feltman placed seventh. The 200 yard medley relay team of Erica Flor, Noelle Harvey, Diana Harvey and Emily Maggio finished 10th in Suffolk. Flor captured 9th in the 100 yard backstroke and 10th in the 200 yard freestyle.
In the 200 yard freestyle, Diana Harvey, Caroline McCartney, Noelle Harvey and Emily Maggio finished 13th. The 400 yard freestyle relay team of Diana Harvey, Caroline McCartney, Emily Maggio and Erica Flor also placed 13th.