Four Huntington High School players were honored last week at the 35th annual Suffolk County Girls’ Soccer Coaches Association awards dinner at the Hyatt Regency in Hauppauge.
The crowd dined on fresh field greens salad, rolls, chicken francaise, mashed potatoes and green beans and a dessert buffet. The large ballroom was filled with about 700 players, coaches and parents.
Huntington seniors Tara Wilson, Ryann Gaffney, Anna Gulizio and Erin Morrisroe all captured awards. One or more parents accompanied each of the players. Blue Devil coaches John Walsh and Vincent Tannazzo sat at the table with their players.
Wilson was named to the All-Conference team. The teenager also won a $500 scholarship sponsored by the coaches association after submitting a highly regarded essay.
Gaffney and Gulizio both won All-League honors. Morrisroe was picked for the All-County Academic team.
“We are so proud of these young ladies,” Walsh said. “Their work ethic, commitment to their teammates and effort on and off the field was exceptional. They wore our colors with pride and gave our fans something to cheer about.”
Three-Sport Alum & Former Coach Passes Away
Huntington grad Troy Grenier
passed away. He was 47.
Troy J. Grenier, a member of Huntington High School’s Class of 1987 passed away in his sleep on October 30. He was 47.
Mr. Grenier earned varsity letters with the Blue Devil soccer, wrestling and lacrosse teams. He later served as a wrestling and lacrosse coach at J. Taylor Finley Junior High School.
A resident of Ballston Spa at the time of his passing, Mr. Grenier was working as the store manager of Children’s Place in Colonie Center in Albany. He worked in the retail industry for the past 25 years.
A true sports enthusiast, Mr. Grenier took delight in attending athletic events involving his sons, Noah and Nevin.
“I wrestled with Troy on the Blue Devil team,” wrote teammate Billy McCarthy in an online tribute to Mr. Grenier. “I always remember him with a support band on his knee and the fact that he was incredibly strong. Funny thing is [that] I remember one time during practice (after he beat me in a round robin), he offered advice and encouraged me to win the next time. Huge smile and a warm heart. A terrific man.”
Fellow Huntington grad Justin Carey was among those hit hard by the news of Mr. Grenier’s passing. “Troy was a great teammate and an even better person and friend during our years together in Huntington,” wrote Mr. Carey, a fellow Class of 1987 member, in an online tribute.
Finley Field Hockey Rebuilds for Future
The J. Taylor Finley Middle School field hockey team went through a rebuilding season this fall, finishing with a record of 1-8-1 under head coach Nancy Conlon.
The 22 player strong Falcon team was captained by Alexis Monti, Alexa Rind and Julie Rogel.
The eighth grade Rogel recorded 128 saves as Finley’s goalie. “Julie is a hardworking goalie and is fast and fearless,” Conlon said.
Eighth graders Grace Wildermuth and Tess Stanley were standouts on defense. “Grace was the heart of the defense with a strong drive and great stops,” Conlon said. “Tess has great defensive skills, is fast and never gives up,” the coach added.
The highlight of the season was a 1-0 victory over West Hollow. Finley lost three games by a single goal. The Falcons tied Commack, 0-0.
“It was a hardworking team that came together nicely,” Conlon said. “There are 11 seventh graders who will be coming back next fall.”
Finley-White Girls’ Soccer Gains Experience
Finley-White girls' soccer
featured talented players.
The Finley-White girls’ soccer team struggled to score goals this fall. The Falcons were outscored 21-5 over their 10 game schedule. But, whenever players took the field, they gave the squad everything they had.
Finley-White was coached by Marissa Bergmann and captained by Julia Steinberg, Isabella Algieri Johanna Campos-Moreira and Grace Kata.
“This was a hardworking group of girls with a true love for the game,” Bergmann said. “I enjoyed coming to practice every day. My eighth graders were great leaders this year. I will miss them.”
Three of Finley-White’s losses were by 1-0 scores and the Falcons dropped a fourth game, 3-2. Finley tied Stimson (0-0) and Finley-Blue (2-2).
“We will have 13 current seventh graders returning next year with great experience,” Bergmann said.
One of the highlights of the fall came when seventh grader Emily Plachta scored two goals in one game from half field.
Finley-Blue Girls’ Soccer Sets Stage
The Finley-Blue girls’ soccer team did its best under trying circumstances, compiling a 0-8-1 record. While the 26 player team found it difficult to score, players hustled and developed their individual and team skills, setting the stage for future success.
Seventh grade offensive standouts included Hanna Carlson, Kianna Criscuola, Makaylah Frazier, Alisha Harvey, Evelyn Henriquez, Adrianna LoScalzo and Caroline O’Rourke.
Seventh grade defensive stars included Paula Luna-Szodo, and Kristen Toomey and goalie Alexandra Kustera.
Eighth grade offensive leaders included Alexa Amorison, Mia Brown, Erla Campos-Nativi, Giavanna Devoe, Kaylie Duarte-Zavala, Marina Durand, Amanda Fuentes-Reyes and Sarah Giarraputo.
The eighth grade defense was led by Lilly Joseph, Timmeree Kopele, Rebeca Luna-Szodo, Lisa Martin, Grace McKean and Alanna Wallace.
Blue Devil Baseball Can’t Wait
The Blue Devil baseball team won
the summer league championship.
It’s still many months away, but the Huntington High School baseball program is looking forward to the spring season.
The Blue Devils went 13-5-2 during the summer league regular season before sweeping all four playoff games to capture the Town of Brookhaven under-16 championship.
Pitcher Steven Napurano compiled an 11-2-1 record during regular season play and then tossed three shutouts in the playoffs to lead the Blue Devils to the championship.
Huntington’s leading summer league players also included Ethan Copp, Michael Harris, Emmanuel Anastos, Michael Marzilliano and Marco Capruscio.
Coaches Billy Harris, Rob Cappas and Bob Buttoni were happy with how the team played and the effort of individual players.