The Huntington High School wrestling program is in a rebuilding mode. The Blue Devils took a step forward toward their ultimate goals at last weekend’s Herricks New Year’s Tournament.
Huntington’s Billy Burton (99 lbs.) and Aidan McCooey (170 lbs.) both captured weight class championships. Joe Petrone (99 lbs.), Jaiden Erickson (113 lbs.), Charlie O’Rourke (120 lbs.), Robbie Smith (145 lbs.) and Will Mejia (145 lbs.) all placed second. Chris Tittman (106 lbs.), Ryan Baker (138 lbs.), Chas Forte (195 lbs.) and Tazadon Smith (220 lbs.) finished third. Isiah Rodriquez (126 lbs.) placed fourth. (Note: Smith and Mejia were supposed to wrestle each other for second place at 145 lbs. but didn’t. They were awarded co-runner-up.)
The Blue Devils vied against host Herricks along with Centereach, Great Neck North, Hempstead, Lawrence, Levittown Division, Roosevelt, Southampton and St. John the Baptist.
Entering the current week, freshman Joe Petrone leads the Blue Devils in pins. The young team is comprised predominately of underclassmen with just a couple of seniors on the roster.
The coaching staff includes first year head coach Louis R. Giani and assistant coaches Kieran Mock, Omar Santiago and David Bergmann. Travis T. Smith and Michael Marinello are the J. Taylor Finley Middle School coaches.
Huntington is seeking to build renewed interest in the program among students across the district and increase participation at the middle school and high school. The coaches have also been putting an elementary and middle school age evening clinic in place.
