A sensational trio paced the Huntington High School boys’ fencing team this winter. Juniors Riley Tucker and Nick Kretschmer and senior Connor Dougal all turned in standout seasons for the Blue Devils.
The 20 athlete strong squad was coached by Michelle O’Brien and Vincent O’Garra. Dougal, Dominick Stanley and Gabriel Medina-Jaudes were the Blue Devils’ captains.
Senior fencer Dominick Stanley (Darin Reed photo.)
Dougal went 20-13 in epee and captured honorable mention All-County and second team All-League recognition.
“Connor has been on the team for five years and is truly dedicated to the well-being of the sport and team,” O’Garra said. “He goes out of his way to teach teammates new skills and help them improve their techniques. He’s extremely motivated and devoted to the advancement of himself and those around him.”
Tucker fenced to a record of 13-6 in epee and was named second team All-County and All-League.
“Riley has been on the team since seventh grade and has grown as a fencer,” O’Garra said. “He even switched weapons to foil at mid-season to win some crucial bouts for the team when we were short athletes. He is always ready and eager to participate when needed no matter what the challenge may be.”
Kretschmer was also superb, going 19-14 in sabre. “Nick has been on the team for four years and is constantly improving himself,” O’Garra said. “He puts in lots of time and effort to coach his teammates and help out before, during and after every meet. He loves the sport and even recruited his younger brother to join the team this year.”
The highlight of the season came when the sabre squad of Kretschmer, Medina-Jaudes, Neil Jean-Baptiste and Paul Katigbak teamed up to finish fifth in the Alan Kuver Memorial Relay Carnival.
The Blue Devil roster also featured eighth grader Liam Tucker; freshmen Luca D’Anna, James Kretschmer and Matthew Mead; sophomores Carlos Cruz-Serrano, John Holly and Miles Tierney; juniors Conor Heffernan, Brandon Varady and Matthew Youngwall and seniors Thomas Holly, Aidan Walsh and Liam Walsh.
With 15 underclassmen fencers returning next season the Blue Devils have high hopes for success.