The Blue Devil mat squad had an unenviable task last weekend. Huntington traveled to Minisink Valley where it grappled in a tournament that included the state’s top ranked team.
Snow postponed the tournament by one day and reduced the number of competing teams, but Huntington had all it could handle with No. 1 Minisink Valley along with squads from Burnt Hills, Shaker, Red Hook and Burke Catholic proving to be very formidable.
While Minisink Valley ran away from the field, compiling an insurmountable 392 points, Huntington edged Burnt Hills for second place honors, 146.5-130.5. Shaker (117.5), Red Hook (95) and Burke (27) all trailed in the distance.
Huntington’s Lucas Cirlincione and Joe Petrone both won weight class championships. Cirlincione won four matches at 99 lbs. including a pin in 1:42, 10-2 and 11-2 major decisions and a 7-5 verdict. The four victories improved the sophomore’s record to 21-5 this winter.
Petrone also won four matches en route to the 106 lb. title. The junior had pins in 2:44 and 4:00, a 9-0 major decision and a 6-0 decision. He’s now 23-1.
Aedan McDonald (145 lbs.), Robbie Smith (182 lbs.), Nick Tudisco (195 lbs.) and Kaleef Riley (285 lbs.) all finished in second place in their respective weight class. Enzo Pupillo finished third at 113 lbs. Joe Nicotra pinned three opponents on his way to a third place finish at 152 lbs.
Sam Nicotra (99 lbs.), Ethan Franciscovich (132 lbs.), Zach Zboray (138 lbs.) and Ryan Baker (145 lbs.) all placed fourth at their respective weight.
The Blue Devils have wrestled well this winter despite numerous injuries and a roster filled predominately with underclassmen, including five eighth graders.
“We are very happy with how hard everyone has been working,” Huntington head coach Travis Smith said. The team is 9-4 in dual meet competition.
