Gary Barash has worn the Blue Devil uniform proudly, excelling in football and track and field and exploring his academic interests over the past four years. The Huntington High School senior plans to attend St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York, where he intends to study sports management and participate in the athletic program.
“Well, I chose St. Thomas because it offers a great program in sports management and I can see myself exceling there,” Mr. Barash said. “They have also offered me a scholarship.”
Huntington senior Gary Barash
The teenager believes St. Thomas Aquinas College is a good fit for him both academically and athletically. Mr. Barash plans to participate in the college’s NCAA Division II track and field program.
“St. Thomas Aquinas College is a vibrant, student-centered institution located in the New York City metropolitan area,” according to the school’s website. “Founded in 1952 by the Dominican Sisters of Sparkill as a teaching college, we have grown to a 60-acre campus, providing a safe, welcoming place to study more than 100 majors, minors, and specializations in the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Education. Yet it’s just 15 miles north of New York City, giving you quick access to learning, cultural, internship, and career opportunities in one of the world’s most exciting cities.”
While the senior has enjoyed just about every minute of the past four years, he feels ready to move on. “Huntington definitely prepared me for college and I feel it will be a great time,” Mr. Barash said.
Like just about every high school student, the teenager has his favorite courses with some of the classes being especially valuable. “The Sports Marketing course was definitely up there in helping me understand the money side of the business,” Mr. Barash said.
The teenager has won awards on the football field and in track and field, where he was an All-County thrower and advanced to the state championships. He loves to compete.
“I really enjoyed being on a team with my second family both in football and track,” Mr. Barash said. “Being able to leave high school knowing I still have those people with me and will always have them is something very special.”
Mr. Barash’s advice to incoming ninth graders? “I would tell the freshmen don’t wait and do your work from the start,” he said.
The teenager tends to roll with the punches and not get too high or too low. Mr. Barash strives to keep everything in perspective. He’s worked well with his teachers and coaches, especially Ron Wilson, who has coached him in football and indoor and outdoor track and field.
“Coach Wilson definitely helped me out in high school more than ever, especially with track, helping me grow as a better athlete and as a person,” Mr. Barash said.
“We’re very proud of Gary both on and off the field,” Coach Wilson said. “He has contributed greatly to both the football and track programs in Huntington. It has been a pleasure watching him grow into the young man he has become. His leadership, along with his charismatic attitude will be missed. We are sure he will represent Huntington well at St Thomas Aquinas.”
St. Thomas is getting a great competitor and all-around good guy in Mr. Barash. He’s had a great run and there’s no reason to think he won’t shine in college, too.
“I’m definitely going to miss Huntington and all the memories and all the people who made it the best four years of my life,” Mr. Barash said
