A delayed start to the season necessitated by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic isn’t exactly what the Huntington High School boys’ fencing team expected or wanted, but all things considered, they are happy there will at least be a condensed season beginning January 4.
The Blue Devils are a competitive bunch. Last year’s six victories was triple the total of the year earlier. Huntington is looking to keep them positive momentum going when practice commences in early 2021.
The team will return eighth graders Brandon Cohen, Thomas Davis and Thomas Galicia-Martinez; freshmen Jake Amend, Benjamin Edgar-McNerney and Chase Williams; sophomores Jeffrey Garcia Cabrera, Timothy Kusterbeck and Liam Tucker; juniors David Canas Granados, Axel Cattano, Luca D’Anna, James Kretschmer and Matthew Mead; and senior Gabriel Moskovitch, Miles Tierney and Baris Toprak.
The top two fencers heading into the new season are D’Anna and Tierney, who both notched second team All-League and honorable mention All-County honors in foil last winter as underclassmen.
“Despite all the changes, I’m still thrilled to start the season,” D’Anna said. “While the delay is unfortunate, I know it’ll be worth the wait and I’m sure my teammates feel the same as well. I only hope that these circumstances don’t discourage any students from giving it a shot this year. Other than that I have no concerns. I’m sure the Huntington team will make this season as enjoyable and memorable as any over the past years.”
Tierney is looking to cap off his career with the Blue Devils by enjoying a fine senior year. “Coming off of a strong season last year, we hope to continue our progress,” he said. “Despite losing a lot of talented seniors last year, I know that myself and all of the other athletes are ready to work and compete in 2021. While unfortunate, the delay of our season just gives us more time to improve and prepare.”
The first day of practice on January 4, 2021 can’t come soon enough for the Blue Devils. “Even though I only joined fencing last year, I really enjoyed it and was looking forward to going back,” Moskovitch said. “With the delay I’m a bit worried that we won’t get to go back at all, but I’m hoping we can all get back to it soon.”