Seven seniors completely and unquestionably dedicated to the Huntington High School cross country program were honored at the 53rd annual Blue Devil senior athletic awards ceremony in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium.
Cross country and running in general can be a sometimes forbidding pursuit. It requires a steely and determined mindset and a willingness to train, train and, well, train some more.
The Huntington boys’ and girls’ teams were coached by Onix Salva and Elizabeth Vogelsang, respectively. The pair stood nearby as the names of the senior award recipients were announced.
Valerie Rogel (Columbia University) and Ella Siepel (University of Rochester) were named co-Most Valuable. Anna Koulakova (Stony Brook University) was cited as Most Improved with Brianna Isaza (Binghamton University) claiming the Coaches Award.
The Blue Devil boys’ team honored Aidan Heller (University of South Carolina) as MVP. Carlos Martinez (College of Mount Saint Vincent) was tapped as Most Improved. Andrew McKenzie (Stony Brook University) was named Most Improved.
Both Huntington teams are looking to pick up their pace and break into the circle of top Suffolk running squads. They are both returning a core group of experienced runners.
Nothing would make the graduating seniors happier than checking in with Coaches Salva and Vogelsang in the fall and hearing that the Blue Devil runners are turning heads across the county.
