The reconstituted Huntington High School varsity bowling team has wrapped up its first season after the program was reinstated following an absence of more than 25 years.
The Blue Devils were coached by high school physical education teacher Christopher Taylor and captained by Anthony Amitrano and Sophia Marchetta. Larkfield Lanes in East Northport served as Huntington’s home bowling alley.
“Sophia was dedicated and a hard worker and she improved throughout the season,” Taylor said. “Anthony is a team leader who was always trying to help his teammates.”
Huntington bowled its best games and notched its highest scores against county power Smithtown, “who was the No. 1 team in our league,” Taylor said.
Amitrano, Marchetta and Cameron McNulty were the team’s only seniors. Sophomores Lily Froggatt Bale, Samantha Koepele, Jack Ruthkowski, Jack Semelsberger and Andrew Sullivan will all be returning, forming a strong nucleus moving forward.
“The team was dedicated, hardworking and always encouraging toward each other throughout the season,” Taylor said.
Amitrano and Marchetta were the male and female high scorers and total pins leaders.
Taylor is striving to increase interest and participation in the sport and team. “It’s a great activity,” he said. “Everyone on the team had an enjoyable experience. It’s fun.”
The Blue Devils practiced daily between 3-5 p.m. Northport and Harborfields also practice and hold their home matches at Larkfield Lanes.
“The folks at Larkfield Lanes couldn’t have been nicer to our kids,” Taylor said. “They really went out of their way to be helpful. They even offered discounts if anyone wanted to bowl on a non-practice day.”
Several Blue Devils joined a Larkfield Lanes league and some purchased their own personal gear. “We’re in this for the long haul,” Taylor said. “We hope to build a strong program moving forward.”
Interested in joining the Huntington bowling team? Send a message to Taylor at ctaylor@hufsd.edu.