The Huntington varsity boys’ basketball team honored its seniors during a pre-game ceremony on the last day of the regular season. The Blue Devils recognized nine special players.
Huntington’s Finnbar Cocoman, Dylan Coleman, Kevin Drake, Elias Frazier, Charles Girimonti, Aidan McNulty, Maximilian Rentsch, Henry Vohs and Clayton Ward were all honored during the ceremony, which was held at Walt Whitman High School’s South Gym due to the unavailability of the Huntington High School gym, which is undergoing renovation following a flood.
Blue Devil coaches Ken Parham, Jordan Ioviero and Daryl Johnson and volunteer assistants Kevin Thorbourne and Jimmy Byrne were joined on the court by the nine seniors and their parents, who took turns posing for a series of photographs to commemorate the occasion.
“Wearing the Blue Devil uniform all these years has meant being a part of a family that works hard for each other while always having their teammates back,” Rentsch said.
Players were presented with gifts and their parents with flowers while players who are underclassmen stood nearby. The seniors were told how much they mean to the program and parents were thanked for their support, encouragement and sacrifices.
“It means everything to me to have been able to wear a Huntington uniform,” Coleman said. “Playing for the Blue Devils has taught me things that I’ll never forget. Most importantly, work hard and believe in yourself.”
A large Blue Devil backdrop screen was placed at midcourt and players, parents and coaches posed for photos in front of it. Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky was on hand for the ceremony.
“When I think of Huntington basketball and wearing the Blue Devil uniform, the first thing that comes to mind is family,” Drake said. “The relationships I’ve built with not only teammates, but also my coaches since seventh grade will last a lifetime and I will never forget them. I learned so much about adversity and hard work throughout this year on the team and I will carry those lessons with me throughout life and my future endeavors. I wouldn’t change a thing about my experience. I’m so lucky to have something that impacted me so greatly in the most positive way.”
The seniors have all helped rejuvenate the program following many years of struggles. The Blue Devils have won 12 games, qualified for the playoffs and won their first round game, topping Newfield, 50-38 earlier this week.
