Luca D’Anna is one of the reasons why the Huntington High School fencing team is among the best in Suffolk this winter. The senior is using his considerable experience and skills in the sport to help the Blue Devils overcome some stiff opposition.
“I first became interested in fencing when my older cousin, Dominick Stanley told me about his experiences on the Blue Devil fencing team,” Mr. D’Anna said. “I figured I’d give it a shot my freshman year and immediately fell in love with the sport.”
Huntington High School senior Luca D'Anna.
It wasn’t long before the Huntington coaching staff began to depend upon Mr. D’Anna as a regular in the lineup; as a mentor for younger team members and as a role model for just about everyone.
“There’s so much to love about the sport,” the teenager said. “Far more than I could articulate in just a few words. I especially love the combination of the mental and physical challenge it presents. Countless decisions have to be made in fractions of a second.”
Mr. D’Anna’s focus has never been sharper; in the classroom, while fencing for the Blue Devils or when working to finalize his college and possible career plans.
The Huntington boys’ team has won six of its first seven matches and Mr. D’Anna has played a role in all of those victories.
“I’m confident that the program will see a lot of success in the near future,” he said. “We’ve got three strong weapon groups full of talented fencers passing on their skills.”
The senior would like nothing more than to see up-and-coming Huntington students consider the sport. “To others who might be interested in fencing, I’d tell them to just give it a shot,” Mr. D’Anna said. “Fencing is a great sport that anyone can enjoy. If it’s right for you, you’ll know almost immediately.”
Mr. D’Anna is interested in Stony Brook University, SUNY Maritime College, Boston University and LIU Brooklyn. “I’d like to study environmental science or biology with a focus on marine ecosystems,” he said. “As for careers, I really can’t say where I’m headed, but I’m very passionate about our local marine ecology. I’d love to study and manage the waters around our home.”
The senior is determined to finish up his final year of high school on a high note. He’s well on his way to doing just that.
“My experience at Huntington has been amazing,” Mr. D’Anna said. “I feel tremendously fortunate to have spent nearly 13 years in this district. The atmosphere created by the faculty and students helps facilitate not only a quality education, but also a safe and enjoyable environment.”