Huntington UFSD is nearing the date by which it needs to notify Section XI if it will reintroduce interscholastic girls’ gymnastics. If the program is reestablished, it will combine with Harborfields to field a team.
Huntington is looking for a firm commitment from 6-8 girls who would participate in the sport. Current sixth graders at Woodhull Intermediate School and Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School would be eligible to participate on the team as seventh graders at J. Taylor Finley Middle School if they qualify through New York State’s Athletic Placement Process. Same goes for current Finley seventh graders who will be eighth graders in 2022/23. All girls at Huntington High School next year will also be eligible.
Those interested in participating on a Harborfields/Huntington varsity girls’ gymnastics team are asked to call or send a message to athletic director Jim Hoops (631.673-2017 or jhoops@hufsd.edu.) If enough interest exists, the Blue Devils will compete in the sport for the first time since the 1970s.
Harborfields has sponsored a girls’ gymnastics team for many years. The Tornadoes’ squad has historically practiced in the south gym at Harborfields High School, however with some COVID-19 related shuffling of programs, the team was relocated to Oldfields Middle School. Officials in that district are anticipating its return to the Harborfields south gym.
Should plans for a joint team come to fruition, the team’s head coach would be from Harborfields with an assistant coach provided by Huntington. Practices and meets will be held at Harborfields. Girls’ gymnastics is a fall sport in Section XI and New York State.
There are currently 21 girls’ gymnastics teams spread across three leagues in Section XI. Nearby high schools with teams include Harborfields, Walt Whitman, Commack, Kings Park and Half Hollow Hills.
Huntington UFSD needs to inform Section XI by April 1. So those interested are encouraged to reach out to the athletic office as soon as possible.