H-ton Senior John Arceri Signs
with Buffalo
John Arceri is just getting started. The Huntington High School senior has signed an NCAA Division I letter of intent to wrestle at the University of Buffalo on a scholarship.
The teenager is one of the greatest Blue Devil wrestlers ever. Arceri is the only Huntington freshman to win a county mat title. A three-time Suffolk champion, he won the 113 lb. state crown last winter after prevailing in a three-overtime finals match, 3-2.
Arceri has been around wrestling since the day he was born. His father, also named John, was an undefeated state champion for Ward Melville who went on to grapple for James Madison University.
Known for setting high goals for himself, Arceri always has a list of challenges to keep himself busy. He already has an eye on what he would like to accomplish in college, including winning an NCAA title.
The teenager has been on Huntington’s varsity team since seventh grade, when he won eight matches. Arceri went on to record marks of 28-12, 38-4, 35-3 and 42-1 during the following four seasons. His 151 victories entering his senior year position him to become the Blue Devils’ all-time wins leader sometime this winter. Nigel McNeil currently has the most victories by a Huntington wrestler with 163.
Arceri’s work ethic is second to none and his commitment to improving himself physically, strategically and mentally is well known. His willingness to work in and out of season is the stuff legends are made of. No sacrifice has been too great for the teenager to make, his coaches said.
“John keeps setting higher and higher standards for himself and for his teammates,” said Travis Smith, Huntington’s head coach. “He is an inspiration to all of us and he’s a great motivator in the practice room. He wants everyone to get better. He’s really a pleasure to work with and he’s fun to coach. We are really happy to see him sign with Buffalo. It’s a great place for him to go to school and compete. He will be well taken care of there.”
Arceri is vying to become Huntington’s first four-time Suffolk champion this winter and only the sixth two-time state champion in Blue Devil mat history.