Blue Devils Improve to 9-1 on the Mat

The Huntington wrestling team improved its record to 9-1, overwhelming Newfield on Friday night in a league meet and winning three more times on Saturday at Jericho before falling for the first time this season in the tournament finals to Sachem North, 39-29.

The Blue Devils topped visiting Newfield on Friday, 66-4 to give the team its second league victory without a loss. Huntington seemed unstoppable in the meet, which was wrestled before a loud crowd that included Principal Brenden Cusack and Superintendent James W. Polansky.

At Jericho on Saturday, the Blue Devils bested Baldwin (58-18), Farmingdale (42-26) and William Floyd (37-33) before falling to Sachem North. Huntington dropped two close decisions, which proved to be the difference.

Huntington won the season opening tournament in its own gym on December 3, coasting past five opponents to claim the title at the Lou Giani Invitational. It’s been more of the same since, until a hiccup against Sachem North.

“It’s hard to be perfect in such a long season,” head coach Travis Smith said. “We are happy with how everyone is wrestling and very pleased with individual development.”

Junior Max Casiano is 15-0 and ranked among Suffolk’s finest. Sam Nicotra is 13-0 with all first period pins. Senior Zachary Zboray is also 13-0 and he, too, is one of the top ranked matmen in the county at his weight class.

Junior Christian St. John has been sensational and boasts a 13-1 record. Junior Jonathan Granito is 14-1 after taking it up several notches this season. Senior Enzo Pupillo and sophomore Justin Villatoro are both 12-2. Senior Joe Algieri is 10-4 at heavyweight. Freshman Walter Kusterbeck and junior Dante Salgado are both 7-3. Senior Brett Bender is 9-6.

“The key is to keep improving,” Smith said. Huntington travels to Copiague for a league dual meet tonight (Wednesday, December 21) and will wrestle in a tournament at St. Anthony’s on December 27.