H-ton Mat Star Max Casiano Commits to Ithaca College

When Max Casiano steps on the wrestling mat for Huntington High School he’s all business. The county runner-up enters a zone with a laser-like focus on winning. The senior has committed to Ithaca College and its highly regarded mat team as he looks to continue his career in the sport.

“Upon my first visit to Ithaca, I was still unsure where I wanted to go for college,” Casiano said. “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted or how I would compare all the different aspects of each college. However, walking around Ithaca and speaking with the coach gave me a different feel than my other visits. I could see myself there. After this and doing more research on Ithaca, I decided to go on another visit where I spent a lot of time with the team and consequently I knew it was the college for me.”

Casiano was promoted to the Blue Devil varsity as an eighth grader. He trains and competes year-round. The teenager is looking to return to the state tournament in Albany in February and place at the top of his weight class.

“Ithaca’s wrestling program has proven success, with large support from the college,” Casiano said. “Along with this, a coach I grew up wrestling with went there and I know and wrestled with many kids on the team. I will be majoring in pre-professional health through the exploratory program, which will help me delve into many options of what my specific interest may be.”

Casiano goes about his business in the Huntington wrestling room in methodical fashion. He occupies the center workout circle and he goes hard throughout each session. He’s become a leader on the squad and is one of this winter’s captains.

“In second grade my friend brought in a book about wrestling for show-and-tell it piqued my interest and I talked to my parents about it,” Casiano said. “They then found a wrestling club called Blue Wave where I wrestled for the first four years. At first, what attracted me to the sport was my success and the team around me. Now I like the sport for the grit and the fulfillment I get through the struggle of wrestling is addicting.”

Casiano always has a set of goals for himself and he works hard to accomplish them. He’s enjoying his senior year and is a familiar figure around town.

“I have lived in Huntington all my life and I love this town,” Casiano said. “I am still able to enjoy the diverse offerings of the town. My time in Huntington UFSD has provided me with lifelong friends and experiences that will forever be a major part of my life.”