Blue Devil Philosophy, Priorities & Core Values

The Blue Devil athletic program is in full swing at Huntington High School and J. Taylor Finley Middle School. In the 2023/24 school year, Huntington UFSD will offer students an athletic program that includes 34 varsity level teams; 15 JV teams and 24 middle school teams for a total of 73 Blue Devil athletic teams.

The coaching staff totals 106, including 58 on the varsity level; 18 on the junior varsity level and 30 on the middle school level.

The Blue Devil’s philosophy, program objectives and core values are all closely aligned with the Huntington School District’s overall mission and have been emphasized with coaches, who are sharing it with the student-athletes under their direction.

District Mission

Recognizing the strengths of our district’s traditions, its history of community support, the diversity of our population and our commitment to educational excellence, the mission of the Huntington Union Free School District is to educate students by effectively teaching an enriched body of knowledge through the active participation of all students, building upon their unique talents and abilities to produce creative, self-assured, responsible citizens who are capable of critical thought and action.

Blue Devil Program Philosophy

We strive to provide the most student-focused athletic experience available in any high school in the country. The place of interscholastic athletics in the total school environment can best be determined by the emphasis that is placed upon achieving educational objectives. In addition to fielding a representative and competitive team, much thought should be given to the types of outcomes that are desired as a result of interscholastic activity.

It is important to all concerned that there is a basic understanding of the values, teaching moments, and motivation opportunities found in interscholastic athletic activity. It is imperative for all to recognize the role that interscholastic athletics play in helping to fulfill the needs of young people who continually seek to place their faith, hope, and enthusiasm in someone or something.

The values associated with interscholastic athletics are attainable to the coach, athlete and spectators. Each can add to the success and impact of the program and each can derive memorable and beneficial experiences from these activities.

Huntington Athletic Priorities

• To provide interscholastic athletic experiences to as many students as possible.

• To emphasize that making the effort to win is more important than winning and to encourage and reward that effort.

• To acknowledge that the real value of sport to the student is in the enjoyment derived from the activity itself and from the association developed among coaches and players in practice, as well as games.

• To encourage fellowship, leadership and cooperation in a competitive atmosphere.

• To inspire voluntary commitment to excellence in study, work and play.

• To establish a high degree of fitness.

• To emphasize the proper ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct and fair play.

• To eliminate all possibilities which tend to weaken the best values of the game.

• To stress the value derived from playing the game fairly.

• To exhibit courtesy to visiting teams and officials.

• To establish a healthy relationship between visitors and hosts.

• To respect the integrity and judgment of sports officials.

• To achieve a thorough understanding and acceptance of the rules of the game and the standards of eligibility.

• To recognize that the purpose of athletics is to promote the physical, mental, moral, social and emotional well-being of the individual athletes.

• To remember that an athletic contest is a game and not a matter of life or death for player, coach, school, official, fan, community, state or nation.

Huntington Core Values

Excellence: We expect to train, compete and win at the highest level while striving to be the best athletically, academically and in life.

Integrity: We play by the rules and act with integrity, honesty and personal responsibility in everything we do.

Teamwork: Together we are stronger. We practice hard and play hard. We fight for Huntington.

Tradition: We welcome new ideas while respecting what representing Huntington has meant to our predecessors. We will build upon our traditions developed since 1910.

Service: We follow a “we before me” philosophy and believe we exist to serve others. We are paying it forward in thought, word and deed.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: We celebrate an atmosphere of respect and diversity by welcoming everyone to the Blue Devil family and we recognize the uniqueness of each student-athlete and their ability to make us stronger.