Blue Devil Fencers Celebrate Senior Day

The Huntington High School boys’ and girls’ fencing teams celebrated Senior Day in the Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School gym prior to the Blue Devils’ meet against visiting Lindenhurst.

There were picture posters hung around the gym that recognized the seniors and honored their Huntington careers. Coaches Michelle O’Brien and Vin O’Garra were on hand to provide testimony to the commitment displayed by each of the teenagers.

The senior group includes from the girls’ team, Fiona Brosnan, Emely Cruz, Aislyn Franciscovich, Cecilia Kye, Allison Malone, Haileigh Smith and Daniela Ulloa Ponce and from the boys’ team, Abdiel Castillo Martos, Peter Gaal, Jeffrey Garcia-Cabrera, Samuel James, Justin Perez Castillo, Charles Siepel, Liam Tucker and Dominick Vidota.

“I didn’t know it at first, but joining this team meant joining a network of people who always have your back, whether it’s fencing related or not,” Ms. Smith said. “From teammates who become your closest friends, coaches who feel like genuine mentors or returning veterans who come back to cheer you on, being a Blue Devil fencer has been like having a second family. I owe much of my high school career to the team and the people who make it so special.”

Dozens of family members turned out to celebrate along with the seniors. It was a touching afternoon for a special group of Huntington athletes.

“Being a Blue Devil fencer has meant everything to me,” Ms. Malone said. “The positive environment makes every practice and meet worth going to and trying our best and being supportive of each other. It is like being a part of a big family!”

Huntington’s fencing program was founded decades ago and has traditionally been regarded as one of Long Island’s finest.

“Being a Blue Devil fencer has been nothing less than incredible for me,” Mr. Gaal said. “Throughout my time as a student in Huntington, I’ve been involved in a few different sports. Nothing has come close to how special fencing is. I only joined the team in my sophomore year, encouraged by friends, and I couldn’t be any happier that I did. The camaraderie and spirit that flows through the team is unparalleled. Seeing everyone grow as people and as fencers since I joined the team has been great. Especially for me and the foil squad.”

This has been a successful year for the Blue Devils. “At the Alan Kuver Memorial Relay, the boys foil squad and I played our hearts out,” Mr. Gaal said. “We had some really close bouts and eventually pulled through to win the gold medal for boys foil. All in all, the fencing team has provided me with unique opportunities to grow as a person, to learn to develop an athletic ability, to learn how to grow as a leader, and to collaborate with a team.”

The seniors have upheld the many traditions associated with the program. “Being a Blue Devil fencer is learning to work together and becoming more confident in yourself through a team,” Ms. Franciscovich said.

“Team” is a word that carries meaning to the senior. “To me, being a Blue Devil fencer has always been about realizing that the team’s priorities come before my own,” Mr. Vidota said.

The Blue Devil seniors are exceptionally loyal to the program and as a group they collectively encourage others to at least give the sport a try.

“There aren’t many things that I hold in such high regard, but fencing is truly a one of a kind experience,” Mr. Gaal said. “I love this team. I urge anyone and everyone to at least try fencing one time. The program here at Huntington is great and you are guaranteed to find enjoyment somewhere in the program.”