Blue Devils Wrestlers Wrap-up Mat Season

The Huntington wrestling team wrapped up another season by sending senior Christian St. John to the New York state championships after the mat veteran finished second in the Suffolk tournament.

The Blue Devils compiled a 6-5 dual meet record with runner-up finishes in the Huntington, Valley Stream and Locust Valley tournaments and a fourth place showing in the league tournament.

The squad was coached by Travis Smith, Mike Marinello and Jamie St. John and captained by Christian St. John, Max Casiano and Thomas Smith.

St. John (35-5) and Casiano (33-2) won league titles with both going on to capture All-County honors. Smith (25-11), Jonathan Granito (25-10) and Vincent Pupillo (18-8) were all third in the league with Jeffrey Quintanilla (9-15) placing fourth.

St. John plans to wrestle next winter at SUNY Cortland. “Christian St. John wrestles with high intensity and determination,” Coach Smith said. “He has a great work ethic and the sky is the limit in college for him.

Casiano is headed to wrestling team at Ithaca College. “Max Casiano has a high level of wrestling technique and has had a great career as a Blue Devil,” Coach Smith said. “We wish him well at Ithaca.”

Thomas Smith and Pupillo will be among the top returnees for Huntington next year along with Walter Kusterbeck (17-5) and Chris Granito (19-11).

“Thomas and Vincent worked extremely hard and showed great improvement this season,” Coach Smith said. “We expect great things from them next season. Walter Kusterbeck was having a great season, but unfortunately it ended early due to an injury. We expect great things from him next season.”

The Blue Devils closed the season with 21 wrestlers on the roster. “They were hardworking and improved each day,” Coach Smith said. “We have a handful of returners as well as young wrestlers coming up with great potential.”