Blue Devils Grapple at Friar Bash IX

The Huntington wrestling team finished fourth in a field of nine schools at the Friar Bash IX at St. Anthony’s last week. The Blue Devils crowned two champions in Vincent Pupillo and Max Casiano.

Huntington’s 93 points trailed tournament leaders Walt Whitman (205.5), Westbury (131) and St. Anthony’s (103). Benjamin Cardozo (92), West Carteret, North Carolina (76.5), Amityville (35), Carle Place (33) and Archbishop Stepinac (27) finished behind the Blue Devils.

Vincent Pupillo topped Westbury’s William Turcios, 7-3 to capture first place at 152 lbs. Max Casiano edged teammate Christian St. John, 3-2 to take the title at 160 lbs.

Casiano was voted the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler Award recipient by the coaches of the nine competing teams.

Huntington’s Walter Kusterbeck (116 lbs.) and Thomas Smith (170 lbs.) both placed second at their respective weight class. Christopher Granito was third at 101 lbs. and Xavier Garcia (108 lbs.) and Jefersson Quintanilla (285 lbs.) both finished fourth.

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The Blue Devils fell to 6-2 with a pre-vacation loss to league rival Smithtown West, 38-31. Wrestling before a loud crowd of about 250 in Louis D. Giani Gym, Huntington came close to pulling off an upset. Smithtown West is among Suffolk’s top ranked teams.

Walter Kusterbeck (1:24), Thomas Smith (5:17) and Jason Mejia (3:45) had pins in the match. Vincent Pupillo won by major decision, 11-2. Salvatore Barone (7-2) captured a decision. Max Casiano won by forfeit at 152 lbs.

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The Blue Devils wrestle at West Babylon on Wednesday night at 6 p.m. and then host Bellport on Friday at 4 p.m. Huntington travels to New Rochelle on Saturday for a tournament.