Blue Devils Pin Way Past Newfield in League Opener, 53-22

The Huntington wrestling team won 10 of 14 individual matches to topple visiting Newfield in the league opener for both teams last Friday afternoon, 53-22. The following day, a contingent of Blue Devils who had missed one of the first two tournaments this winter traveled to Putnam Valley for a tournament that produced as many as six matches for some wrestlers.

Against Newfield, Jose Gonzales (5:25), Christopher Granito (1:30), Joseph Conklin (3:29), Gevonne Henderson (2:00), Vincent Pupillo (0:52) and Joseph Gilhuley (3:19) all won their matches by pin. But some of the matches were high scoring and competitive before the Blue Devils locked up their opponents.

Dante Francis and Walter Kusterbeck won their matches by technical fall after opening up 15 point leads. Kingsley Evans captured a major decision after building an eight point lead. Charlie Cirlincione made a statement with an 8-1 decision.

A crowd numbering in the hundreds turned out for the dual meet, which was held under Huntington’s 50,000 watt lamp in a darkened gym on a brand new mat. Spectacular vocalist Lily Wasoski sang The Star Spangled Banner to thunderous applause.

The rivalry between the two teams dates to 1971 with Huntington holding a 19-1 edge in the series. In 77 seasons the Blue Devils own a record of 663-220-7. Huntington has won 32 dual meet league crowns, 23 league tournament titles, nine Suffolk championships and five state tournament team titles. Huntington boasts 87 individual county champions and 27 state champs.

At Saturday’s Putnam Valley Tiger Tournament, Vincent Pupillo, Luca Garcia and Danny Cabrera all placed second at their respective weight class. Jose Gonzalez and Orestis Tsolakakis finished third and David Bergmann and Danny Paiz placed fifth. Jefferson Interiano placed sixth, Fredy Flores and Justyn Ortiz finished seventh and Anderson Raymundo and Ethan Martin both took eighth place. Shane LeGrow finished tenth.

Huntington’s next home dual meet will be held on January 14 against North Babylon. The Blue Devils will recognize their seniors.

Huntington will host this year’s League III tournament on Saturday, February 7. “We anticipate an awesome day of wrestling and look forward to our Blue Devil faithful being on hand to support and cheer for our athletes,” said head coach Andy Marlow, who is Huntington’s 11th head coach in 77 seasons.