Blue Devils Finish Fifth at Kohl Tournament at Suffern

The young Huntington varsity wrestling team took another giant step forward by placing fifth in a field of 18 teams at the Kohl Tournament at Suffern High School last weekend. The Blue Devils were just two points behind fourth place finisher Manhasset.

The competition was delayed one hour for weather related reasons, but once the first whistle sounded, wrestlers found themselves in grueling battles for superiority.

Seven Huntington wrestlers placed in the top five of their respective weight class. The medalists were all underclassmen with but one exception.

“Huntington has been attending the Kohl Tournament since 1981,” Marlow said. “It’s a great measuring stick for our program to see how we stack up with other top teams from Long Island, Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties, first year head coach Andy Marlow said. “Last year we finished in ninth place, so finishing in the top five has us moving in the right direction.”

Junior Walter Kusterbeck (21-4) was the runner-up at 131 lbs. Freshman Chris Granito (21-2; 108 lbs.), junior Vincent Pupillo (21-6; 160 lbs.) and senior Thomas Smith (19-5; 170 lbs.) all finished third. Freshman Kingsley Evans (11-12) was fourth at 138 lbs. Seventh grader Jason Bencivenga (17-7; 101 lbs.) and sophomore Joseph Conklin (14-11; 145 lbs.) both placed fifth.

Marlow and the Huntington staff are working on developing a championship program. Only four out of more than 40 wrestlers are seniors. “I’m excited watching our wrestlers develop week after week, and tackle tougher and tougher competition. I'm proud of the effort and commitment they are making," added Marlow

Huntington will celebrate Senior Day on Wednesday when the Blue Devils take on visiting East Hampton in Louis D. Giani Gym at 5 p.m. Marlow will speak about each of the seniors during pre-meet festivities. The giant mat lamp and its 50,000 lumens strong light will again be installed over center mat.

Huntington will wrestle at league foe Smithtown East on Friday at 6 p.m. The Blue Devils will compete in the Bethpage tournament on Saturday.