Blue Devil Wrestlers Celebrate at 38th Annual Awards Dinner
With the season over, there weren’t any worries about having to make weight last Tuesday night at the Huntington wrestling team’s 38th annual awards dinner. The event honored more than two dozen athletes who helped put the program in circle with the state’s elite.
About a hundred wrestlers, coaches and family members crowded into the Huntington High School cafeteria for the celebration. Long tables filled with items ranging from salad and pasta dishes to roast beef, chicken, various breads, buffalo wings and even a six foot specialty hero provided a filling dinner for the ravenous group.
The coaching staff of Lou Giani, Travis Smith, Kieran Mock and volunteer assistant Peter Fusco presented team members with varsity and junior varsity letters and awards for leading the squad in various categories, including the senior with the highest academic average.
Sophomore Damon McQueen, who placed third in the state tournament earned the program’s Most Valuable Wrestler Award after compiling a record of 32-2. McQueen captured crowns in six regular season tournaments.
Senior Jose Vasquez (40-4) was presented with awards for having the most takedowns, reversals and technical falls. In addition to finishing fifth in the state tournament, he was also Huntington’s high scorer, amassing 252 team points. Senior Dashaun Thomas was given a trophy for leading the team in pins with 24. Thomas, who placed fifth in the state tournament, concluded the season with a 40-5 mark.
Junior Anthony Lupi (most reversals), sophomore Ryan Fox (most escapes) and senior Morris Romero (quickest fall) were also presented with trophies for leading the team in various statistical categories.
Anthony Priolo (9-6) garnered the annual award given to the senior with the highest grade point average in recognition of his 95.9. Coach Giani’s wife of more than 50 years, Rosemarie was given a floral bouquet for putting up with her husband being away for long hours and team managers Sarah Paar and Isabelle Murchison were also singled out by the team with gifts.
Senior Francisco Pereira (39-2) was recognized for a fine season, which saw him win the league tournament, place second in Suffolk and conclude his Blue Devil career with 142 victories, more than any other Huntington wrestler ever.
The crowd included various dignitaries and former Blue Devil greats, including the legendary Charlie Gadson, who won a state title for Huntington before going on to earn national and international acclaim and honors. A slide show capped off the evening. Set to music, the display commemorated a season that continued the program’s reputation as a powerhouse in the sport.
The Blue Devils finished 10-0, winning the League V dual meet championship and finishing third in Suffolk and ninth in New York.
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