Mock Takes over Blue Devil Mat Program
The new head coach of the Huntington wrestling program is succeeding the same man who guided him to the 1982 state championship. Kieran Mock is taking over from living legend Lou Giani, who stepped down to assume a part-time assistant position.
Mock is no stranger to the Blue Devil program. Not only is he one of Huntington’s all-time mat greats, but he has been in the practice room as either a volunteer or official member of the coaching staff since 1988.
Even with a new head coach, don’t expect many changes in the operation of the Huntington program. “Everything is staying the same,” Mock said. “The philosophy will be the same. Any changes will be made by the group, just like in the past. The tradition will continue.”
Through the years, Giani trusted his assistants and decisions were usually made by consensus of the staff. Mock is so well versed in the Blue Devil program that the transition should be as seamless as possible. Assistant coaches Travis Smith and Peter Fusco are staying on as are middle school coaches Lou R. Giani and Michael Marinello.
Mock, who was a scrappy, quick and explosive wrestler, was recruited out of Huntington High School by Drake University, located in Des Moines, Iowa. He met Drake coach Dr. Lonnie Timmerman on the sidewalk outside of Yankee Stadium, where he signed an NCAA Division I letter of intent, before going inside to watch the ballgame. At the time, Huntington alumnus Willie Gadson was expected to join the Drake staff as an assistant coach. But, when a part-time job for Gadson’s wife fell through, he changed plans and went elsewhere.
After one year at Drake, Mock transferred to Hofstra. Ironically, before he ever wrestled one day there, the head coach resigned. After two years at Hofstra, Mock transferred to SUNY College at Brockport, where he also played on the school’s ruby team that won the Upstate New York collegiate championship. He eventually earned a Bachelor of Science degree in finance at Brockport.
Mock officially joined the Huntington staff in 2002 after nearly 15 years of volunteering with the program. He owns and operates KGM Landscaping, which specializes in weekly lawn maintenance. During the winter months, he often works as a substitute teacher in the Huntington School District.
“The staff will be doing a little bit more so coach Giani can step back and do a little less,” Mock said. Giani will continue coaching during practices and at meets and tournaments and be available to Mock as he learns the finer points of being a head coach.”
Mock is happy that his former high school coach is sticking around. “His advice and assistance are priceless,” Mock said.
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