Caballero’s a Multi-Talented Senior
He didn’t start his scholastic journey in Huntington, but Ricardo Caballero is finishing it here with a flourish. The senior is going out as a top Blue Devil athlete as well as being a hard working student, trusted friend and valued teammate.
Caballero attended Woodhull Intermediate School and then J. Taylor Finley Middle School. He quickly adapted to life in the district and joined the football team for the first time as a freshman, but it wasn’t until his sophomore year that he really started to perform well in what would become his signature sport.
“He’s a multi-talented athlete,” said Ron Wilson, who has coached Caballero on the football and track teams. “Because of his experience in soccer, he was a part of our kicking game. He wasn’t all that big, but he could long snap the ball pretty good, so we also made him our center on offense.”
In addition, Caballero contributed to the Blue Devils’ defensive unit as a nose tackle, displaying an ability to penetrate quickly through the line and get to the ball carrier. One game was particularly memorable. Comsewogue entered Blue Devil Stadium undefeated after winning its first five games. “I can recall Comsewogue’s veteran coach shouting to his team, ‘Who’s going to block number 60?” Wilson recalled. “Caballero (#60) was making tackles all over the field that day.”
Caballero’s leadership skills fully emerged during his sophomore year. “His motivational pre-game speeches would capture the attention of his fellow teammates and they would respond in big ways,” Wilson said. Over the next two years, Caballero became a Blue Devil varsity star and team captain, excelling on defense and kicking numerous extra points and field goals.
Caballero has also lettered in baseball and indoor track. For the past two years, he’s been a thrower for the track squad but “every now and then he likes to get on the track and compete in some races,” Wilson said. Considering his size, he’s surprisingly quick and is regarded as an outstanding athlete that will be sorely missed by the Blue Devil athletic program.
“His faith coupled with his athletic abilities will allow him much success at the next level in whatever he does,” Wilson said. “I’ve enjoyed coaching and mentoring him.”
The senior is planning to play football at either SUNY College at Morrisville or Plymouth State College next fall.
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