Alumni Lax Game Reunites Teammates
Dozens of former Huntington High School boys' lacrosse players returned to their alma mater last weekend for the annual Blue Devil alumni game. It was an afternoon of fun as wives, girlfriends, parents and children cheered on the group.
While the game is only an exhibition, the 40 players that suited up were clearly in it to win. The contest was surprisingly fast-paced and physical. Alums spanning five decades enjoyed the game and proved they haven't lost their skills just yet.
Current Blue Devil head coach Paul McDermott served as the game's play-by-play announcer while "stadium rock" blared from the stadium's sound system during most of the game. "It was great to see everyone together again," said Hutch Vanderschuyt, who helped organize the event. After graduating from Huntington in 1965, Vanderschuyt enjoyed an exceptional career at the Univ. of Maryland. He remains an integral part of the Blue Devil program today, serving as an unofficial coach, advisor and motivator.
Alumni players suited up in their old gear and donned white or blue shirts, depending on their year of graduation and went at it for a full 60 minutes – 12 minutes longer than a regular varsity game! Some appeared as if they could play for a college team today while others might have lost a step or two to "Father Time."
Leland Davis looked sharp in the White team's goal, helping that squad coast to a 10-2 victory. The crowd included former Huntington head coach Steve Davis and about 200 family members, friends, school board members and even Superintendent John J. Finello.
The game, which was played on Huntington High School's synthetic turf field, saw an impressive degree of fluid play. The afternoon featured three half-time presentations. Plaques were presented on behalf of alumni to current seniors Emma Hayes-Hurley, John McGrath and Nick Saputo for demonstrating "the spirit and determination" associated with Huntington lacrosse. McDermott and Blue Devil girls' coach Nancy Wilson spoke eloquently about what the trio has meant to their respective programs.
Post-game festivities included a picnic near the field house in the south end zone. The Huntington Village Lacrosse Club purchased food and drinks for a morning practice session with the Blue Devil varsity and shared the bounty with fans and the alumni players, who showed they can eat like true champions.
The HVLC bought the food from the Rookies Sports Bar and was happy to provide the buffet. The organization has quickly become a mainstay in the community, providing playing opportunities for 700 boys and girls and putting in place an impressive pipeline for school teams expecting to benefit far into the future.
When the picnic was over, many players and fans headed into Huntington village to continue celebrating memories of good times and friendships.