Bryan Murchison Wins the
Fred Cambria Award
Huntington senior Bryan Murchison was presented with the Fred Cambria Award during the 46th annual Blue Devil senior athletic awards banquet earlier this month in Louis D. Giani Gymnasium.
It was nearly impossible to attend a Huntington athletic event and not find Fred Cambria somewhere close to the sidelines. The Blue Devil fanatic was especially rabid when it came to football and lacrosse. His son Fred played on the Syracuse lacrosse team that won the 1983 national championship. Even when his children weren’t directly involved in a sport, you would still see him providing his support.
Blue Devil varsity lacrosse head coach Paul McDermott said he holds “this award dear to my heart because it is dedicated to a man who understood the meaning of respect, sportsmanship and community.” Mr. Cambria’s widow, Betsy was on hand to make the formal presentation before a crowd of more than 230.
“I felt honored winning the award,” Mr. Murchison said. “It made me feel like I was an important aspect to the team. Although my senior season didn’t end up as I expected it to, it was a great learning experience.”
Mr. Murchison is headed to Western Connecticut State University in the fall to study to become an English teacher. He intends to play college lacrosse there. The teenager played defensive midfield for the Blue Devils. He served as Huntington top faceoff specialist this past season, going up some very tough opponents. He also scooped up an amazing number of ground balls for the Blue Devils.
“This award goes to a player who shows great sportsmanship and enjoyment toward the game of lacrosse,” said McDermott about the award, which included a plaque and $200 stipend. “Bryan is a gentleman who played 100 percent every day and was willing to assist the team in any way. He got along well with both his coaches and teammates, who respect him and his qualities as a player.”
Mr. Cambria, who passed away suddenly many years ago, continued to support the Huntington lacrosse program even after his own children graduated. He was known throughout the community and by the Blue Devil coaching staff as a pleasant man with an exceedingly upbeat personality.