Blue Devils Battle Whitman & Northport in Varsity Bocce

Huntington High School’s new varsity co-ed bocce team played its first interschool contest at Mill Dam Park, squaring off against opponents from Walt Whitman and Northport. A crowd of about 125 players, coaches, school officials and parents attended the afternoon affair.

The Huntington team is coached by high school physical education teacher Lauren Blackburn. She organized the squad and held a series of practices on the Blue Devils’ new bocce courts and adjacent grass areas.

Huntington’s Unified bocce players went right to work upon arrival at the Mill Dam Park four court complex. Courts were also painted in an adjoining grass area to provide more opportunities to the dozens of players.

With athletic directors, Huntington Superintendent Beth McCoy and Assistant Superintendent Brenden Cusack looking on, the Unified athletes had a great time working on their skills and strategies and competing in the friendliest way possible against the other participating high schools.

“It was an incredible turnout and a wonderful display,” Blackburn said. “It was a fun day and a great success considering it was our first ever season and competition.”

The New York State High School Athletic Association approved Unified bocce as a varsity sport this year. No specific season has been designated yet so districts have flexibility in scheduling and getting the sport off the ground.

“We intend on having a second season later in the spring,” Blackburn said. “We will have some additional practices and schedule another interschool competition with Walt Whitman and Northport and also invite Harborfields, which has shown interest.”

Huntington will welcome both returning players and those who didn’t participate in the fall during the planned spring season.