Paar Helps Huntington Move Within Two Wins of Suffolk Record

Since Lou Giani took over the Huntington wrestling program in 1970 the Blue Devils have never relied on any one wrestler to carry the team.  This year is no different.  Like their championship predecessors, the spotlight has shifted from wrestler to wrestler this season and most recently illuminated Charlie Paar, who with wins over Kings Park and Deer Park, helped Huntington (6-0) move within two victories of smashing Suffolk’s consecutive win streak.

Against Kings Park’s Ed Blom, Paar (20-1) put on a display with four takedowns, two near falls and an escape in coasting to a 13-3 victory.  The junior followed that performance three days later with an impressive 7-2 decision over Deer Park’s Sean Murphy, during which he nailed three more takedowns and an escape.

“Charlie has been coming on nicely,” head coach Lou Giani said.  “He is working on his set ups and is making his shots count.  He needs to keep working hard if he’s going to do something in the county tournament.”

Kings Park handed the Blue Devils seven forfeits, which when added to pins by Frank Sangiovanni (16-5) and Chris Holland (12-8) produced another Huntington blowout, 58-12.

A snowstorm pushed back the Blue Devils’ meet with Deer Park one day, resulting in a rare late Saturday afternoon contest, which produced still another lopsided affair, this time by a 54-10 score.

Tom Feldman (15-9) opened with a pin in 1:14 at 112 lbs. before Deer Park’s Greg Schollmeyer (119) soundly beat Jimmie Garrett, 10-0.  When Mike Cusamano followed with a 6-1 decision over Jon Dolan (9-8), the Falcons took the lead, 7-6.  It didn’t last long.

First Manny Santiago (19-5) used a relentless bar arm attack to pick up a 3:21 pin at 130 lbs. and then Sangiovanni came through with an even quicker fall in 1:46.  “I’m happy with my conditioning,” Sangiovanni said. “I’m pretty pleased with my performance so far this year, except for two matches.  My goal is to place in the county.”

The premier bout of the afternoon followed when Giani pushed his all-state star Sean Riley (17-0) all the way up to 140 lbs. to do battle with county ranked Tom Fasano.  After a scoreless first period, Riley rode out Fasano for the entire second frame setting up a display of outstanding wrestling in the final two minutes.

With Riley on bottom, the Huntington senior scored a reversal, and then let Fasano up twice, only to secure two takedowns and walk away a winner, 6-2.  “Sean looked good out there,” assistant coach Travis T. Smith said.  “He played it careful during the whole match because Fasano was bigger.  He got the job done.”

Shaheim Bradsaw (21-0) and Holland followed with pins and Shane Bird took a forfeit to extend the Blue Devil lead to 39-7.  After Paar’s decision, Jack Sullivan (21-1) joined the “pin club,” with a 5:58 fall and heavyweight Pierre Delva (16-2) was handed still another forfeit.

Bradshaw was relieved to have a match after getting a forfeit against Kings Park.  “I’m happy with my season so far, but I don’t like forfeits,” he said.  “I need to work on my techniques under match conditions.  I think I’m doing okay this year.”

The final bout pitted Huntington’s Justin Giani (14-8) against league runner-up Rich Englehardt.  Two takedowns and an escape allowed Englehart to open a 5-1 lead through the first four minutes before Giani responded with two escapes and a takedown to narrow the gap to 7-5.  The final minute saw Englehart successfully fight off Giani’s attempt to tilt for back points. 

A win over Comsewogue on Wednesday (Jan. 21) will allow Huntington to tie Brentwood/Brentwood Ross’ consecutive dual meet win streak record of 79.  The Blue Devils can break the Suffolk mark at home (at Finley Middle School) next Tuesday, January 27 at 4:30 p.m.