Huntington Star Athletes Honored

Four athletes were honored at Monday by the Huntington school board for outstanding achievements in their respective sports.

Considered the top breaststroker on Long Island, Gunther Cassell was recognized for breaking Long Island and Suffolk County records before becoming the first Blue Devil swimmer to ever win a state title with a first place finish in the 100 breaststroke. 

"Gunther was magnificent this season and we are thrilled to have him compete for three more years in the Huntington school district," said Superintendent Jim Polansky.

Senior Tyriek Johnson, the county 55-meter hurdles and long jump champion was honored for excellence in track and field. At the state championships this year, Johnson finished fifth in the long jump and posted the fastest hurdles time before tearing a hamstring in a preliminary heat which knocked him out of the finals, accoring to Polansky. His preliminary hurdles time of 7.41 seconds was better than the eventual winning time. 

Junior wrestler Nick Lupi, who placed fifth at the state championship in Albany and fourth at the junior nationals this season, was recognized for his work ethic and achievement. The 220-pound all-state star is currently being recruited by Princeton, Columbia, Harvard, New York University and Stanford, according to Polansky.

Also honored was all-state swimmer Jake Goldstein. The senior, not in attendence Monday, was particiapting in a Yale University orientation.