This past Saturday, January 6, the annual Cory Hubbard Duals was held in the WHBHS gym.  In the WHB community, the Cory Hubbard Duals holds a lot more meaning than just wrestling.

Cory was a star student-athlete who attended and graduated from WHB in 2010.  He was best known for his positive attitude as well as the athletic talent he brought on the turf and inside the wrestling room.

In January 2014, Cory was tragically killed in a hit and run accident near the University of Maryland where he attended college. The 22 year old’s family and friends were absolutely devastated.

Since Cory was a wrestler, it was only fitting to name a tournament after the athlete who was looked up to by so many.

Wrestling is an extremely demanding sport that requires a lot of perseverance and a competitive edge. Wrestling tournaments can be quite intimidating: coaches yelling, parents struggling to snap that perfect picture, and of course, tired sweaty wrestlers.

But something about the Cory Hubbard Duals this past weekend felt different.  The stands were filled with familiar faces and everyone seemed excited to be there and to compete, without the usual “edge.”

Ethan Mitchell, the assistant varsity wrestling coach and a close friend of Cory’s older brother, Kyle, spoke of the tournament’s significance. He said, “For me it means a whole lot. I grew up with Cory.  Even though I was two years older than Cory, I remember looking up to him. He was the guy you wanted on your team. He loved competing and that’s what this tournament is all about-competing. Loving to compete.”

It is heart-warming to see the overwhelming amount of love our community still has for Cory. It shows how our small community can come together to make an even bigger impact.

The Westhampton Beach wrestlers went 3-1 at the tournament, defeating Hampton Bays, Pat./Med B and Sayville, losing to Newfield in a close match, 47-34, the Hurricane’s only loss.

Many wrestlers went undefeated: Gavin McIntyre (106 lbs), Tyler Skala (113), Jason Montagna (120) and Brandon White (126).