Newtown High School's wrestling team earned third place in the Class LL state championships, at Trumbull High, on February 20. The Nighthawks had three first-place weight division champions, a runner-up finisher, and a pair of third-place grapplers, all of whom - with their top-six status - qualify for the state open.

The Nighthawks scored 174 points, nine better than fourth-place Trumbull. Fairfield Warde, with 202, was runner-up to Danbury, which compiled 268.5.

In the 170 pound weight class championship round, Newtown's Joe Accousti, the top seed, earned a 10-0 major decision over Simsbury's Luke Salls, who was seeded third.

At 182, top seed Anthony Falbo recorded his fourth pin of the tournament by defeating Danbury's Matthew Adam, the third seed, in 2:25. It was by far Falbo's toughest match as he pinned his other three opponents in 30, 19, and 35 seconds.

Third-seeded Tom Long wrestled his way to the title in the 220 division, capping his effort with a 6-0 decision over No. 5 John Ocana of Fairfield Warde.

Ed Lovely was runner-up at 145, Aaron Occhipinti placed third at 126, and Alex Stavola placed third at 152.