The Newtown Youth Wrestling Association (NYWA) girls’ wrestling team took to the mat at the Connecticut Girls’ State Championships at Edison Middle School in Meriden on February 8. Newtown celebrated its largest girls’ team to date with 20 wrestlers signed up for the season. A record nine girls in grades K-8 from Newtown competed at the championships.

Place finishers include: Second — Jane Anderson; third — Emmie Ibbitson and Natalie Leonard; and fourth — Emily Greene, Catalina Maldonado, Theresa Carl, and Eleanor Emard.

NYWA President Kyle Ibbitson shared his enthusiasm for the program’s growth: “Girls’ wrestling is the fastest-growing girls’ sport in the nation. Ever since we started the girls-only team three years ago, our numbers have continued to increase each season. Many girls enjoy the sport so much that they have begun practicing and competing in co-ed tournaments as well. We are beyond thrilled with the success of our girls’ team and excited for what the future holds.”

NYWA Head Coach Curtis Urbina echoed that pride.

“I’m incredibly proud of our girls’ wrestling team and the way they competed at the Connecticut Girls’ State Championships. They’ve shown up every single day, put in the work, and stayed committed when it wasn’t easy. Girls’ wrestling demands toughness, discipline, and heart, and this group has proven they have all three. Their effort and belief in themselves made the difference. I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished,” Urbina said.

Next up for many of the girls will be the co-ed championships held over the next several weeks, culminating in the New England Girls’ Championships in Fitchburg, Mass., March 14 and 15.