NEW FAIRFIELD — Newtown High School's wrestling team captured the South-West Conference Championship at neutral site New Fairfield High on February 17. The competition was postponed by the weekend snow, rain, and icy conditions, but very good things came to those in blue and gold who waited.

The Nighthawks had six individual winners among nine finalists among the 14 championship bouts. Newtown effectively locked up the team title, its first since 2019, by sending so many grapplers to the finals with an outstanding day of wrestling across the board.

Individual champions were Owen Blair with a pin fall victory in the 106 pound weight division. Kenna Gioffre with a 16-3 major decision triumph at 120, Antonio Arguello who posted a 20-8 major decision at 150, Jake Maddox taking the forfeit at 157, Marc Maurath with a 19-2 technical fall victory at 165, and Charlie Dunn with a pin at 190.

Ryder Symes battled hard to a second-place finish in the 132 division. Shaun Daoust also came in runner-up, battling back from a late 7-4 deficit to force overtime tied 8-8 before falling on an early-OT takedown. Brayden Ayles held a lead before being pinned in his match at 285.

Kenna Gioffre picked up his 100th career pin during the match.

Read more about Newtown's triumph in the February 21 print edition of The Bee.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.