STRATFORD — Newtown High School’s wrestling team had quite an impressive showing in the South-West Conference Championships at Bunnell High on February 14. The Nighthawks were represented in pinnacle round in half of the 14 weight classes, brought home four individual titles, and took second as a team, only eight points behind New Milford.

The Hawks did all of this despite the loss of eight graduates from last year’s squad, and three vacancies in their lineup resulting in three forfeits.

“All in all I’m pretty happy with that,” NHS Coach Chris Bray said.

Freshman Noah Blair kicked things off with a win in the 106 pound division, posting a 15-0 technical fall decision over his counterpart from New Milford. Sophomore Owen Blair followed with his second SWC championship, winning the 113 title with a 16-3 major decision triumph, also over New Milford.

At 157, junior Antonio Arguello won his third conference crown, winning his third pin fall bout in as many matches during the day, another NHS over New Milford finals outcome. Junior Jake Maddox followed with his third title, capturing the 175 win with a 10-0 major decision over New Milford.

The Nighthawks had several other great showings. At 144, sophomore Ryder Symes earned his second runner-up medal; at 165, senior Troy DaSilva got second; and at 190, freshman Rion Lena earned second. In the 138 division, junior Bohdan Petryshyn took third; and at 150, freshman Jake Fattibene also got third.

Newtown’s younger grapplers not only picked up big points and wins, but also tremendous championship experience that stands to pay dividends in upcoming seasons. NHS will graduate only one wrestler, DaSilva, who will leave big shoes to fill. The fast emergence of freshmen and continued success of the sophomores and upperclassmen is a testament to the coaching and the town’s youth program.

The Hawks have a lot to look forward to in the future, but still have some work to do on the mats this winter; the team competes in the Class L Championships at Wilton High School, Friday and Saturday, February 20 and 21. After that are the State Open and New England Regional Championships.

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