To the Editor:

Congratulations to the wrestlers and the coaches of the Newtown Nighthawks Wrestling Team for their first-ever Open State Championship. Many of these young men had to endure much arduous training on their way to individual titles and top-place finishes in the SWC, State LL and State Open Tournaments, but they showed that by steadily improving their physical speed, skills, strength and endurance, a thrill of victory is theirs to enjoy for this current period of their lives. But for anyone who has ever wrestled, it is obvious that what separates one good athlete from another good one, is a special mental ability, convincing themselves that they are as good as their opponents and maintaining a mental equilibrium while performing each move. Our boys did just that! For those who didn’t fare so well in this particular tournament, take heart. There are no losers in this sport – only winners – and you are among them. All who worked with you and coached you up to this time can be proud of you.

Now on to the New England Tournament and perhaps, for a few, a taste of the national’s where we wish them continual success. Hopefully, by the end of the season and for some, the final wrestling matches of their careers, they will have learned many important lessons about life, as they translate their preparation and skills on the mat out into the world of further study, competition and service to their fellow human beings.

There’s a saying in wrestling that whatever you do, “leave it all on the mat.” After participating in wrestling programs for over 60 years, permit me to expand that statement to “take what you have learned and achieved on the mat and apply it to your life.” Great work, guys! Enjoy the New England’s!

Chaplain Leo McIlrath

13 Sugarloaf Road, Sandy Hook   March 2, 2015