Youth Wrestlers Competes In Western Connecticut Championships

Newtown’s Over the Top (OTT) Wrestling program competed in the Western Connecticut League Championships at the Danbury Police Athletic League (PAL) on January 30 and at Ridgefield High School on January 31.

The competition was intense in this two-day league championship. On the first day, the elementary group grappled with teams from Stamford, New Milford, New Fairfield,

Oxford, Ridgefield, and Danbury.  On the second day, the middle school group competed against the same teams with impressive results. Matches were held in eight- or six-man double elimination brackets.

OTT had strong showings in both events, with several winners and many participants placing. The Middle School team finished third overall in the Western Connecticut

Championship. The wrestlers who earned medals for both the elementary and middle school team are as follows:

Elementary results: Taking first place were Shaine Luzietti, Sean Arnold, Grenville Paynter, Edward Lovely, and Joseph Accousti. A second-place medal was earned by Michael Garner. Third-place medal winners were Steven Leuci, Justin Bogdanoff, Jack Zingaro, and Ryan Straiton. Awarded fourth-place medals were William Henckel, Sean Dauber, Dylan Bartlett, and Ethan Ross. 

Middle School results: Taking first place were Andy Hubina, Luca Crudo, Kevin Ross Jr, and Matthew Gonzalez. Second-place medals went to Forest Speed and James Leuci. A third-place medal was won by Edward Lajoie.

The boys will compete next in the Connecticut State Championship Qualifying Tournament to be held on February 21 in Milford.

The youth wrestling program, under Head Coach Chris Bray, and coaches Ryan Whipple and Angelo Bodetti, has been competing since October, participating in weekly league matches and weekend tournaments in Bristol, Southington, New Milford and Philadelphia. The boys practice three nights per week at Hawley School.

The youth wrestling program has been growing each year and the team has developed into a tough competitor at the state level. The second session is underway and registration is ongoing. Those interested in registering may go online to https://webtrac.newtown-ct/gov or register at the Newtown Parks and Recreation office at 3 Main Street.

Newtown Over the Top Wrestling participant Justin Bogdanoff, left is about to take down his opponent during the Western Connecticut League Championships. Bogdanoff garnered a bronze medal.