Newtown Youth Wrestling Association showcased the strength of youth sports and community spirit as it hosted its 8th Annual Nighthawk Classic wrestling tournament, drawing close to 500 wrestlers from six different states, on December 21.

Held at Newtown High School, the event transformed the gymnasium into a sea of singlets, score tables, and cheering families. Wrestlers ranging from first-year competitors to seasoned youth standouts took to the mats in a fast-paced day of competition that highlighted both skill and sportsmanship.

“We’re incredibly proud of how smoothly the tournament ran and how many quality matches we were able to offer the kids,” President of Newtown Youth Wrestling Association Kyle Ibbitson said. “Bringing together wrestlers from across the region gives our athletes a chance to test themselves, make new friends, and grow in the sport.”

Tournament Director Matt Iacuone reported that more than 850 matches were completed in less than eight hours, a testament to the efficiency of the event staff and volunteers. Multiple mats ran continuously throughout the day as coaches, referees, and table workers kept the action moving with precision.

“It truly takes an army,” Iacuone said. “All the help we get from all of our coaches and families throughout our organization is unmatched.”

Recognized as the largest youth town wrestling program in New England by USA Wrestling, Newtown had 100 wrestlers at the event, of which 63% placed in the top three. Newtown is especially proud of their girls’ program, which has doubled from last year and has close to 20 competitors.

The Nighthawk Classic has grown steadily since its inception, and this year’s turnout underscores its reputation as a well-run, highly competitive youth wrestling event. Drawing competitors from five states, the tournament not only provided valuable experience for local wrestlers but also shined a spotlight on Newtown as a hub for youth athletics.

For Newtown Youth Wrestling Association, the tournament is more than just a day of competition; it is also a major community effort. Dozens of volunteers helped with setup, concessions, registration, and cleanup, ensuring that visiting teams and families felt welcome.

Head Coach Curtis Urbina and Coach Mike Long mentioned the praise they received from other programs after another successful tournament.

“This is all made possible by the hard work and dedication of so many. This event continues to set the bar high for our program, and we’re proud to consistently deliver a high-quality, intense tournament worthy of our region,” Urbina said. “At the end of the day, the real winners are the kids — and this incredible community that shows up, supports, and believes in them every step of the way. It’s great tournaments like this that allow our wrestlers to improve going forward and chase our goals.”

“This event really shows what Newtown can do when we come together,” Ibbitson added. “From the wrestlers on the mat to the volunteers behind the scenes, everyone played a part in making the Nighthawk Classic a success.”

As the final whistles sounded and the last medals were handed out, organizers were already looking ahead to next year, hoping to build on the momentum of this year’s record-setting turnout and continue to grow the Nighthawk Classic as one of the premier youth wrestling tournaments in the state of Connecticut.

Top Newtown results from the tourney are as follows:

First place: Kamden Kling, Reece Belden, Ashton Sciarra, Declan Cavanagh, Everett Worster, Liam Enright, Zachary Burwick, Carson Edwards, Evan Emard, Hugo Borgerding, Skyler Nieves, Alex Jaquez, Joey Bartolic, Marco Figueiredo, Matt Iacuone, Allen Gaudenzi, Camron Veneziano, Ethan Kearney, Jane Anderson, and Silas Houston.

Second place: Eleanor Emard, Grey Nelson, Natalie Leonard, William Laake, Axel Pulver, Beckham Ritacco, Clark Anderson, Eli Fox, Michael Laake, Lillian Gantert, Alex Carrozza, James Gantert, Andrew Braunagel, Ben Weintraub, Cameron Mathison, Emmie Ibbitson, Chase Ibbitson, Cole Salce, and Max Reynolds.

Third place: Liam Edwards, Sam Van Scotter, Colton Girgenti, Donnie Scaglione, Gavin Silva, Grant Van Scotter, Riley Plante, William Stetson, Callum Carl, Joey Guagliano, Liam Fitzgerald, Lucas Nunes, Nico Figueiredo, Catalina Maldonado, Evie Gantert, Luke Anderson, Mason Petrides, Emily Greene, Blake Deloge, Brooke Fattibene, Drake Oatis, Greg Troiano, Kaleb Quiles, and Nick Morelli.