NEW HAVEN – The future of Newtown wrestling is here.

Newtown’s Youth Wrestling Program saw three wrestlers take home titles and three other wrestlers place at the recent USA Wrestling Connecticut Kids State Championships at Hillhouse High School in New Haven.

In just its second year – under the direction of head coaches Steve Ford and Chris Bray and assistant coach Angelo Bodetti – the Newtown Youth Wrestling program continues to make steady progress in local and state tournaments.

“All our wrestlers at the state championships wrestled hard and I’m really proud of them,” said coach Bray. “To capture three state titles, two thirds and a fourth was just an outstanding effort.”

Coach Ford added, “These young men have come a long way this season. They’ve all worked hard in practice since October, dedicating time and persistence.  The sport of wrestling is all about effort and will and I couldn’t be more proud of the effort they put forth.”

Newtown High School head coach Al Potter, who saw one of his charges, John Gouveia, through the recent State Open and New England championships, sees tremendous strides being made in the youth program.

“The youth program that coaches Ford and Bray have developed here is incredible,” he said. “To have three state champions and three others place, in just it’s second year, is a credit to their hard work and the years of experience and knowledge they share every practice with these kids. Newtown is very fortunate to have these coaches and this program and I can’t wait till these kids get to high school!”

In the Bantam division, seven-year-old Edward Lovely, a second grader at Middle Gate Elementary School, earned a state title with a first round major decision (9-0) over a competitor from Southington, a second round second period pin against a foe from Northwest, and a first period pin against a wrester from Bristol. 

Also in the Bantam division, eight-year-old Anthony Falbo, a second grader at Sandy Hook Elementary School, earned a state title with a first round second period pin against Cheshire, a second round decision over Waterford and a hard fought decision over Glastonbury in the finals.

In the Midget division, nine-year-old Forest Speed, a fourth grader at Hawley Elementary School, earned a state title with a first round first period pin over Meriden, a second round technical fall (14-0) over Southington, third period pin over Pomperaug in the finals.

Also in the Midget division, eight-year-old Andy Hubina, a third grader at Hawley Elementary School, earned third place in a tough bracket. On his 10th birthday, Luca Crudo, a fourth grader at Sandy Hook Elementary School, earned fourth place with a strong performance against tough competition.

And in the Novice division, 10-year-old Ryan Wagner, a fifth grader at Reed Intermediate School, earned third place.

Also participating in the State Championships, with strong efforts were Ethan Ross, Kevin Ross Jr., Matthew Gonzalez, Justin Sheridan and Nicholas Crudo.

The Newtown Youth Wrestling Program recently began its second session on Tuesday, February 27.  Enrollment through Parks and Recreation Department is open to grades two through eight. Practices are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7 to 8 pm, at Newtown High School.