Newtown High School’s wrestling team defeated visiting Bunnell of Stratford 54-21 on Senior Night, January 29. It was a big night of wrestling in town as the Newtown Youth Wrestling Association team members, fresh off elementary and middle school squad division championships, were on hand to be recognized.

“We just got after it,” Newtown Coach Ron Chivinski said of his team’s effort against Bunnell.

The Nighthawks followed up their Senior Night win by going 2-1 in the Conard Quad Tournament on February 1. Luca Manfredi, Fritz Maurath, and Ryan Callahan each went undefeated at 3-0 in the tourney.

Newtown defeated Conard 52-27; in the win, Ryan Callahan and Aidan Almeter both overcame deficits and not only won but did so via pinfall, earning extra points for their team to help turn the match in Newtown’s favor.

The Nighthawks defeated Westhill of Stamford 51-24 and lost 36-33 to New Fairfield, dropping four matches by eight points. Conard had beaten New Fairfield handily, showing that matchups are difference-makers and nothing is to be taken for granted, Chivinski said. Newtown’s coach added that the New Fairfield match served as a good learning experience for the Nighthawks, including the coaching staff, as they look into making minor lineup adjustments when the South-West Conference tournament rolls around.

NHS carried a 12-4 record into Wednesday’s scheduled visit to New Milford (after The Bee sports section went to press). Newtown and New Milford went into the match as the only remaining teams still unbeaten in the South-West Conference.

After a visit to Avon on Friday, February 7, at 4 pm, the Nighthawks return home to wrestle against Weston on Monday, February 10, at 7 pm. This is the final tuneup for the South-West Conference championships, to be held at Pomperaug High in Southbury on Saturday, February 15, beginning at 9 am.