In the days leading up to the South-West Conference tournament, the Newtown High School wrestling team won its last dual meet, 58-21 against visiting Weston on February 10. The Nighthawks are hoping for a replay of last year — when the team brought home the SWC championship.

For most of the last 15-plus years, New Milford has been the team to beat — winning 13 championships going back to 2004. Newtown had its first dual meet loss of the season against New Milford last week, losing 46-24 on February 5.

“They took it to us by about 25 points the other day … but a tournament is not the same as a dual meet. Although they are clearly a better dual meet team, I’m not convinced they’re a better tournament team,” Newtown coach Ron Chivinski said.

Newtown proved to be the better dual meet team against Weston. The meet started with three consecutive wins by Newtown wrestlers Ben Watson, Fritz Maurath, and Steven Leuci. Watson won 2-0 after a fast takedown, Maurath gained many points during his match, eventually winning 12-0, and Leuci won the 152 pound division with a 10-1 win against his opponent.

“I think for their last match they finished it out admirably. We thought we’d have a couple different matchups but we won by over 30, and that's a team that beat Joel Barlow this year. We matched up very well with them,” Chivinski said.

The SWC tourney will be held at Pomperaug High in Southbury on Saturday, February 15 beginning at 9 am.