Newtown High School’s wrestling team put forth a valiant effort in the New England championship competition in North Andover, Mass., March 6-7, and placed second among 169 schools. Newtown had two finalists and four grapplers among the top five to compile 84 points. Mt Anthony of Vermont won the meet with 122.5 points.

Runner-up finishes by Luca Crudo in the 113 pound weight division and Anthony Falbo at 170 led the way for the Nighthawks. Additionally, Joe Accousti placed third at 152, James Leuci came in fifth among 138 division wrestlers. Ed Lovely, at 126, and Andy Hubina, at 195, also participated in the event.

Fairfield Warde placed third with 69 points. Other Connecticut schools among the top 20 were Danbury in sixth with 51.5 points, Trumbull in tenth with 40, and New Milford in 19th with 27.

This was quite a winter for the Nighthawks, winners of the South-West Conference, Class LL state, and State Open championships. Read more about the New England championships in the March 13 print edition of The Bee.