It was another fantastic weekend for the Newtown Youth Wrestling Association (NYWA). Following up its 6U and 8U success the previous week, the co-ed 10U, 12U, and middle school teams, as well as the 6U, 8U, 10U, 12U, and middle school girls all found success in the second installment of the USA Wrestling Connecticut State Championships, at Floyd Little Athletic Center in New Haven on March 2.

In another program record-breaking day, NYWA surpassed last year’s total placers by six from three to nine. Only one other team had more champions and, for the second consecutive year, Newtown had the most overall placers.

The girls had six of eight competitors place top three and two state champions. There were come grapplers who competed in both girls’ and co-ed divisions on the same day.

State Champions: Allen Gaudenzi, Andrew Braunagel, Camron Veneziano, Charlie Langenus, Matthew Iacuone, Noah Blair, Rion Lena, Ben Atkas, and Jake Fattibene.

Runners-up: Ben Weintraub and Drew Van Scotter. Third place: Chase Ibbitson, Joey Skura, and Zach Schwartz. Fourth place: Drake Oatis, Jared Freeman, and Silas Houston. Fifth place: Cole Salce, Erich Metzker, Evan Emard, Evan Huber, and Tyler San Souci. Sixth place: Christian Myers, Emmett White, John Paul Laake, Jose Bustamante, and Matthew Gaudenzi.

State Champions in the girls’ bracket: Emmie Ibbitson and Isla Kiney. Second place: Jane Anderson and Reilly Kling. Third place: Blake Cash and Theresa Carl.

“Through dedication, discipline, and heart, our young wrestlers rise to every challenge — proving that strength isn’t just measured in wins, but in perseverance and passion. Competing across the northeast, we continue to raise the bar, and our athletes respond with unwavering determination. We are immensely proud of their success and the future they are building. We are so proud of them, our program and our coaches. It truly takes a village," Coach Curtis Urbina said.