Newtown Youth Wrestling Expands, Gears Up For Season

The Newtown Youth Wrestling program is gearing up for its eighth season. Coming off its most successful season, the team finds itself growing and expanding into two squads. While the program is open to all students from kindergarteners through eighth-graders of all ability levels, this year there will be an elementary team (grades K-five, 5-10 year olds) and a middle school team (grades six-eight, 11 to 14 years of age).

The squads will compete in weekly matches in December and January against teams from Danbury, Bethel, New Milford, New Fairfield, Stamford, and Ridgefield. In addition there are opportunities to participate in weekend tournaments throughout the region.

Under the direction of veteran and overall program head Coach Chris Bray, the team will focus on learning the basics of folkstyle wrestling: conditioning, focus, discipline, sportsmanship, confidence and strength.

All practices and home meets will be hosted at Sandy Hook Elementary School this season.

Bray will work with the middle school team, and the elementary team will be under the direction of Coach Curtis Urbina.

In dividing up the two squads particular attention can be given to the different needs of the age groups. Beginning October 24 and running until February 2, the first session will be held Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6-8 pm in the Sandy Hook cafeteria for the middle school squad; and 6:30-8 pm in the Sandy Hook gym for the elementary school squad.

Registration is ongoing and those interested may sign up through the Newtown Parks and Recreation Department and online at the recreation department link at www.newtown-ct.gov.

Follow Newtown Youth Wrestling on Twitter at twitter.com/NYWACT.