Newtown High School’s wrestling team defeated the visiting New Fairfield Rebels 49-27 in the season-opener on December 12, then came in sixth in the Guilford Invitational on December 15.

Against New Fairfield, Greg Gargano (106 pound weight division), James Tibola (113), Steven Leuci (152), Steve Vournazos (160), and Joe Zeller (285) all won via pin fall, with Zeller wrapping up his bout in just nine seconds. Nik Accousti won a 10-4 decision at 132, Fritz Maurath was a 13-3 major decision victor at 145. Justin Bogdanoff (182) and Sebastian Vona (195) both won via forfeit.

Fairfield Warde was first in the invite with a score of 239. Newtown had 111 points to edge seventh-place Barlow (110). There were 19 teams to score points, including Newtown’s B squad. In the 132 pound weight division, Accousti reached the championship round before losing a 5-0 decision to Guilford’s Keldon LaRose. The following NHS wrestlers all placed fourth: Ayden Kasbarian (138), Vournazos (160), Andew Sayers (170), Bogdanoff (182), Vona (195). Zeller came in sixth at 285.