Young Wrestling Team Shows Promise

By Andy Hutchison

It may not be uncommon for a high school wrestling coach to lose a bulk of his heavier weight class grapplers to graduation each year, but Newtown High School Coach Alan Potter is experiencing the biggest turnover rate in his 11 years at the helm.

A dozen wrestlers graduated last school year, leaving Potter with holes to plug throughout the lineup. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Potter said.

Although it is certainly a rebuilding year, it is also one with promise both in the short- and long-term.

For starters, senior captain and 130-pound wrestler John Gouveia is back and should contend for a state title, Potter said. What’s more, for the first time, freshmen are coming to NHS with some organized grappling under their belts through the town’s Over The Top youth wrestling program, which began only four years ago.

“We’re starting to see the kids from the youth program,” said Potter, pointing to Cory Fisher and Nick Crudo as two of the new-to-high school wrestlers who bring talent and experience to the table.

The youth program was started by Steve Ford and Chris Bray, both of whom help out Potter with the high school team.

At The Helm: Potter is in his 11th season as head coach.

Last Year: The Nighthawks were 20-6, placed fourth in the South-West Conference and 19th in the in the State Class LL Championships.

Shoes To Fill: Grads were Joel Minalgo, Dana Van Buskirk, Mark Bonamici, Chris Salvatore, Thad Adams, Tyler Adams, Kris Kling, Jagi Gymacho, Eric Puffer, Dan Byrnes, Matt Kuriuc, and Tyler Rudolph.

This Year’s Captain: Gouveia, who moves up from the 125 weight class to 130.

Other Wrestlers To Watch: Key returnees are sophomores Ian McEvoy (119) and Joe Pieretti (125), and seniors CJ Donahue (135), Stephen Gardner (152), and Dan Milot (171).

Strengths: Gouveia … He won an SWC title last year and captured a state crown as a sophomore. He was sick during last year’s state championships, so if he’s healthy come the season-ending meets in February, watch out.

“I think he has a great shot at being a state champion,” Potter said.

Question Marks: Who will step in and earn the spots vacated by last year’s grads?

“Our team is young this year,” said Gouveia, adding that the team focus early on is working on the basics.

Coach’s Goals: Potter is hoping his team can finish among the top half of the 13-team conference. 

“We just want to be competitive in the SWCs,” said Potter, adding that Pomperaug, defending champ New Milford, and Bethel are the top teams.

Circle It On The Schedule: NHS hosts New Milford January 14 at 7 pm, visits Pomperaug January 24, and visits Bethel in the season finale February 11.