100 Wins! – NHS Grapplers Fisher And Crudo Reach Century Mark In Same Week

By Andy Hutchison

Two Newtown High School wrestling team members joined an elite list of grapplers this past week as senior captains Cory Fisher and Nick Crudo became only the eighth and ninth wrestlers in school history to win 100 matches. They became the first teammates to accomplish the feat in the same season, according to Coach Dan McIlrath.

Fisher remembers, years ago — before his first high school victory — walking into the Newtown High School auxiliary gymnasium and seeing the names of the 100-win wrestlers on a banner high up on the wall. “Since that day I’ve worked for it,” said the 170-pound weight division competitor, who earned his century-mark high school triumph in his team’s win over Bethel on January 25. Fisher did so by pinning Robbie Tedesco in 52 seconds, helping NHS to a 54-24 team triumph.

Three days later, Crudo also reached the 100-win plateau with a victory in Newtown’s win 63-9 win over Platt Tech in Milford. Crudo, a 120-pound grappler, pinned Joe Sojka in 49 seconds.

Both Fisher and Crudo have been wrestling since middle school and are products of the Newtown Youth Wrestling Association. Crudo started his high school career in the old 103-pound weight division, and moved up to 112 before weighing in to compete at 120 in his final year. “I’ve spent a lot of time with this sport. It’s definitely rewarding,” he said.

Former Newtown Coach Al Potter, who stepped down last winter after 13 seasons, continues to help coach the team as a volunteer assistant — providing pointers and encouragement at matches throughout the season. He’s coached all nine of the 100-win grapplers, beginning with James Monroe, and continuing with Steve Selezan, Nick Feola, John Reed, Alex Reed, John Gouveia, and Ian McEvoy.

“I am so happy for both Cory and Nick. They are enjoying the success of Newtown’s wrestling opportunities from elementary school up to high school. And as we are seeing, there will be more to follow,” Potter said.

Fisher has gotten a majority of his wins this year via pinning the opponent. McIlrath notes that Fisher, however, is more than capable of winning in a variety of ways. “He’s ready to go the distance. He’s ready to fight it out and … get that decision,” McIlrath said. The coach added that Fisher is talented at taking over opponents from the bottom position, has a great switch, and combination of takedown moves in his wrestling arsenal.

McIlrath, a former wrestler at NHS, describes Crudo as being quick on his feet and being able to get clean shots at opposing wrestlers with his dives at their legs.

“Both Cory and Nick have put in a lot of time and effort. They both deserve the 100 wins,” McIlrath said.

Crudo, who twice has earned runner-up finishes in the South-West Conference championships, and has a fifth-place Class LL state championship finish under his belt, is striving for an SWC title and a top-four placement in states in his final postseason this month.

Fisher, too, is far from content having earned his 100th win. He wants to keep focused in practice and continue to improve in hopes of winning a championship or two. Like Crudo, Fisher has reached the SWC finals two times and can taste that championship. Both grapplers will try their best to earn high placements in the state championships and get spots in the State Open.

“I expect good things to come in the long run — in terms of SWCs as well as in opens,” McIlrath said.