Minutemen Youth Wrestling

After a week of hard work preparing for the end of season State Tournament the Minutemen traveled down to Hillhouse High School in New Haven on Sunday, February 27, 2011.

In the Intermediate Division JP Gorneault found himself in a familar place the finals where he faced Jacob Burkey from Northeast Elite in the 54 lb weight class losing a close match 2-0. Fellow teammate Christian Fischer wrestling in his first state tournament lost his second match 7-6 finishing out of the medal round.  Daniel Veleas also had hopes of being crowned champion as he faced A. Lee Mu'min-Walker from Canton in a rematch of the qualifer final with the same results of Veleas coming up short 5-2.  Coach Moss said, "Daniel wrestled a great match and actually was in the match much better than last weekend".  Serge Duquette also in his first state tournament wrestled tough in his two matches but did not medal in the 81 lb class. 

In the Novice Division at Elijah Watson wrestling in a tough 65 lbs weight division dropped two matches.  74 lbs two Minutemen wrestled tough as Joshua Veleas wrestled exteremely well going 1-2 on the day. Nick Aborio almost had an upset in his first match against the top seed but fell short and out of medal contention.    Niko Fusco wrestling at 103 lbs. also fell short of a medal. Michael Patterson found himself in the finals against Gabriel Schwartz who he had beaten the week before.  Schwartz was ready for Patterson beating him 9-6 to settle for second place in the 114 lb division,  Calvin Johnson placed sixth at 130 lbs. and Seth Pelletier was crowned champion at 145 lbs beating Jordan Silva from Southington 3-0 in the final.

Middle School Division started with Ronnie Watson who faced former Minuteman Jeremy Eliades in the first round losing 12-0.  Watson won his next match before dropping a decision and out of the medal round.  Laura Cohen at 110 lbs. lost to the top seed 2-0 and dropped her second match.

The top four place finishers in the Novice and Middle School Divisions qualifed for the Kids New England Championship in Lowell MA on Saturday, March 13th.  The Minutemen will be represented by Michael Patterson adn Seth Pelletier.