Minutemen Youth Wrestling

On March 13th and 14th the Berlin Youth Wrestling Program entered the CT Kid's State Championships in Wethersfield. The Minutemen came away with four champions on Saturday. Leading the way was Colin Cunningham (Bantam) who had to wrestle back after an early loss to Jones of Danbury to place first including pinning Jones the second time they met on the day. Brendan Butler (Bantam) continued to dominate as he won all his matches by pin to go undefeated in tournaments this year. In the Midget Division Jacob Eliades almost lost to teammate Sean Pentalow in the semi-finals but pulled out a late third period pin and a 12-5 decision in the final for first place. The final champion on the day was Midget Ryan Butler, who won two matches by pin. Those placing second in the tournament were Nicholas Mangiafico who lost his first match on the day and then came back and beat teammate Ricky Mullins 7-6 to bring home silver. The other silver winner was Tyler Cunningham who lost his first match and them won his next three matches. Third place finishers included, Andrew Zovich (Mighty Mites) with a pin, Matthew Cote (Bantam) who lost his first match and then came on strong to finish third, Anthony Zovich won his first two matches before dropping a 6-4 decision to Brian Amato of Newington in the semi-finals, Ricky Mullins lost in the finals 14-11 to Zachary of Somers and then to Mangiafico for bronze, Sean Pentalow (Midget) went 2-2 on the day and lost the close match to Eliades to finish third. Jeremy Eliades (Bantam) placed 4th going 2-2 on the day. Wrestling in his first state tournament and facing Jimmy Murphy (2nd in the Nation in his age group)first Nathan Giaccone wrestled tough and has shown great signs of improving. On Sunday the Novice and Middle School Divisions competed. Placing third were Ryan Bisson (Novice 85 lbs) who wrestled well after a tough first match loss. Ryan Vujs (Middle School 90 lb) beat teammate Kevin Moss 3-1 and then won his next two matches for 3rd place. Jack Banks lost in the semi-finals and then lost 2-0 to Cameron Gonzalez of Groton to placed 4th in the Novice 100 lb division. Wrestling well but not placing were: Mason Powers who lost 5-4 in the semi-finals and 2-0 in overtime of the consolations semi-finals, Cameron Banks won his first match and then lost his next two matches, Jack Rudy and Matt DelConte wrestled in the tough upper weight divisions.