Andover Youth Wrestling Pins 2nd Year

In only its second year, the Andover Youth Wrestling program continued to gain momentum as an upstart force to be reconed with by the established wrestling teams in the Merrimack Valley. In its final tournament of the season, the "Big East", the team turned in impressive performances across multiple weight divisions and classifications.

Head Coach Kevin writes:

"First I would like to congratulate everyone on making it through the 2nd year of AYS wrestling.

Big congrats to those guys who showed up on Sunday [for the Big East finals], they put forth one heck of an effort. Paul won the silver division in overtime on an awesome throw!! James battled to second in the bronze division, also winning a tough overtime decision. And out of the dark, Thomas won First Place (4-0) in the Copper division. Nick won two hard fought matches. Jesse fought well for second.

To my guys in the silver who had a tough day, Brett and John----you are first year wrestlers, keep your head up, you will dominate in the up coming years. You need to lose to learn before you can win, that's part of your first year. Set goals for yourself for next year and the years to come. Life is hard and you will have to work through it. That’s one lesson wrestling will teach you. Caleb, you had your shot to win, you are almost there. I can’t explain how close you are. At this level, those slight mistakes will cost you. But that comes with experience, stay with it and you will have a successful high school career, I guarantee it.

To the FIRST EVER GOLD DIVISION wrestlers Tim and Mat, it takes guts to go out there as a first year wrestler and wrestle guys with 4 or more years experience than you. The fact that you walked on that mat and gave your hearts out there, that’s all I could ask for. You made me proud and represented AYS wrestling to the highest honor. Good job guys."

Wrapping up the season, all wrestlers had a great time at the end-of-year party, with massive amounts of pizza, trophies, speeches, and special recognition for outstanding leadership, results, and effort.

Expect a breakthrough season next year as those wrestlers who started with the program last year hit the ground running for their third season of competitive wrestling. Special thanks to coaches Doug, Chris, and Kevin (back row, from left), Andover Youth Services (especially director Bill), and those parents who made the extra effort to get this program off the ground.