By Sue Wambolt, Contributing Writer
Region – Local wrestlers in grades 5-8 are currently participating in an Algonquin Youth Wrestling Clinic running from Dec.1 to Feb.18. The program is sponsored by the Algonquin Regional High School program and is being run under the direction of the school's coaching staff, George Nichols, Mike Connery and Carl Kinkel. First- time wrestlers are taught the basic principles of wrestling with the goal of developing experienced athletes to the full extent of their abilities.
The Algonquin Youth Wrestling Clinic is part of the Massachusetts Youth Wrestling Association and will participate in Sectional and State championship tournaments along with several other tournaments, matches and scrimmages throughout the next few months. Competitions are optional, but recommended in order to put into action the skills learned at the clinic.
While the practices have just started, several wrestlers donned their singlet and participated in the Big Red Tournament in Tyngsboro on Dec.17. After the matches were all completed, the boys fared very well in their respective divisions. Boys who competed were: Drew Cozzolino, Austin Roche, Will Black, Matt Cone and Bryan Connery.
Participants in the program include: Jake Agnew, Will Black, Matt Cone, Bryan Connery, Drew Cozzolino, Bryce Finnegan, Mark Finnegan, Shea Garand, Andrew Goddard, Nathan Goddard, Jack Hynes, Max Keegan, Cam Marcoulier, James Mahoney, Patrick McAuliffe, Jonathan Nozaki, Eric Qua, Austin Roche, Nikita Terwedow, Joseph Vencile, and Seth Mahowald.