Wrestling Program Draws Youth from Throughout Area

Wrestling is a passion for Paul Cicarella and he hopes to spread that passion to youth throughout the area by way of his new youth wrestling program, Bulldog Cartel Wrestling.

A former star wrestler, Cicarella has started the youth wrestling program with the help of some friends, knowing how wrestling can positively impact children even as young as five.

"Wrestling improves your strength, your hand-eye coordination, your balance, your speed and your endurance," he said.

Bulldog Cartel Wrestling, which can also be found on Facebook, meets at a facility behind Gold’s Gym in North Haven and children from several area towns are members.

Cicarella, a 2002 East Haven High School graduate, was an all-state wrestler and captain of the high school team. He also wrestled for Springfield Technical Community College in Massachusetts.

After college he worked as a private investigator, then took a position as a corrections officer with the Connecticut Department of Correction.

For awhile he volunteered as a wrestling coach for Guilford High School, until East Haven High, his alma mater, asked him to be the head coach. He also helped start a team at East Haven's .