Merrimack Grapplers Solid at State Championships

The Merrimack Youth Wrestling Program sent thirteen wrestlers to compete in the kindergarten through 4th grade State Championship Wrestling Tournament held at Nashua South High School in Nashua, NH, March 8, 2015. Individual results were as follows:

Rhys Dewar led the way with a first place finish in the kindergarten division. He turned in his best performance of the year by pinning both of his opponents.

Collin Schuster and Kael McAloon also competed in the kindergarten brackets. Collin racked up two wins, one via pin, to take home 3rd place honors while Kael notched one victory to secure 4th place.

Jackson Meehan led Merrimack’s first grade contingent with a 2nd place effort. He won two and lost one match on the day.

Other first grade finishes include Cayden Dine’s 3rd place along with Gryffen Gelinas’ and Mason Tremblay’s 4th place efforts.

Second grader Ivey Johnson had a sparse bracket. She lost a nail-biter to the eventual State champ from Salem. Her hard work netted her 3rd place honors.

Third grader Mitchell Krupp also brought home the bronze. He won his first match by fall but then lost a tight points match in his second. He battled back in the consolation bracket by winning an overtime match and then pinning his final opponent in an exciting come-from-behind effort.

Fellow third grader Christian Makowski nabbed another 3rd place finish for the Tomahawks. He racked up two quick pins to start the tournament but dropped his final two matches by minor decisions.

Third graders Marshall Koranda, Kennedy Dillon, and Owen Forrest, all first-year wrestlers, put in admirable performances. Owen pinned his first opponent in exciting fashion but lost his final two matches, dropping him from medal contention. Marshall and Kennedy finished in 4th and 5th place respectively.

Photo Caption 1: Mitchell Krupp looking for the pin against his Derry foe

Photo Caption 2: Jackson Meehan works a double-leg takedown on his ConVal opponent

Photo Caption 3: Owen Forrest stalks his Salem opponent

The Merrimack Youth Wrestling Program is part of the Merrimack Youth Association. It strives to provide a safe recreational activity for Merrimack children in grades K-6. The program promotes the sport of wrestling, the world’s oldest sport, by providing a safe practice environment, by delivering high quality instruction, and by facilitating tournament competition opportunities. The Program is in its 9th season and currently has 40 wrestlers on its roster.

Gary Krupp, Director, Merrimack Youth Wrestling myawrestling.com