Minutemen Youth Wrestling

The following Minutemen attended: Sean Pentalow, James Marchetti, Ryan Bisson, Kevin Moss, Ritchie Swiot, Jack and Cameron Banks, and Brian Rogan. Way to Go Guys! The wrestling programs in Berlin, at all levels, have enjoyed a fair amount of success during the past two decades. Most notable are the achievements of the Berlin High School wrestling team. Since Jim Day took over the program 20 years ago, the Redcoats have brought home eight state titles. The team has also hoisted 15 Northwest Conference title banners during the last 17 years. It's no surprise that many ex-Redcoats have gone onto success at the collegiate level. Day is clearly passionate about the sport and committed to pushing the BHS program to the next level. Yet, the veteran coach is no longer limiting himself to teaching the sport at the high school level only. This summer. Day is heading up the first Redcoat Wrestling Camp, open to wrestlers between the ages of 7 and 18. "Our goal is to make them better wrestlers, but we also want them to enjoy the experience;" Day said. "There will be a lot of wrestling-oriented games that we'll have them taking part in, especially the younger kids." Day said the instruction will be "based on a developmentally sound approach that will be effective for any level of wrestler" Instructional groups will be formed based on experience. The camp is scheduled for July 16-19, at BHS. Sessions will be in the evening from 6-8:30 p.m. The camp's $50 fee includes insurance, T-shirt and instructions. Members of the Berlin Wrestling Association are eligible for a discount. The camp's instructors have countless year's of wrestling knowledge. Expected to join Day at the camp are: John Bennett, master world freestyle champion; Ken Destefanis, a former college coach; Bob Skeleton, Olympic coach; Jim Arnold, head coach at Wethersfield High School coach; Dave D'Alesio, a two-time Connecticut coach of the year; and Tim Sullivan, a college All-American who is currently an assistant with the Redcoats. Dave Tremblay and Jason Siegal, both assistant coaches at BHS, are expected to take part as well. Numerous Redcoat wrestlers, past and present, will also be assisting with the camp. In order to participate in the camp, athletes must submit a completed physical form (completed within the last year) and a completed emergency form. Wrestlers will also be required to bring wrestling shoes and appropriate attire (T-shirt and shorts). Day said that all the profits from the camp will be divided between the BHS Boosters Club and the BWA. For more information about the Redcoat Wrestling Camp, call Day at 828-6504 or 828-6577 ext. 304.