Maybe you have heard of the WWE and seen wrestlers on television clotheslining opponents. Sorry to break your hearts, but that is just not real. If you are interested in seeing what it really takes to pin an opponent then the Andover Youth Services have a program to offer.
For two days, Aug. 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to noon, AYS wrestling coaches will teach youth the basics of wrestling, as well as ways to train through practice, fun games and discipline. What makes this even more exciting is that we are able to provide this clinic for free. Wrestling is quickly becoming popular in both Andover High School and the middle schools, and what better way to try it out then AYS' free wrestling clinic? If you are interested contact us at 978-623-8241, stop by the AYS house at 37 Pearson St., or e-mail gwilson@andoverma.gov.
Meet the coaches
Alex Najjar capped off his perfect senior season 58-0. He captured titles at the Lowell Holiday, State, All-State, and New England tournaments. He was ranked No. 1 in Massachusetts all year and finished a brilliant career with two Division 1 state titles and was a two-year captain of the Shawsheen Technical wrestling team. Najjar is attending Boston University in the fall on a wrestling scholarship.
Matt Dehney was ranked No. 1 in Massachusetts all year, proving his dominance by winning the Lowell Holiday, State and New England tournaments. He finished his high school career a two-year captain for the Dracut wrestling team, a two-time state finalist and a two-time New England place winner. He is attending the University at Buffalo in the fall on a wrestling scholarship.
Joe Chartier finished his senior year 30-8, and became Andover High School's first state placer and qualifier for the All-state tournament. He placed third at the Lowell Holiday tournament, second at Sectionals and fourth at the Division 1 State Championship tournament. He was ranked sixth in Massachusetts for most of the year, was a three-year captain and was named to MVC's All Conference Team. He is attending University of Southern Maine in the fall on an academic scholarship where he will continue to wrestle.
