There was quite a dominant individual showing within the dominant team performance when the Newtown Youth Wrestling Association’s squad claimed the title at the New England Youth Wrestling Championships in Fitchburg, Mass., March 18 and 19.

Newtown standout Jake Maddox earned Most Dominant Wrestler in the 15U age bracket.

“Jake has spent countless hours focusing on his takedown transitions and top wrestling throughout the season. His ability to find his best positions on the mat allows him to control the pace, the match and his opponent. Because of his commitment to these technical areas, he frequently finishes matches by pinfall. He is a special wrestler who can execute his craft at the highest level,” said Nick Weyer, who coaches Maddox at the Refinery RTC Wrestling Club in Danbury, where Maddox goes for extra training. “Jake being recognized as New England’s Most Dominant Wrestler is well-deserved. I look forward to his success at high school level representing the Newtown Nighthawks.”

The performance by Maddox is an indication of things to come,” Newtown Youth Wrestling Association President Nick Veneziano anticipates. “He’s unbelievable. He’s going to be an instant force at the high school next year,” Veneziano said.

This marked Newtown’s second straight team win and the second in a row for Maddox at the New England event.

“Winning back-to-back means everything to me because I made a decision to train year-round, going to multiple practices each week and I even dropped football for a while — and winning these championships and being awarded Most Dominant Wrestler … it’s unbelievable to see my hard work paying off,” Maddox said.

The standout grappler thanks his coaches and family members for helping make his success possible.

“I have a tremendous support system and I wouldn’t be anything without the support I get. But I really want to thank my mom and dad for always being in my corner and pushing me even when I didn’t want to hear it or do it — they pushed me through and made me better for it. My grandparents for their support and tons of positive reinforcement and messages to keep motivated and always trying to get better,” he said. “Of course, I want to thank Newtown Youth where it started as a 5 year old and Coach Urbina, Coach Bray, and the Long brothers.

Maddox added that Refinery coaches Weyer, Keith Lynch, and Matt Pangle played an integral role in his accomplishments, even rolling on the mat and drilling with him to help him become a more complete wrestler.

“Without that crew, I’m nowhere near where I’ve become and they will still be there in years to come as I am looking to win as much as I can in high school coming up, and ultimately in college,” Maddox added.

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