NORWICH – “What a great year for wrestling in the Norwich area,” said Norwich Pee Wee Wrestling coach Tim Scheer.

Scheer was referencing – in part – Norwich seventh-grader Tristan Rifanburg, who wrestled for the pee wee program, and went on to become the first state champion in Norwich history this past winter.

As for the junior wrestlers, coached by Scheer, Kevin Slater, and Toby Franklin among others, the team began its season in early November with 82 kids, and ended the season several months later with 66 still practicing regularly with the team. During the season, Norwich competed at 16 different tournaments and averaged around 30 kids per tournament, up from 24 kids per tournament a year ago. “There were 30 to 40 kids this year who finished the season with anywhere from 50 to 80 matches,” Scheer said. “That’s an excellent number. We have a tremendous amount of kids who are exceptional wrestlers who have done excellent this year and will fare very well in the years to come. We have excellent parent support for our program, and I hope this trend continues as it is the best it has ever been.”