Pictured are the four All Americans and just a fraction of the BGA Bears Youth Wrestling program. This is the portion that cheered on the wrestlers that continued into Sunday May 7. (Submitted Photo)

SALISBURY – The BGA Bears youth wrestling program had five wrestlers attend the MAWA Eastern National Championship wrestling tournament in Salisbury, Maryland this past weekend. 

The tournament began on May 6 and ran through the next day.

 Four of the wrestlers were from Bainbridge-Guilford: Alana Blanchard (sixth grade), Mason Buchanan (sixth grade), Hunter Brown (fourth grade) and Madison Farberman (fourth grade); One wrestler was from Sidney: Isabella Phelps (seventh grade).

This was the first wrestling season for Blanchard and Farberman while Buchanan and Brown have wrestled multiple seasons with the Bears. Phelps has been wrestling for several years, this year she was a part of Sidney's Varsity team, Extreme Wrestling, and the BGA Bears.

During the regular youth season, the Bears are often recognized for their cheering section/ team family. Wherever they go, they often hear from others that they are impressed by their affectionately self-declared "Bear Den."

This weekend was no different. Also joining the wrestlers this weekend were several of their teammates and wrestling partners. Those athletes have helped motivate and prepare them for this big weekend.

When wrestlers finish in the top eight, they earn the title of "All American." This year, the Bears are proud to announce the following All Americans; Mason Buchanan (eighth place Junior 140), Madison Farberman (fifth place Midget Girls 68), Hunter Brown (second place Midget 93), and one Champion, Isabella Phelps (first place School Girls 105).

Thank you to all the parents who support all our athletes throughout the season, whether your children were wrestling or not! Thank you to the coaches, Andrew Carr, Austin Carr, Jason Casey and Ceferino Martinez for all your time, effort, and sacrifices you all put into these wrestlers!  

Your love of the sport and your dedication to the program shows just how much you want to see these athletes grow and be successful. It also shows how much you care for our kids. 

Congratulations to all on an amazing season! See you on the mats soon! 

-Information from the BGA Bears Youth Wrestling program