Milton youth wrestler 4th in N.E. Championship

By ZENDA FARRELL | Milton Independent Sports Writer

Dylan Hemsted took fourth place at the New England Youth Wrestling Championships, an invitation only tournament.

Dylan Hemsted by virtue of becoming the 77 lb. Vermont State Champion, represented Milton and the state of Vermont at the New England Youth Wrestling Championships held in Hudson, Massachusetts on March 9. The "New Englands" is an invitation only tournament offered to the top 3 place finishers in each weight group from VT, NH, ME, RI, CT and MA.

Dylan began the day with a bye in the first round. The second round put Dylan against Maine's best. Dylan scored quickly off the whistle in the first and second periods with low single leg take downs and with a strong defense held off a late surge by the Maine opponent . The final score of 4 - 2 advanced him to the semifinals.

In the semifinals Dylan faced a tough opponent from Massachusetts who was the eventual winner of the 77 lb. division. Dylan was quickly taken down with a strong double leg and eventually pinned in the first period.

Dropping to the consolations, Dylan had to face a tough Rhode Island champion. With excellent take downs Dylan was able to score 4 quick points but his opponent was able to reverse the take downs and score 4 points of his own. In the third period with the score tied Dylan managed an escape for 1 point but got hit with a "Full-Nelson" penalty giving his opponent 1 point. With only seconds left Dylan was able to lock up an arm bar and turn his opponent for 3 points and took the win 8 - 5.

Dylan's second win of the day put him in contention for 3rd place but Dylan would need to defeat the New Hampshire champion to secure it. When the whistle blew Dylan went for his "move of the day" a low single leg but his opponent was ready for it and was able to get to Dylan's back. As the two wrestlers fought for position the referee made a very quick "Pin" call against Dylan ending his day.

Dylan finished the day with an outstanding 4th place finish. He received a place on the podium and a commemorative medal for his efforts.

Dylan would like to thank his coaches Tim Palermo and Phil Bidwell, his teammates and VT Elite Wrestling Club for all their help.