Fish named state wrestler of the year
SOUTHINGTON, March 16 – Hand-Madison senior Derek Fish (145) was named the wrestler of the year at the Connecticut High School Coaches Association’s 2008 All-State banquet Sunday in Southington. Fish (32-1) became the first Hand wrestler in 16 years to win a New England championship. He also captured the State Open and won his second straight Class L title.
Bacon Academy’s Michael Voiland, who led the Bobcats to a school-record 32 wins and a ECC Small Division championship, was named the state coach of the year. Windham High’s Rafael Calixto was named as the state assistant coach of the year. Marc Allard of the Norwich Bulletin was honored as sportswriter of the year while tournament organizer Dave Nowakowski, who ran the State Open and Class S tournament, won the Special Appreciation award.
Wrestlers who won Class LL, L, M, S and State Open championships were honored with All-State recognition. Academic All-State awards were also presented to wrestlers who finished in the top six of the Class LL, L, M
and S tournaments while meeting academic requirements.
