Johnston Youth Wrestling traveled to New Hampshire to participate in the annual King of the Mat youth tournament, which features some of the best grapplers in New England, and would put on a show as four wrestlers placed.
Cameron Regnault and Walter Borden took home wins in the 10-U division. Logan Martins took second at 19-U and Alex Betancur finished second in the 8-U group.
Regnault and Borden were thrilled to reach the top of the podium in such a competitive tournament.
“It was crazy, it was one of the best feelings that I have ever felt. Considering how big the tournament is, I knew I was well accomplished and I deserved it,” said Borden.
Regnault added: “It was crazy because when I won, the whole team was there for me, cheering me on. It was a great moment.”
The pair also took home third place finishes in the state tournament while Betancur placed second.
It was a strong showing for Martins as well. The Johnston High junior is coming off a fourth-place finish at the high school state championships and has been involved with Johnston Youth Wrestling since the third grade. He still continues to wrestle for the organization while assisting the coaching staff as it guides the youngsters.
It was the third year that Johnston competed in the regional tournament, and the first time that it saw its grapplers reach the podium. The team has grown closer throughout the winter, which paid dividends down the stretch in the big tournaments.
“The chemistry, they stand together and watch each other’s matches. At King of the Mat, that is what stood out. They came together as one and winning a tournament that big really validated our program,” said coach Joe Regnault.
Johnston High Coach John Antonucci has also been keeping a close eye on the program and is excited to help develop a feeder system for the future. The program hosted more than 40 grapplers this season.
“Of all the teams there, I’d bet that we had the most support of anyone. We have great kids, great parents, and we try to make it fun. That’s what it’s about, building a program that brings kids from here to (Johnston High School),” said Antonucci.
Johnston Youth Wrestling will next be hosting a spring program running on Tuesdays starting on April 23. For more information, check out the program’s Facebook page or email it at Johnstonyouthwrestling@gmail.com
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