Registering for the 2009-10 Season
Registration will begin October 1st.  Please download the Registration Form from our "Forms" page and submit it with your registration fee to the Westford Recreation Department.

Coaches Needed

We are always looking for coaching assistance.  If you are interested and have wrestled previously (even a little bit) feel free to contact Ken Tashjy.  

Parental Support Needed
The program is interested in establishing an organization known as "The Friends of Westford Youth Wrestling."  This group will coordinate the end of the season banquet, a program fundraiser, and assist in planning and hosting the dual meets and multi-team matches hosted at Westford Academy during the season.  Anyone interested in serving should contact Ken Tashjy. 

Westford Youth Wrestling's New Website
This website has been created to promote youth wrestling in Westford.  If you are interested in posting photos, comments or other information on the site, please contact Ken Tashjy.  We hope you have fun exploring the site and learning more about the program and the great sport of wrestling.

This article appeared in the Westford Eagle on October 12, 2006

                            Westford Youth Wrestling Program

"I think wrestling is a terrific sport and I wanted to continue its availability to Westford kids," observes Youth Wrestling Program Coach Ken Tashjy. The Westford resident has been directing the Parks & Recreation Department program since 2003. (Before it was a Parks & Recreation Department activity, Tom McEnaney, deputy police chief, ran the program and "did a terrific job getting it going.") Having wrestled in high school and college and previously coaching for the Division I wrestling programs at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and the College of William and Mary (in the 1980s), Tashjy was excited to have the opportunity to work with the Westford youth program. By day, Tashjy practices employment and labor law.

Westford youth wrestling is open to boys and girls, Grades 2 to 8. No experience is required. Instruction focuses on basic wrestling techniques and skills. Developing strong basic skills is critical for mastering more advanced wrestling techniques. The practices (held twice per week, beginning Nov. 28) emphasize instruction, drilling, fitness training and eventually live wrestling. "Attending the practices is crucial," Tashjy states. In fact, if a child is unable to regularly attend practice, he advises against participating in the program.

As the season progresses, kids will participate in scrimmages and tournaments with other youth programs. Competition is organized based on weight and grade. "This is not professional wrestling. No turnbuckles or metal folding chairs allowed," he notes.  Ably assisting with the program this season is Jim Antonelli, vice principal and a former standout wrestler at Westford Academy. "This season we are hoping to attract more kids to the sport based on the success of last season's Westford Academy team, which is being coached by newcomer, Dave Shunamon." Tashjy adds that many of Westford Academy's 2006 wrestlers participated in the youth program, including Ian McEnaney, Brendan McEnaney, Matt Cerullo, Bobby Dick, Grant Lobo, Ross Grand, Gehrig Leary, Wagner Leary and Andrew Steiner.

"Wrestling gives kids an opportunity to develop self-confidence, discipline and teamwork, while enhancing physical and mental conditioning. It is also very challenging and requires hard work and commitment," he states. He appreciates and strongly encourages parental support throughout the season. "Seeing a kid develop the confidence to walk out onto a mat alone and wrestle a competitive match" is "our greatest satisfaction. Win or lose, that's our goal."

For information, visit www.eteamz.com/westfordyouthwrestling.