Springfield hosts big wrestling weekend

Hundreds of young wrestlers met at Riverside Gym on March 21 & 22, to compete in two big wrestling tournaments.

Nearly 200 young wrestlers in grades K-8 descended on Riverside Middle School on Saturday, March 21st for the Schweitzer Memorial Youth Wrestling Tournament, the main fundraising event of the Springfield Wrestling Team. Nine of Springfield's own youth wrestlers put their best foot forward on the mats, working hard and fighting strong opponents. Mostly first-year wrestlers, the Springfield kids earned one gold medal (Kidan Nelson, grade 4) and lots of experience and personal growth -- the very things that will serve them in all aspects of life.

On Sunday, March 22nd, the first-ever Precision Valley Classic K-12 Girls Wrestling Tournament kicked off bright and early, with girls traveling from as far away as Rhode Island to compete. All three of Springfield's female wrestlers participated in some very challenging battles. Freshman Gillian Guy pulled out a tough win against one of her opponents, to the cheers of her team-mates and the audience. The tournament kicked off with a clinic led by 2x Olympian Anibal Nieves and a crew of All-American women wrestlers. This first-ever all-girl tournament was received with massive enthusiasm and is expected to become an annual event, coupled with the Schweitzer Memorial Youth Tournament on the same weekend in March.

Stay tuned as the members of the Springfield VT Wrestling Team continue to make waves! For more information or to learn how you can help the team, contact Team Co-Manager Kelly Stettner at k.stettner101@gmail.com .

(Photos by Kelly Stettner; gym at Riverside Middle School in full swing, and the girls of the Precision Valley Classic alongside 2-x Olympian Anibal Nieves and his All-American women wrestlers)

Carl F Goodrich SPRINGFIELD - Carl F. Goodrich, 86, of North Springfield, died March 28, 2015, at his home with his family by his side. He was born May 20, 1928, in Gassetts, the son of Dallas and Hermie (Brooks) Goodrich. After attending local schools, he joined the U.S. Army at the age of 17. Training in Germany, he was part of the Occupational Forces from 1946 to 1950 as an instructor with the motor division at the constabulary school and the basic training center. His last assignment was chief sales clerk in the commissary. Upon discharge, he returned home and worked in the Granite Sheds in East Barre. He moved back to his hometown to work for CVPS for 36 years, retiring as a chief linesman in 1988. He married his wife of 61 years, the former Arlene Newton on Dec. 24, 1953, and raised five children. Survivors include his wife, Arlene; one daughter Carlene Goodrich; his sons James, Gary, Barry and Gregory; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers Kenneth Holden and Clifford Goodrich; and his sisters Marjorie Blanchard and Florence Baker. Friends may call Saturday April 4, 2015, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield. A graveside service with military honors will be held at a later date at Oakland Cemetery in Springfield. Contributions may be made in his memory to the VNA and Hospice of Southern Vt. & N.H., P.O. Box 976, White River Junction, VT 05001, or to the charity of one's choice . - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/rutlandherald/obituary.aspx?n=carl-f-goodrich&pid=174521894&fhid=23407#sthash.tV7awKOF.dpuf