Eight Catoctin Youth wrestlers competed in the 5th Annual Brute Elementary and Middle School State Championship Tournament held in Towson, MD on February 17. Collin Shildt and Joey Puvel were the only two grapplers from the organization to place in this year's highly competitive event. Collin captured the second place title in the Division IV Light Heavyweight class while Joey captured the fourth place title in the Division III 80lb weight class.

In order to participate, a wrestler must have placed 3rd or better in one of thirteen qualifying tournaments held throughout the state. The following youths wrestled in the 2008 State Championship Tournament: Jaken Campbell took second at Walkersville to qualify, Zachary Bryant took first at Frostburg to qualify, Gage Randall last year's 6 and under 50 lb State Champion took first at Vipers to qualify this year; Joshua Small took third at Catoctin to qualify; Joey Puvel took first at Frostburg to qualify and placed fourth in the 2008 State Championship; Kevin Simmel took third at Frostburg to qualify; Charlie Perella took first at Marriot's Ridge to qualify; Collin Shildt took second at Warriors to qualify and placed second in the 2008 State Championship Tournament.

More Catoctin Youth Wrestlers qualified to participate in this year's State Championship Tournament but elected not to attend. Catoctin Youth coaches do not require that their members participate in tournaments outside of their scheduled league matches/tournaments. The decision to participate in outside events is made at the parent's discretion. For more information regarding the organization please visit our website at cyawrestling.net.

Look for the Mason - Dixon League Tournament results in next month's edition.

Catch The Fever Emmitsburg!

Volunteers with the Emmitsburg Baseball and Softball League are passing on over 50 years of tradition at the ball diamonds in Emmitsburg as they invite the community to their "Catch the Fever" activities on April 20 during the League's Opening Day Celebrations.

The public is invited to watch the parade starting at 1:30 p.m. as it travels from DePaul Street down Seton Avenue to Potomac Street. At the park, teams will be introduced during a presentation that culminates with two 11 and 12 year old teams (the Dodgers and Red Sox--defending Mason Dixon Champions) playing an exhibition game.

The Vigilante Hose Company, the Emmitsburg Lion's Club and the Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association join in the celebration. Mayor Hoover will be the "Grand Marshall" and throw out the first pitch.

Join Emmitsburg to "Catch the Fever"!!! All teams will play the first games of the season on April 26th.

People to People Soccer Ambassador

Josh Neumann of Thurmont has played soccer for over 11 years for his coach Wes Baugher. He first played with the Catoctin Youth Association and now plays at Catoctin High School as a Varsity Junior. Josh has been nominated to participate in the People to People Sports Ambassador Program in Holland this July.

People To People (PTP) was started in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a way to bridge the gap between cultures in a positive way. Josh sees this as an opportunity to understand other cultures, increase his leadership skills and his soccer skills.

Josh will have the opportunity to play against 42 other countries. He'll meet head coaches of teams like the Manchester United and the Chelsea Soccer Team. He's excited about this opportunity.

So far, Josh has received funding donations from N.V.R. in Thurmont, he's worked hard to sell subs as a fundraiser at the Sheetz in Thurmont, and he's sold Kettle Korn. He's still fundraising to earn the final $1500 that he needs in order to take part in this opportunity. Call 301-271-3836 if you'd like to contribute or offer a fundraising opportunity towards Josh's goal. To learn more about the PTP program visit www.sprortsambassadors.org.