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Matthew Noffo, a seven-year-old in the second grade at
Vineland Elementary School, enjoys the sport of wrestling and has had
a great deal of success on the mat so far this year.
Pictured above is Mathew Noffo with wrestling medals and trophy
Last month, Noffo won third place in the Florida
Amateur Wrestling Association state tournament and earlier this year
earned second place in the Southeast Regional Qualifying Tournament.
Noffo has participated in more than 20 tournaments this year, winning
or placing in almost all of them.
Each of the tournaments Noffo participated in was held
by the FAWA. The tournaments use freestyle wrestling. To win a
wrestling tournament, the object is to pin the opponent's shoulders to
the mat or outscore him. Taking an opponent down, or nearly doing so
earns points. Referees assess the points. In Matthew's age group the
competition consists of two rounds, each lasting one-and-a-half
minutes.
"I usually win by pinning," said Matthew
confidently. His father, Mike Noffo agreed. "Out of
26 wins," he said, "he's probably pinned his opponent 20
times."
Tournament wrestling requires the young wrestlers to
use only 'acceptable' moves. "There are fouls and there are
rules," the elder Noffo explained. "You can't punch and
kick, or dig in with your fingers. You can only grip with your
hand."
Matthew says his toughest tournament was the state
competition. He admits to feeling nervous before the matches, but says
he also really enjoys the competition.
"The best part is when you pin the guy," he
said with a broad smile. Matthew says it takes a great deal of
practice to learn how to wrestle properly. "I was going
twice a week to the gym," he said. "Now I go four days a
week." Two days a week Matthew attends regular wrestling
classes and on two more days he practices with an advanced team of
youngsters. Classes take place at the Gold Medal Fitness, 18647 SW 107
Avenue, and are under the supervision of Coach Juan Rio.
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