WOODBURY — The Nonnewaug High School wrestling team has built a reputation as one of the most competitive programs in the state and in the Berkshire League. Over the years, the Chiefs have made their mark in state competitions, challenging the top wrestlers in the state.

This year, 144-pounder Durkin Stankevich earned first place in the Berkshire League and the Class S state tournament, third at the State Open, and fourth at the New England championships.

In the Berkshire League tournament, Nonnewaug placed second behind Gilbert, but the Chiefs had three BL winners: Stankevich, Jeffery Bernardi and Sean Crawford.

Stankevich had challenges throughout the season, especially in his state run.

“I had to wrestle a guy who had pretty soundly beaten a guy I lost to,” Stankevich said. “It made me way more nervous before I wrestled him, but ultimately I calmed down and won the match because I forgot about the stats and just wrestled.”

Dave Green, the Nonnewaug wrestling coach, said that Stankevich is something special.

“It’s great that someone that started in high school and by the end of his high school career he got third in states and fourth in New Englands,” Green said.

Green has coached the Nonnewaug wrestling team for more than 25 years. He said he was impressed with the team’s growth.

“The team this season came together as a group,” Green stated. “We had new faces this season, and everyone got better since day one.”

Berardi said he was proud of winning the 165-pound championship in the BL and finishing among the top six in Class S to earn a spot in the State Open.

“As a senior, getting my title back this year felt great due to the fact that I was able to wrestle a guy who beat me last year and I beat him this year,” Bernardi said. “The whole team rallied behind me.”

Bernardi also said that the camaraderie with fellow wrestlers like Stankevich made them both improve.

“Wrestling with Durkin for my four years of high school has been all about improving the team,” Bernardi said. “We both always push each other every day to be successful during mine and his high school career.”

As Nonnewaug wrestling moves forward, the program continues to grow and evolve as a winning team. With a mix of experienced wrestlers leading the way as captains of the team. With a strong foundation and a great commitment to the sport, Nonnewaug hopes to continue winning.