Whether you are a casual or avid wrestling fan, Milford Central Academy was the place to be Saturday as the best of Delaware Middle school wrestling was on display. In what was a long and exhilarating day, the next generation of high school wrestlers were on display as they participated in the 2026 Delaware Middle School Classic. With an astounding 22 teams participating, the fast-paced event was filled with quality.
The Buccaneers would place six wrestlers on the podium, with four of them coming away with first place finishes. Milford (251) would also earn first place in the team competition, followed up by an extremely talented H.B. DuPont team (196.5), which traveled down to participate in the event from Hockessin. Speaking with Milford coach Wayne Newsome, he was thrilled with how the event turned out.
“This was a fantastic event and really demonstrated the talent that is growing in Delaware,” Newsome said. “It was great to see the level of participation we had, all the teams and fans that were here to be a part of this special event was fantastic.”
In all honesty I did not know what to expect as covering middle school wrestling was something I had never done before. Upon arriving, I realized I was in for something special as the talent level of these young wrestlers was much greater than I had anticipated. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of athletics.
The Buccaneers earned their first gold of the meet as 7th grader J.J Haddock would win a 5-0 decision in methodical fashion. Haddock was in control from the start over Briggs Gannon of Frederick Thomas Middle School in the 94-pound class
“J.J. Is a technician, you rarely see him make a mistake and he was on his game today and will only continue to improve going forward.” Newsome stated.
The Milford faithful would not have to wait long for their next gold as 6th grader Xavier Lewis, coming out of the third seed completely controlled Tanner Brennan to win a 9-0 decision. Lewis demonstrated both speed and technique in the victory.
“Xavier is a very special talent, who is incredibly talented with a very high ceiling. He is without a doubt going to be something special if he keeps improving the way has been.” Newsome said.
At 145 pounds, 8th grader Nathaniel Morrow would garner first place for Milford as he would defeat Cameron Crawford of Red Lion Christian Academy by fall. When asking Newsome about Morrow, the coach had nothing but praise for him.
“He actually could have wrestled for the High School this year, but felt that he had unfinished business at this level,” Newsome said. “He was on a mission this year to earn his Middle School title and he accomplished his goal. That is what this sport is all about setting goals and doing your best to achieve them.”
Without a doubt however, the most heartwarming moment of the meet came as 8th grader Anthony Newsome at 112 pounds would win by fall over Liam Clark of Sussex Academy pounds. It was a special moment as the coach watched his son achieve his goal.
“I can’t put into words how much this moment means to me. I have watched my son work so hard for this and for him to finish first is very difficult to put into words,” Newsome said. “It was all I could do to keep from crying, it is a moment that we were able to share together and something we will never forget. I am looking forward to just being a fan in the stands as he wrestles in high School as he continues to grow as a man and a wrestler.”
Also earning medals for Milford were Journee Duffy who would finish 3rd at 100 pounds and Trent Fry who would finish second at 88 pounds.
In reviewing the entire Middle School season, Milford would finish 7-1 in dual meets, with their one loss coming at Smyrna where they lost by a score of 41-39, with Milford having to forfeit two matches with no wrestlers available for the Buccaneers.
“This was really a great season, and I was honored to coach this group. They are a very special team who are always pulling for each other, always trying to make their teammates better. This year was really about “we not me.” Wrestling is the ultimate team and individual sport all at the same time. I have nothing but respect and admiration for this team, they respect each other as well as their opponents, they are the definition of what a Milford team should be.” Newsome concluded.
