We held our annual Halloween Party on Thursday, October 27.  This party was thrown for all Saugus children that were in grades 1 thru 5.  With donations from local businesses, we were able to have lots of fun goodies.  The children danced, played games and won prizes.  Everyone enjoyed dancing to the Cha Cha Slide and Thriller.  The kids had a blast dancing  and running around with friends.  There was a costume parade, and some awards were given out!  All kids, as well as adults, had a great time.  Hopefully we will see you all at the party next year!! Halloween Party — A Huge Success! What’s been happening... The Saugus Youth and Recreation Mat Dogs recently competed in a wrestling tournament at Chelmsford High School.  Approximately six hundred youth wrestlers participated in this tournament.  Eighteen local youths represented Saugus and made the town extremely proud.   The youth program went 37-15 for the day.   16 wrestlers competed in the novice division and two competed in the select division.  Saugus took home ten first place finishes and three second place finishes.   The first place winners were:  Mikey" bones" Howard at 3-0 with three pins, Donovan Clark at 3-0, Dougie Clark at 3-0, Salvatore "the bull" Franco at 3-0 with two pins, Nicholas Franco at 3-0 with three first period pins, Tommy St. Cyr at 3-0, Sean Hebert at 3-0 with three first period pins, Dominic  Decrencenzo at 3-0, Joe Alba at 3-0, Tommy Falasca at 2-1, Shane Meredith at  2-1, William King at 2-1, Ethan Graylin at 2-1.  Isaac Graylin at 0-2 with a bye in one round losing two tough matches, one went into overtime, and Zachary Cummings went 0-2 with a bye in one round.   The youth program went an astounding 35-8 during this tournament. Due to the waiver recently passed for Saugus varsity, seventh and eighth graders can now compete at the varsity level.   Seventh grader and varsity wrestler Mike Titus went 1-2 at the novice division.  Seventh grader and varsity wrestler Anthony Trang wrestled in the select division and went 0-3.   Six grader Danny McCullough, also wrestling with the varsity, went 1-2 in the select division.   The youth wrestling program started two years ago.   The first year we had 15 youth wrestlers, the second year 30 youth participated.   We are now forty strong and growing.  I would  like to say how proud the coaches and parents are of these kids.   A special thank you goes to coaches Chris Howard, Dougie Clark and Tommy Falasca.  I would also like to thank sophomore wrestler Brandon Milton who donated 12 hours of his Sunday to help coach.  I am also very thankful for the parents that showed up and supported Saugus Youth Wrestling. Youth and Recreation Director, Greg Nickolas, would like to express his gratitude to the coaches and parents that help make this program outstanding.  He stated, “This program provides the youth with skills that will help them not only on the mat, but in life.” Saugus Mat Dogs Dominate the Competition at Chelmsford Tournament! February Vacation Camp was a BLAST!!!! During the week of February Vacation, we held a Vacation Camp here at the rec center.  23 Elementary aged kids came and had so much fun! We made crafts and necklaces, played WII, watched a movie and bonded with our friends.  It was even nice enough for us to go outside and play.  We relaxed during lunch time, and then went right back to the fun!! Look out for more information in April - we should be running an April Vacation Camp as well!!! February Vacation                       Camp Coach Moran held a 4 day hoops clinic during February Vacation.  66 kids showed up to learn the basics of Basketball, and have some fun!  This Boy’s & Girl’s Hoop Camp allowed campers to work with local athletes, learning how to play basketball and work as a team.  The camp day consisted of stretching, skills, drills, stations, competitions and games.  All 66 kids, as well as all the staff, had a great time!! February Vacation Baseball Clinic During February Vacation, Varsity Baseball Coach, Tom Gaeta, held a baseball clinic.  35 kids showed up to brush up on their baseball skills.  Coach Gaeta had varsity players on hand to help, and share some tips. Look out for a similar program coming up in April, in conjunction with our SAL Program!!