Wakefield Wrestler Teaching Sport to Youth this Summer

Wakefield resident Mike Arangio has been wrestling for much of his life – and this summer, he’s teaching other young people about the sport at Defensive Edge, which also offers classes in mixed martial arts, Muy Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and more.

Arangio graduated from Wakefield High School in 2011 and currently wrestles for the University of Southern Maine. During his high school years, the lifelong Wakefield resident was a four year varsity wrestler and the 2010 Division 3 state champion in the 112 pound weight class, among numerous other accomplishments.

In Maine, Arangio now coaches elementary and middle school level wrestling in Scarborough, and he’s spent six years as a youth wrestling volunteer coach in Wakefield.  He wrestles for USM on a scholarship and his collegiate record in the first two years is 36-15.  At Wakefield High School, he compiled a 128-28 record.  He is majoring in recreational studies with a minor in coaching.

“As a current competitor in the sport at the college level I know the technique and skills that are required to be a successful wrestler and how to accomplish your goals,” said Arangio in an email to Wakefield Patch. “I encourage and push my students to do the best they possibly can while enjoying what they do.”

There has been an upswing in the number of young people taking wrestling classes recently, said Arangio, adding that this is apparent in the larger national tournaments and high-level competition more common in the sport today.

Arangio reports that the classes at Defensive Edge, located on Del Carmine Drive, run from July 9 through August 29 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 4 p.m. Students are separated by weight and age.