Connecticut Wrestling Online is finalist for national media award

Connecticut Wrestling Online is finalist for Outlet of the Year in 2020-21 from the National Wrestling Media Association.

Connecticut Wrestling Online is one of five finalists for the Outlet of the Year award for 2020-21 from the National Wrestling Media Association.

The National Wrestling Media Association (NWMA) is a national organization of men and women journalists who cover the sport of amateur wrestling. The organization, which began in 1989, includes reporters, editors, publishers, photographers, webmasters, broadcasters and other media professionals.

Outlet of the Year includes print newspapers and magazines along with digital platforms. Other finalists for the award this year include the Des Moines (Iowa) Register newspaper and website along with MatScouts, WrestleStat and Fanco Wrestling – all digital platforms.

Prior to 2020, the organization honored a publication of the year and website of the year. In 2020, the award was changed to Outlet of the Year. The Des Moines Register was honored as publication of the year in 2012-13.

The awards are scheduled to be announced at some point this month.

Connecticut Wrestling Online has been in operation since January 2001 and has been covering high school wrestling in the state since that time. Over the years, the website has expanded its coverage to include how Connecticut athletes are doing at the collegiate level, at national-caliber tournaments and in international competitions.

In 2018, the website took over the top 10 high school wrestling poll after the long-time sponsor of the poll, the Norwich Bulletin, decided to step aside.

The website’s editor, Gerry deSimas, Jr., researches and publishes the Connecticut High School Wrestling Record Book yearly to provide perspective on the achievements of state wrestlers and coaches.

The website celebrated its 20th anniversary a year ago.

UPDATE: On January 12, the National Wrestling Media Association announced their award winners. The Des Moines Register in Iowa was named Outlet of the Year. We were honored to be among five finalists for this award.