Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Tehokwirathe Barreiro, a six-year-old member of the Massena Junior Wrestling program, has had a very strong start to the 2012 wrestling season. A second year wrestler in the Massena Junior Program, Tehokwirathe took first place at the Mexico NY “Battle for the Belt” youth tournament January 8th. He pinned three opponents to win the title. January 22nd he traveled with his family to the Pal-Mac Youth Tournament in Palmyra NY and took the 1st place trophy there also. He won 8-5 in a furious semi-final match that saw him escape from almost being pinned, then hold on for victory after spending all his energy to stay alive on the mat. He pinned his opponent from Canandaigua in the finals. Tehokwirathe was accompanied by his big sister Kanatires at both tournaments and she placed 4th place both times in the 9/10 year-old division. Youth wrestling tournaments in NYS are held each weekend in many schools throughout the season and Tehokwirathe hopes to attend a few more this season to compete.

Youth wrestler Tehokwirathe in Palmyra, NY

Several youth from Akwesasne participate in the Massena Junior Wrestling program and will compete in the 35th annual Massena Junior Tournament on Saturday February 18th at Massena High School. There is still time to participate if you have a child aged 5-14 interested in learning how to wrestle.