Mike Gorton

Wrestling / Summer Survivor Program

Occupation: Social Studies Teacher, Head Wrestling Coach at New London High School

Certifications: Masters in Curriculum Development and Instruction, NEAG (UConn)

Years of Experience: Coaching 12 years, Wrestling 21 years

Experience:  He joined the wrestling team at Waterford High School and developed a passion. He was co-captain of the 2005 state championship team and academic All-State. In 2008, he founded the UConn Club Wrestling team and competed for two seasons in the National Collegiate Wrestling Association. During his time as captain and president, the team was ranked nationally by the end of year 1 and for all of year 2. Mike was one of 5 huskies in that time to become 2x national qualifiers.

Mike is best known for rebuilding the New London High School wrestling program and his work in the schools in general. In his ten years as head coach, NLHS has won 3 Conference titles and 9 top-ten finishes at states— including 2 top-five finishes in the Class L tournament and 3 in Class M. In this time, NLHS has had 5 individual state championships, 12 ECC champions, and has sent over 40 wrestlers to the State Open Championships. The program continues to bring out 40-50 kids per year under his lead, with a heavy focus on building healthy habits to promote mental health and positive interpersonal relationships beyond the mat.

Mike still competes in both wrestling and jiu jitsu and is one of the best uncles in North America.