Whittemore registers 100th wrestling win

FRYEBURG -- When Brett Whittemore warmed up, he was well aware of the situation and the Dirigo wrestler was determined not to be denied. Even a dose of adversity couldn't derail the inevible.

The senior recorded a major decision for his 100th career win as Dirigo cruised past Monmouth by 60-12 and then had the horses to hold back Fryeburg by 48-24 in a triangular meet against Mid State League foes at Wadsworth Arena.

''My first thought was that I hope I can finish the match,” said Whittemore, who sought medical assistance after suffering a dislocated finger following the start of the third period. "It was not like every other match, even though I had wrestled (Angus of Monmouth).''

Whittermore was already leading 10-1 after having secured two pinning combinations. Whittemore returned to the mat and as the time expired, the Cougars bench and fans held up "100" signs.

''It feels great,” said Whittemore, on joining teammate DJ Webber, who hit the century club recently. “Dirigo fans are very supportive of their (student) athletes. I've got half of my family over there.”

Jesse Hutchinson also earned two big wins, beginning by pinning Stuart Buzzell of Monmouth. The Cougar sophomore is relentless and overwhelmed Buzzell, who had decisioned Hutchinson 4-1 in a tournament finals.

''I think I had overanalyzed the match against him last time," said Hutchinson, who also executed a takedown at the buzzer to beat Hunter Day of Fryeburg by 6-4 in overtime. ''Yes, I drew things, but time in OT is short (30 seconds), so you need to go.''

A case in point was the Cougars' Thomas Barnett, Webber, Nelson Pepin (182) and Zach White (220), who each stuck Fryeburg opponents. Misty Steward (113) stuck an opponent to give Dirigo a 36-6 lead. The Raiders' Ian McFawn pinned Lucas McDonald in a cradle at 195.

Cliff Boynton of Dirigo hit a head and arm for a 17-second pin at 285.

“At this point we just want the kids to be aggressive,” said Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert. “I wish my whole team was here (missing three starters), so we could get on a roll. The season is winding down.”