Recap of Hawk wrestling

MEXICO -- When Mountain Valley has its team working together, the results can be translated into success and that was certainly evident on the wrestling mat.

The operative word was pins as the Hawks started fast and a snowball effort followed en route to four wins in Pine Tree Wrestling League dual meets. This included Hawks cruising past Oxford Hills by 64-24, Augusta by 76-3, Monmouth by 66-21 and SAWALI by 60-24 at the middle school.

The PTWL has scheduled multiple teams at one venue, which allows each team in region to see each other. MV certainly made the most of its opportunities, showing opponents the gymnasium lights 28 times (each pin is worth six-team points).

''I always feel as though Mountain Valley has a chance to win,” said MV coach Anthony Mazza. ''We are not as deep at certain weights this year because a few wrestlers did not come out for the team but I am excited about the kids we have on the mat. They are really primed to score a great deal of points.''

MV had several multiple winners, led by four pins each by Caleb Austin (110 pounds), Eddie DeRoche (117) and Isaac Therrien (124). Ethan Boucher and Kyle Farrar each had three sticks/forfeit at 103 and 138, respectively. ''

Ethan and Caleb have both won at the national level,'' said Mazza. ''Many are working hard at club practices and are bringing their wrestling to higher levels.''

Against Monmouth, the Hawks Josh Thibodeau (75) and Vinnie DeRoche (82) each stuck opponents in what was a prelude of things to come. Nate White lost a close 4-2 decision, however, MV proceeded to win eight of the final 10 matches, contested on the mat. Will Bean ignited the streak at 96.

The Hawks won two of four decisions both by majors (worth four team points). White shut out Justin David of OH by 9-0 and Tyler Brown won 14-4 at 170. Brown is a first-year wrestler, along with Jasper Turner (89), Josh Benson (131), Darin Buono (145), Kaylee Hagen (155), Jon Hodge (170) and Michael Arsenault at (190).

''Our new wrestlers have shown tremendous mental strength to handle adversity while getting better each week,'' said Mazza, adding, ''I wish that the state would organize middle school wrestling such as high school. I would love to see how our (PTWL) teams would stack up against other teams in the state.''