Hawks win PTL wrestling title

WALDOBORO -- Mountain Valley had the depth and it paid off in scoring 140 points to win the Pine Tree Wrestling League championship for the third straight year. The Hawks proved to be in control throughout the day and bested runner-up Oxford Hills by 31.5 points.

Caleb Austin (75 pounds), Ethan Boucher (82), Nate Boucher (124) and Brandon Gill (131) won individual championships on Saturday at Medomak Valley High School.

The Hawks jumped out to a quick start, scoring 42 points in the first round and had the title in hand after the consolation semifinals.

Austin started the finals off right with a 4-3 decision against Connor McGonagle of Rockland. Austin executed two escapes that provided the difference.

Ethan Boucher, for the second straight week, decisioned Griffyn Smith of Dirigo in the final. Boucher scored a takedown and three-point near fall in the first period for a 5-0 score. Each wrestler had won by major decision and a pin earlier in the day.

“Our first round set the tone,” said MV head coach Lee Farrar. “These kids have been wrestling for several years and it shows. This may be an eighth grade laden team, but we have some sixth graders who are coming up. The more mat time a person has, the more improved they will be.”

The Hawks' Dakota Jacques (110) had pinned two opponents in the first period, however, Jacques was stuck in the finals by Mark Smith of Brewer.

Nate Boucher completed his season unbeaten after decisioning Eli Smith of Camden. Boucher was solid throughout his career and will be prepared for the next level. Gill unbeaten in his PTWL career, won his third straight championship with an 11-4 decision. Gill went on the offensive and stuck Waterman of Troy Howard in the semifinals.

“It’s quite an accomplishment,” said Gill, regarding his record.

Tucker Rowland placed third with a 5-3 decision in the consolation finals. The Hawks Ian Austin (138), who was outweighed by 16 pounds and Alan Carrier (190) each placed fourth. Carrier decisioned Lucas "Bo" MacDonald of Dirigo in consolation semifinals.

“In a tournament like this, it’s so important to have kids wrestle back through,” said Farrar. “We brought 11 wrestlers here and eight placed.”

Dirigo (43 points) was led by Bryce Whittemore, who won the championship at 89. The Cougar recorded two pins and a 3-0 decision in the finals.

“You have to go out and wrestle,” said Whittemore, believed to be the first sixth grade champion at Dirigo. “I knew the semifinals and finals would be more competitive. On the day, it’s win or go home. There are no re-do’s.”

The Cougars were leading several matches, but mistakes allowed opponents to capitalize.

“Assistant Gunnar Bradbury and I tell the kids to leave it all on the mat,” said Dirigo coach Dana Whittemore. “The season is short, so learning and working hard in practices is where it all begins.”