Local wrestlers at Kennebunk Duals

KENNEBUNK -- There is no hiding on a mat, so each wrestler needs to be prepared both physically and mentally because there are no excuses.

Wrestling teams from Mountain Valley and Dirigo experienced real doses of competition at the Kennebunk Duals.

The Falcons won two of four meets, while the Cougars won four of their five meets, there was plenty of activity to go around. The event is comprised of 10 teams, divided equally into two pools of five. The two locals were in the second pool.

Class B Mountain Valley lost to York early, before coming from behind to beat a Noble B squad, 40-39. Dirigo had nearly a full team and pulled away 56-23. The Falcons then rallied back to knock off Kennebunk, 39-36.

"We had a good day," said Mountain Valley coach Chris Bean. "The kids wrestled well and won a majority of matches, as we have done in all but two meets this season. Everyone (seven) was here today, but it's difficult to give up 30 points (six forfeits) and come back. A couple kids had been sick and need to work on their balance."

Class C Dirigo had beaten Kennebunk by 52-18, the Falcons, York by 55-21 and Noble by 58-18 to improve to 19-1. The Cougars advanced to championship and was humbled by Class A Marshwood, 70-7.

Freshman Griffyn Smith remained unbeaten by recording a 10-0 major decision against the Hawks Darren LaPointe. The Cougar wrestler had pinned LaPointe at the Atlantic tournament finals last month. Zack White won an 8-2 decision at 220.

In the meet between the rivals, Dirigo won four of the seven matches contested on the mat. Falcon Dakota Jacques stuck Reilly Lombardi with 15 seconds left in the match at 132. The Cougars won the next four, including three straight pins (six points each) and a technical fall (won by 15, five team points). Thomas Barnett over Ian Austin, DJ Webber on Anthony Boucher and Nelson Pepin on Zack Cross.

Smith executed near-fall points against Nicole Burgess. MV won the last two, with freshman Mike Provencher inning Misty Steward at 113. Jake Thornton decisioned Gus Brown 16-3 at 120.

“The kids were able to wrestle a lot of matches,” said Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert. “With five today, by Monday (Jan. 21) we'll have (11 in nine days). Smith and Lucas MacDonld (195) have over 23 matches now so it's hard to call them freshmen.”

Dirigo's Jesse Hutchinson stuck three at 145. Falcon Brandon Gill and Cougar Brett Whittemore each had two pins at 126 and 152, respectively. Against Kennebunk, Austin secured a head and arm pin, while Cross got a takedown with 31 seconds left to win 2-1.