Locals compete in Friendship Series

FARMINGTON -- Ryan Burgess and Christian Durland of Mountain Valley each had predetermined plans and things worked out on the wrestling mat during the 27th annual Friendship Series.

The steamy Farmington Recreation Center saw Joey Metcalf of Mt. Blue win a major decision and Caleb Austin of Skowhegan win twice as Maine won five of 32 bouts.

Burgess (118), a three-time state champion, took control early en route to a 9-2 decision against Jacob Sebade. The Falcon executed the takedown and tilted the Cornhusker.

“He tried to muscle me, so I took a shot,” said Burgess, who will wrestle at Plymouth State in the fall. “I hadn’t really done any conditioning for this. Once I did get him on the mat, I needed to tilt him and then I hit (head and arm); that was my favorite move as a freshman.”

Durland (200) bided his time and it paid off against 295-pound Ian Dicke in the end. Durland pushed forward and executed an ankle-pick takedown with four seconds left.

“I knew that I couldn’t try using technique against him through out the match," said Durland, who will attend Daniel Webster College and study Air Traffic Control. “I just waited for a throw or an opening. He sure was heavy.”

Dicke had escaped with 37 seconds left and tried staying neutral, until Durland forged ahead. Durland plans to transfer to UMaine and play football.

Falcon teammate Taylor Carey (175), a two-time finalist, lost 1-0 to Traven Claflin, on a standing escape in the third period. Metcalf stayed aggressive to dominate Dicke 14-4.

"This was a good showing,” said Mount Blue coach Bob O’Connor. “There were some close matches, beginning with incoming freshmen Tyler Craig of Mt. Blue, who lost 1-0 (escape) and Durland throwing that guy twice was the highlight of the night.

There was plenty of interest in this event. It was good for the sport.”

Dirigo state champion DJ Webber (159) lost two matches. However, his competitiveness materialized in the latter.

“DJ got caught,” said Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert, regarding a 5-1 loss to Grant Holscher of North Platte. “DJ lacks confidence in his takedown, so once he shot in he stopped and the kid bulled him over. But he knows it and needs to wrestle through it."

Incoming freshmen, Nate Boucher (125) and Dakota Jacques of Mountain Valley each gained experience. Experience aided Burgess and Austin who toured Nebraska last summer.