Falcon wrestling preview

RUMFORD -- A common theme is that the quality and not the quantity can make a difference and that's precisely what the Mountain Valley wrestling team is banking on this season.

Even with the issue pending, it comes down to the bottom line. It will weigh on exactly how much pride that each wrestler has in them.

For the second straight season, a limited number of wrestlers will hinder the Falcons in certain stages, but the main objective remains the same. There needs to be a commitment by everyone, while striving to instill similar techniques and work ethics that will lead to success.

“We'll go with what we have,” said MV Chris Bean, who echos his assistants Jeff Gilbert and Joe Thornton.

Leading the way will be senior Nicole Burgess (106-113 pounds). The fourth-year wrestler has placed fourth in the state meet in each of the previous two seasons.

MV didn't have a state champion or even a finalist but still finished third in the 2011 state meet.

The Falcons do have a good crop of underclassmen who are very tested, having been wrestling for several years.

They include a trio who medaled in the regional and state meet as freshmen. Dakota Jacques and Nate Boucher (126/132), who each placed third. Brandon Gill was fourth at 126. Jacques, who competed at 113, will need to make some adjustments because he will have bumped up two or three weight classes. Boucher and Gill each have plenty of potential, so they need to stay focused and will play key roles if they have the mental strengths to compete.

''We've got a good little team,'' said Bean during the Viking Duals. ''There are some promising wrestlers from 106 up to 138 and Ian (Austin) has really shown a great amount of improvement. It's better suited for tournaments because this team can score points.''

Ian Austin, a sophomore, had four first-period pins at the Viking. He plans to drop to 152. The Falcons could receive help from Anthony Boucher (182) and Santos Rodriguez (195), who had an ankle injury, and juniors Jake Thornton (120) and Zach Cross at 182, who each started as freshmen. Newcomers Mike Provencher (106-113) and Kyle Cote (170) will each battle.

The Falcons realize nothing comes easy while competing at the Westbrook Invitational and will host McDonald Invitational this Saturday.