Wrestling has deep roots locally

DIXFIELD -- There’s always room for improvement and that will only transpire through being willing to work at it, which is why feeder programs are so important in athletics.

Throughout the River Valley, wrestling has deep roots and the high school teams at Mountain Valley and Dirigo high schools each look at what the future bodes.

The next waves of wrestlers receive their learning the fundamentals, while competing on the respective pee wee and junior high programs. The middle school teams each belong to the organized Pine Tree Wrestling League. The geographic territory includes competitors from western Maine to the mid-coast. The PTWL has been holding scheduled meets since last month and will hold regional and league championships at the end of this month.

Dirigo had its competitive fires working by starting fast en route to crushing four teams in action at the TW Kelly Middle School. The Cougars won 30 of the 38 matches contested on the mat.

The Cougars proved to be very consistent in drilling Camden by 72-15, Sugg by 74-12, Hal by 66-18 and Bath by 66-24.

Dirigo enjoyed a pinning day, with Bryce Whittemore (117 pounds) and Colin Woodhead (124) each leading the way with four.

Teammates Wyatt Lufkin (82), Chase Thebarge (96), Jon Flagg (110) and Tucker Barnett (131) each stuck three opponents.

“It was a good day,” said coach Dana Whittemore, as the team had 27 pins, each worth six team points. “We were able to get just about everyone on the team a match, when possible and that's our plan, getting mat time.”

The Cougars won two of the three matches that went the distance. Luke Luders (110) and Ivan Luu (145) won 10-7 and 8-7 decisions. Luu also fell shy in a 5-4 setback. Hunter White (103) and Cam Turner (138) each recorded two pins. Other winners included Alex Ferland 155 and Avery Bradeen 170.

Weight classes include 75, 82, 89, 96, 103, 110, 117, 124, 131, 138, 145, 155, 170, 190, 210 and 240.

“This was a great measuring stick,” said Foxcroft coach Luis Ayala.