Cougar wrestlers second in Nokomis Clash

NEWPORT -- The Dirigo wrestling team utilized its depth to score 177 points to finish in second place Saturday in the Nokomis Clash.

Dirigo had a trio of champions in Caleb Hall (119), Adam Gill (130) and DJ Webber (160).

In the battle of Cougars, Mount Blue wrapped the team championship (185 points), while Wells, Oak Hill and Foxcroft rounded out the top five.

Dirigo was making its first-ever appearance in the event.

“The youngsters are getting better,” said Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert. “This was a great experience for them. Every kid, except for Dylan Sattler (fourth at 103) had three matches. That's three quality matches and that’s why we came up here.”

Hall recorded a technical fall on Nick Hyde of Mount Blue. In an extremely physical match, Gill teed-off on Alex Francis of Foxcroft.

“He had gotten the initial takedown,” said Gill, who Peru resident pinned all three opponents. “But then he cross-faced me for the fourth and that made me (mad). I enjoy the physical matches.”

Dirigo sophomore Brett Whittemore, state finalist, was stuck by Trevor Weymouth of Fox in the final at 125.

The Cougars had 99 points and leap-frogged into second after scoring 50 points in the consolation-SF (five points, plus two for a pin).

Ryan Lemay (140), Bryan Blackman (145), freshman Thomas Barnett (152) and Zach White (189) each placed third. Eric Holman (112), Reilly Lombardi (135) and Nelson Pepin (171) placed fourth.

Webber fell behind before reversing and sticking Zack Faulkner of MB.

“I just needed to remember to bridge and roll,” said Webber, who had three pins during the day. “Once I got back on top (offense) position I was all right.”

Mount blue was led by individual champions Dustin Small (103), Drew Blanchet (135) and Matt Archer (285). The Cougars scored 104 points in the semifinals.

“We are having a good season,” said Mount Blue coach Bob O’Connor. “We have been solid as a dual meet team because we have some good wrestlers. This is a test to see how we are building (depth) to be a tournament team.”

Oak Hills' Keith Madore (140) and Mike Hamm (171) repeated as champions. Kyle Foyt-Bridges repeated at 189.