Falcons runnerup in Mid-State League

FRYEBURG -- There was a few surprises, but Fryeburg Academy needed every single one to score 173.50 points to win their first-ever Mid-State League wrestling championship Saturday over Mountain Valley with 169 points.

Fryeburg champions Connor Sheehan (103 pounds), Jake Thurston (130) and Stephan Emery (152).

Mountain Valley, the defending champion, captured the most champions with five. Ryan Burgess (119), Taylor Carey (171), Josh Allen (189), Christian Durland (215) and Ryan Glover (285). Cody Magoon was a finalist at 125.

Lisbon (116.50), Dirigo (93) and Wells (87) rounded out the top five.

“My hat's off to Fryeburg,” said Mountain Valley coach Gary Dolloff, who was voted Coach of the Year. “They came to wrestle and had (all seven) wins in the consolation semi-finals, mostly by pins and that’s how you win tournaments.”

Fryeburg led Mountain Valley by 153 to 134 entering the championship consolations and finals, however, there’s reason to expect the unexpected.

It required a huge effort that the tournament was even held at Fryeburg's Ada Cram Wadsworth Arena. On Friday night, a broken water sprinkler sprayed 600 gallons of chemical-based water on the floor.

The Falcons definitely made things interesting beginning with Burgess (dropped to 112) who used legs in a 6-4 decision against Colin Sevigney of Wells. Carey pinned Brad Stevens of York to win the 100th match of his career.

“I knew it was coming,” said Carey. The junior had three pins in the tournament. “My dad had told me Friday night that I had 97. I am just comfortable on the mat and once I secure an arm bar and roll them over (done deal).”

Allen (head and arm) pinned Kyle Foyt-Bridges of Monmouth for the third straight match. Durland stuck Alex Robinson of Wells and Glover had his opponent on his back in the final seconds.

“I feel fine wrestling against bigger guys,” said Glover, who weighs approximately 205. “I’ve done it throughout my high school career and have adjusted to it.”

Dirigo’s D.J. Webber was a champion at 160, while teammates Dylan Sattler (103), Caleb Hall, Brett Whittemore (125) and Ryan Lemay (140) each placed third.

“The kids are young and get intimidated,” said Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert. “They see or hear about their opponent and get in their heads that they can not beat them.”

Joe Provencher and Santos Rodriguez of Mountain Valley were third at 135 and 152. Nicole Burgess (103) and Zack Cross (160) were fourth.