Mountain Valley Middle School wins regionals

By Bob McPhee

It is still necessary to generate solid performances on the wrestling mat and that's exactly what the Mountain Valley Middle School accomplished in winning the Pine Tree Wrestling League West regional last Saturday, at Oak Hill. The Hawks scored 183 points, holding off Augusta MS 171. MV qualified 11 wrestlers for the PTWL has its league meet scheduled to be held this Saturday at Cony High School in Augusta. 

''At the onset of the season MV coach Anthony Mazza said he did not know what to expect from this team, however, a solid core group of wrestlers that returned from last year pulled through. The team was led by four champions, captains eighth graders Isaac Therrien (155-pounds) and Michael Arsenault (24-0 at 170); fifth grader Anthony Mazza Jr. (87) and sixth grader Evrit Roy (81) who each have 24-0 records during the season. Finalists  were Nate White (lost 4-2 decision at 99) and Ian Brennick (240) The Hawks Dylan Desroches (pin at 110) placed third, while four fell in the consolation finals  to place fourth; Vinny DeRoche (75), along with Jasper Turner (105) and Isaac Voisine (137) and Darin Bruno at 155. MV has adopted the mantra "embrace the grind" and has turned into a dominate force of the PTWL.

 Dirigo finished fourth 121 points with champions  Dalton Berry (24-0 at 195) and Avery Bradeen (24-0 at 240).  Bradeen pinned Brennick in first period. Jon Wainwright (105) and time; Nolan Degroot (155) were each finalists. The Cougars (six qualified) had third placers  Victor Verrill (75, weighs all of 66, dedcisioned DeRoche of MV, 4-0) and Chase Thebarge (99-pounds)

''Chase can (endure) any type of pain on him and he just fights through it,''Dirigo coach Dana Whittemore said. ''He'll be in the mix for one of the first three varsity spots in high school next year, along with Jon Wainwright who is one of the most improved wrestlers from the past three seasons.''

Berry has been improving each year and has benefitted with an improved body build and the confidence that comes with it. The coaches feel he will  impact football and wrestling teams next year  in high school if he continues to lift weights.

''Nolan (Degroot) is a very good wrestler, technical and will improve vastly when he gets just a little stronger,''Whittemore said. ''Avery has also been improving each year and it helps having Dalton as his wrestling partner.''