DIXFIELD-A common theme in any competition is to never
underestimate an opponent because there could be dire straits and Bryce Whittemore almost experienced exactly how
hollow the feeling can be, however, the Dirigo wrestler refocused in order to
persevere.
The rest of the Dirigo team also stayed composed and passed
the test in a series of Mid State League dual meets, that saw the Cougars
easily roll over undermanned Oak Hill 52-9, Monmouth
Academy 66-12 and York 63-3 at Defoe Gymnasium.
From the time that Whittemore stepped on the mat, it was a
matter of seconds before reality set in. That's because the Cougar sophomore
was scrambling back and forth after having been shown the lights.
''I definitely wasn't ready,''Whittemore said, regarding to
facing Dempsey Carignan of Maranacook, who had secured a head and arm. ''I knew
that I needed to start scoring some points after wasting away the first period.''
Demsey executed the takedown (two points) and exposed
Whittemores' back to the mat for a three-point near fall. Whittemore spent the
majority of the period turning to avoid being pinned. He attempted two roll-through,
but risked having both shoulders touching the mat simultaneous.
"I had never seen (Dempsey) and didn't know what to
expect,"Whittemore said, who executed a standing escape late in the first
period and followed with an escape, takedown and near fall points in the second
period, en route to an 8-5 decision.
''I won't make that mistake again.''
Whittemore had reached the state finals, as a freshman last
year. Older brother Brett also was a state finalist, as a freshman. Dana
(father and assistant coach) placed fourth, in the 1988 Class B state meet.
Dirigo current freshman wrestled an inspiring match against
Danny Buteau, pulling to with-in one point, before losing a 7-4 decision. The
Oak Hill sophomore won a Class B state championship, last season. Wainwright
then stuck Emily Levassar of Monmouth.
Gus Smith (126) returned for Dirigo and executed a pin. Griffyn
Smith (120), Hunter White (138), Ethan Bryant (160) and Dalton Berry
.