By Bob McPhee
There will be plenty of wrestling on display in the River Valley when the Mid-State League championships is held this Saturday. Host Mountain Valley is the defending champion (138.5 points) after having rallied past York (127). It was the Falcons, 14th MSL crown.
It proved to be one of the most competitive league tournaments ever- four teams were within six points of each other entering the championship consolations and finals, which were held simultaneously. Mountain Valley trailed York by four points, but won seven of eight matches by pins (plus two points) led by champions Caleb Austin (113) and Ethan Boucher (120). Dirigo 118 finished a respectable third behind champion Bryce Whittemore, who has bumped up to 152.
The MSL will feature numerous wrestlers who placed, last year. In any tournaments it is important for wrestlers who have suffered adversity to wrestle back and score vital advancement team points. Griffyn Smith of Dirigo, won an MSL title in 2013 and is a two-time Class C state champion, will likely faced Boucher.
There is several potential matchups: Oak Hill's Danny Buteau defending 106 champion and Dirigo freshman Chase Thebage; Falcons Brandon Gill and Tucker Barnett of Dirigo, at 132; Hunter White of Dirigo and Dakota Jacques of MV, at 138; Ian Austin of MV and Fryeburgs Willy MacFawn, at 182; Dirigo's Lucas ''Bull'' MacDonald and Fryeburg's Trevor Henschel, at 195. Others to watch, Dirigo's Jon Wainwright (113), Spencer Vaughan (170) and Dalton Berry (182). Falcons Eddie DeRoche at 126. Michel Curtis 220 of Wells.