Maine All-Star Tournament
BATH-There was still some thing to prove and Lisbon did its talking on the wrestling mat scoring 115.5 to repeat as champions at the second annual All-Star tournament over bridesmaid Noble 80.5.
The Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance sponsors the event, which follows in-season guidelines by the Maine Principal Association.
Lisbon was led by champions, Josh Pomerleau (119-pounds), Matt Nicholson 135 and Joe Doughty at 215. The Geyhounds essentially secured their crown by winning six (72 points) semi-finals, to takes a commanding lead.
“We needed to have all our kids come to wrestle,”Lisbon coach Mark Stevens said, reflecting on some individual’s skipping the event to avoid losing to another champ or a state medalist from another class. “Or it will all be in vain. This is a neutralizer, regardless of which class teams are in. We have to wrestle up to each kids seed.’
As expected, the action produced several top-notch matches and it began early and often.
Nicholson technical fell 15-0 Justin Ciciotte of Mount Ararat and Doughty secured a power half nelson to pin Nick Wells of Oak Hill.
Freshman Connor Sheehan from Fryeburg won the 103 crown, tech fell Class A state champion Tyler Davidson of Marshwood.
Dirigo senior Brandon Jonaitis recorded one the biggest splashes by rallying to decision Brandon Rich of Camden Hills in the consolation SF. The duo had exchanged reversals and were tied, before the Cougar executed an all out reversal with eight seconds left in the match.
“It felt really good,”Jonaitis said, for 100th career win. “Especially against Rich because he had beaten me twice in this tournament, last year. He tried a splade and I knew how to counter it because (Alex) Miele try’s using it in practice on me.”
In a rematch of the Class C state meet, Eric Coulombe of Monmouth placed third with a 3-0 decision against Jonaitis. The foes were scoreless after two periods, but Coulombe pealed off a standing escape.”
“I don’t think some kids take this seriously,”Monmouth coach Shawn Schultz said. “It’s less pressure than the state meet, but there are math-ups when some one or both have scores to settle.”
A trio of Lisbon finalists found the going rough, Forrest Cornell (112), Mike McNamara (130) and Marcus Bubar 145. The state champions each lost to state champions, including Mcnamera who lost a 3-1 overtime thriller to Zach Fields of Camden Hills. The Greyhounds Art Stambach placed third at 189.
“This is a relaxed tounament,”Bubar said, referring to any pressure must be self-induced. I think you’d see more kids here if it meant (earning) a trip to New Englands.”
The state champions have automatically qualified to compete in the New England Championships, next in New Haven, CT.
Matt Duka of Mountain Valley earned a hard fought third place at 160. The trex began with an overtime loss and ended with a winning takedown in the consolation finals.
“I’ve been sick and debated about coming,”Duka said, who was the Falcons lone wrestler. “I’m glad I did now. I thought I’d be in the finals, but that (SF) match took a lot out of me.”
Dirigo freshman Brett Whittemore 103 started strong by sticking an opponent who had the upper hand and lost to Mark Smith of Foxcroft Academy, in a rematch of the state meet. Teammate Caleb Hall (fourth at 112) was short changed against Rob Quimby of Noble. “All my guys won a match,”Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert said. “There were some marvelous displays of wrestling and the competition made the match increasingly more scientific.”
Matt Delgallo of Gardiner, a four-time state champion and Stephen Martin 171 of Bonny Eagle each repeated, also.
Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Poll 2/17
1. Noble (Knights standing tall after receiving a team effort)
2. Camden Hills (Windjammers utilized depth in the cons to sail, yonder)
3. Lisbon (Greyhounds answered the critics and added, extra help)
4. Massabesic (Mustangs couldn’t bang a higher gear, when needed)
5. Mountain Valley (Falcons knew it was an uphill battle and made no excuses)
6. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen came on strong, but ran short on luck)
7. Morse (Shipbuilders kept on course and surprised people, weekly)
8. Westbrook (Blue Blazes had kids step up and will be Eastern power)
9. Marshwood (Hawks returned to their competitive nature)
10. Fryeburg (Raiders have been building for this and deserve it)
Outstanding Wrestler: Steve Martin, Bonny Eagle
Coach of Year: Shawn Guest, Morse
Best of Rest: Wells, Oak Hill, Penobscot Valley, Cony
Two dozen wins against cdx
Camden Hills takes Class B State Championship
The motto 'no excuses, just give-um some’ was for the Mountain Valley wrestling team, however, it didn’t have enough depth to stay with Camden Hills who scored 130 points to win the Class B state championship.
Mountain Valley finished second 108 points, led by champions Ryan Burgess (103-pounds) Josh Thornton (140). The Falcon finalists were Taylor Carey (152), Christian Durland 189 and Ryan Glover at 285. The aforementioned five are each underclassmen, which bodes well for next season.
The Falcons had led entering the consolation round, but Camden Hills placed five wrestlers in third or fourth. In a reversal of the regional final, Matt Duka of MV decisioned Mike Hamm of Oak Hill 8-4 to place third at 160.
“All of our kids scored,”Mountain Valley coach Gary Dolloff said. “We placed six of the nine kids that came. I’m happy with that. We had put five in the finals, but we didn’t have enough to hold (CH) off in the consolations.”
The main threats entering the event were regional champions Mountain Valley and Camden Hills, which held true.
“I’m not disappointed with the kid’s efforts,”Dolloff said. “(CH) had 12 and we had nine. It was an uphill battle to start with.”
Burgess and Carey each faced Fryeburg wrestlers for the third-straight week. The teammates have each qualified to compete in the New England championships at New Haven, Connecticut, next month.
Burgess defended his crown with a 2-1 decision over Connor Sheehan. The match was tied after two periods, but Burgess executed a standing escape in the final minute in the final minute. It was redemption for Burgess, who had lost to Sheehan in the regional final. Earlier during the day, the Falcon wrestler had beaten Coleman Powers of CH 5-4 overtime in the semi-finals.
In a rubber match, Thornton decisioned Brandon Rich of Camden 3-2. The Falcon junior escaped in the second period and then held the Windjammer down in the third period. Carey lost 1-0 to Stefan Emery 3-2, it was the third-straight one-point match between the duo. Durland was decisioned 6-0 by two-time state champ Tyler Russell of Morse. In the final match, Glover lost 7-1 to Stephen Johnson of Wells.
Lisbon takes third straight Class C state title at Dexter High School.
DEXTER- When Alex Meile stepped on the wrestling mat over two months ago the Dirigo senior was still on a high and that feeling was repeated after winning the 160-pound championship at the Class C state meet.
The Dirigo team found the going tough and faded to fourth with 117.5 points.
Lisbon was too strong with six individual champions, scoring 190 points to win its third-straight state championship. Penobscot Valley 141 was second, Dexter 121 was third.
Miele pinned Lee Gustin of Dexter, with a splade in the first period.
"I felt good today,"Miele said, Gustin had the initial takedown,but Miele, a state finalist last year, quickly executed a reversal.
."I stayed with basics (first two pins), but I got lucky against Gustin last week because he lost his balance. It WA tougher this time ."
Miele, who was a standout receiver on the state championship football team, joins older brother Kyle who won two state wrestling championships at Dirigo.
The Cougars freshmen Brett Whittemore and Brandon Jonaitis were finalists at 103 and 40, respectively.
Whittemore lost a hard fight 2-1 decision to Mark Smith of Foxcroft Academy. Whittemore, who had lost 7-0 to the Ponies wrestler, last week, escaped with 48 seconds left.
Jonaitis, a 2009 state champion, lost 2-0 to Eric Coloumbe of Monmouth. It was the third-straight week the two foes faced each other. It was 0-0 entering third period and Coloumbe executed a switch with 18 seconds left.
"I was confident,"Jonaitis said, who was seeking his 100th career match. "I'll go with what got me here, but I do need to change my takedown style against him."
Dirigo bus driver Montell ‘Bummy’ Kennedy did double duty after going to rescue the Monmuth team who was stranded when its bus broke down.
The Cougars depth was expected to be an asset, but Chad Oakes third at 145 and Justin Jasper placed fourth at 125.
"The kids wrestled tough,"Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert said. "A couple lost early on, like Caleb (Hall at 112), it was the third match against (Vincent Malinskas of Dexter) and (Malinskas) was due, but I was not worried about him wrestling back. The thirds and fourths were key for us."
The ability to wrestle back through was imperative. Hall executed a double-leg takedown in overtime 9-7 and placed third.
There was a long delay following a semi-final consolation match between Ben Dolloff of Dirigo and Ryan Havleck of Lisbon, who won 7-4. The clock had not been reset to 2:00 for the second period, so only one of the 2:00 was actually wrestled. Dirigo protested, but the referee and tournament officials concluded Dolloff had vacated the wrestling area.
Lisbon champions included Forrest Cornell 112, Josh Pomerleau 119, Mike McNamara 130, Matt Nicholson 135, Marcus Bubar 145 and Joe Doughty at 215. The Greyhounds won their third-straight team crown, seventh in 10 years and have won 13 individual titles, in the past two years.
The individual state champions automatically qualified for the New England championships to be held in Connecticut next month. Bubar major decisioned Jordon Fogg of Bucksport. Art Stambach of Lisbon lost 9-2 in 189 final to most outstanding wrestler Doug Richardson of Dexter.
Former Rumford wrestler Lenny Doiron coaches Penobscot Valley.
Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Poll 2/8
1. Noble (Knights DeVoll still believes a better effort awaits)
2. Massabesic (Mustangs can’t not hold back now, it’s the home stretch)
3. Camden Hills (Windjammers rely on double Powers and strong cast)
4. Mountain Valley (Falcons made up for shortages with true grit on mat)
5. Lisbon (Greyhounds need their magnificent seven and more)
6. Westbrook (Blue Blazes are the new beast of the East)
7. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen Martin is unbeaten and will not be denied)
8. Cony (Rams are banking on Ancia and Vallee to reach apex) 9. Fryeburg (Raiders have come a long way from Fairgrounds)
10 T. Dirigo (Cougars have a good mix and will be on prowl)
Knocking on door Marshwood, Morse, Wells, Oak Hill, Penobscot Valley
Maine Amateur High School Wrestling Alliance Rankings
1/28/10 WRESTLING POLL
1. Noble (Knights )
2. Massabesic (Mustangs )
3. Lisbon (Greyhounds )
4. Marshwood (Hawks )
5. Mountain Valley (Falcons )
6. Camden Hills
7. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen)
8. Cony (Rams)
9. Westbrook (Blue Blazes )
10. Mount Ararat
Knocking on door Kennebunk, Belfast, Oak Hill, Morse, Mount Blue
Maine High School Wrestling Poll 1/19
Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance
1. Massabesic (Mustangs must work together in order to return to front of herd)
2. Noble (Knights will be well conditioned, after having been there)
3. Lisbon (Greyhounds rode Bubar’ pin to win Kennebunk Duals)
4. Marshwood (Hawks are hovering above and picking off opponents)
5. Mountain Valley (Falcons will need full contribution by their upper weights)
6. Camden Hills (Windjammers keep it close and will take their chances)
7. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen heard words of wisdom from the legend, will it stick)
8. Westbrook (Blue Blazes have been building something, so it’s time to act)
9. Mount Blue (Cougars may have a strength in numbers to make noise)
10. Cony (Rams could be factor in, but they will need full team)
Knocking on door Kennebunk, Belfast, Oak Hill, Dirigo
Maine High School Wrestling Poll 12/29
Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance
1. Noble (Knights used depth to be host with most in tournament)
2. Massabesic (Mustangs have the horses that can lead the herd, again)
3. Camden Hills (Windjammers have the powers and a field of dreams)
4. Lisbon (Greyhounds cant rest and still remain on correct track)
5. Westbrook (Blue Blazes could have finally left their Morin-ings)
6. Mountain Valley (Falcons hovering over and finding proper weight classes)
7. Marshwood (Hawks can be dark horse w/ K light in the wild West)
8. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen are not about to go away without a bearing of arms)
9. Mount Ararat (Eagles could be factors with additional drilling techniques)
10. Belfast (Lions were champions and need to find similar hearts)
Knocking on door Wells, Cony
DelGallo showed class in-first-ever in-state loss to Fields
Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Wrestling Poll 12/21
1. Noble (Knights have plenty of weapons and continue to build)
2.Lisbon (Greyhounds scored with six studs in covering Atlantic)
3. Massabesic (Mustangs are waiting and trying to find the Knights waterloo)
4. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen have Steve Martin and we‚ll see who else)
5. Camden Hills (Windjammers will be tested to see where they sail)
6. Mountain Valley (Falcons rebounded with focus and will be contenders)
7. Marshwood (Hawks Jake Rasque survived battle of state champions)
8. Westbrook (Blue Blazes have not really shown what they have, yet)
9. Belfast (Lions have to leave their den to find new replacements)
10. Cony (Rams will need to toughen up and add depth)
Knocking on door Wells, York
Survive the holiday and put plans in motion∑
Mountain Valley at Atlantic Invitational
WELLS ˜ The performances on the mat were decisive for the Mountain Valley sophomores Robert Worthley (119-pounds) and Taylor Carey (171) who each won individual championships at the Atlantic Invitational, however, the Falcons team settled for a bridesmaid finish behind Lisbon 155 points to 132.5 points.
Mountain Valley did come on strong to slip past Class A Marshwood by 2.5 points, when Josh Allen (3-1) pinned a Hawk wrestler in 47 seconds to place third at 189.
Dirigo champions were Brandon Jonaitis and Alex Miele at 140 and 160, respectively.
„It was a great team performance(S),‰MV assistant Jeff Gilbert said, who placed eight in the top four of their respective weight classes. „Finishing second to Lisbon in a tournament, only 19.5 points behind them with two quality wrestlers out, is pretty good.‰ Worthley (fourth seed) upset the top seed in the semi-finales and recorded a 12-2 major decision over Cheyenne Augstine of Medomak Valley. Carey stuck two opponents and then executed an escape to upset Dillon Tibbetts of Oak Hill. The Falcon had lost to Tibbetts in the SF at McDonalds tournament. Both Worthley and Carey placed fourth in the 2008 Atlantic.
The 112 division featured four defending state champions, including MV‚s Ryan Burgess (fourth) who lost in overtime in SF to eventual champion Jake Rasque of Marshwood. The Falcon junior lost 3-2 to Forrest Cornell of Lisbon, in the consolation finals.
The Mid State League was well-represented by Lisbon, Wells, York and Fryeburg, in addition to the Falcons and Cougars.
Jonaitis was on a mission and decisioned Scott Cryer of Wells 6-1. The Cougar state champion was very disappointed after placing fourth at the McDonalds tourney. He was seeded fourth and beat numbers one and two in the tourney.
Miele had two sticks, before decisioning (top seed) Patrick Hapworth of Maine Central Institute 6-3. Miele lost 6-4 in the ‚08 Atlantic, last year.
Tim Ross 130 and Matt Duka 3-1 at 160 each placed third and teammates Christian Durland and Ryan Glover each placed fourth at 215 and 285, respectively.
Dirigo freshman Brett Whittemore placed fourth at 103.
Dirigo (69 points) had 11 wrestlers in the pigtail rounds and (Ryan Lemay, Dylan Castonguay, Nelson Pepin, Alex Snowman and Eric Holman) each lost. So, the Cougars were battling back as a team with fewer bullets.
Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Rankings
12/7/09
1. Noble (Knights still the top team until someone knocks them off)
2.Lisbon (Greyhounds can hold its own against rest of competition)
3. Massabessic (Mustangs lost the big names but return a solid nucleus)
4. Mountain Valley (Falcons return depth squad, plus a healthy Magoon and Allen)
5. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen are legit contenders, especially in tournaments)
6. Camden Hills (Windjammers return the most points to the B state meet)
7. Cony (Coach Totman has really got this Ram team on track)
8. Belfast (Lions must overcome adversity and loss of key wrestlers)
9. Fryeburg (Raiders won their tournament, youth movement is working)
10. Oak Hill (They have chance to be near top, but must avoid injuries)
Hal Watson of Rumford inducted in to the Maine Amateur Wrestling Hall
PORTLAND—It is certainly deserving and Hal Watson of Rumford was officially inducted in to the Maine Amateur Wrestling Hall Of Fame.
Over 100 people attended the MAWA banquet held at Verrillo's Convention Center, Saturday July 18.
The honor is certainly humbling to Watson who started the Dirigo wrestling program three decades ago with little support or guarantees.
Master of Ceremonies Wally Lafountain, HOF member, cited Watson for his intense dedication .
Watson had initially started a wrestling program at Dirigo in 1980, however, the administration put things on the back burner. The vision resurfaced in 1985 when his second-floor classroom served as a practice room and approximately 10, four by eight-foot mats were taped together. At Dirigo there were numerous obstacles, especially since the team wasn’t allowed to practice in Defoe Gymnasium at the high school. In 1989, a regulation wrestling mat was purchased, however, it was stored at the middle school one mile away.
Watson was initially introduced to wrestling by the late Mel Preble who coached at Stephens.
“I surrounded myself with good coaches,”Watson said. “I took advice from anybody, then I’d pick and choose from the information that I had stumbled across.” Dirigo paid its dues and Watson hammered out discipline, while early assistants Peter Glover, Mike Burke, Roger Smith, Glenn Gurney and Spencer Quiriron were the technicians.
Watson credited former athletic director Brad Payne for being supportive of the program. Then Rumford coach and fellow HOF Jerry Perkins told Watson the Cougar wrestlers knew what moves to execute, but they needed physical conditioning. Watson didn’t take any criticism personally, but instead quietly listened and learned.
Mark Stevens of Lisbon accepted Coach-of-the-Year honors. The Greyhound dynasty has flourished under Stevens, including winning Class C state championships twice in the past three years. In 2009, Lisbon outscored bridesmaid Dirigo and Bucksport by 73 points.
Also inducted in to the HOF were former coaches Bob Walker and Mark Lewia and Sanford wrestler Ryan Kalman.
Walker had no prior wrestling experience, however, with sheer determination and a can-do-attitude founded the program at Noble HS in 1973; winning state crowns at Noble 1985 and at Kennebunk 1991.
The Wrestler of the Year is Travis Spencer-Belfast who is a four-time state champion. The award is named for legendary coach John Carmaihalis, who started wrestling in Maine in 1959. Spencer, 2009 New England finalist, earned All-American Honorable Mention by Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine, respectively. The Lion standout has received a full-scholarship from a Missouri University.
The Maine-Nebraska Friendship Series had its beginnings In April of 1984
The wrestling will be intense when competitiors step on the mat for the silver anniversary of the Maine/Nebraska Friendship Series later this month. The venues will feature competitors from Mountain Valley,Lisbon, Oak Hill and Dirigo.
Oak Hill High School will be the second of four competitions for the Cornhuskers who will also compete at York 22nd, Cony 26th and Morse the 28th. The exchange was created in 1985 and is the longest running exchange between two states in the entire country.
The two states have alternated hosting each other, with the visiting team typically wrestling at four different sites.
This will be Oak Hill‚s initial time hosting Nebraska and several wrestlers from Lisbon and Oak Hill are scheduled to compete. They include Lisbon state champions Forrest Cornell 115, Marcus Bubar 145, Mike McNamara (130), Kyle Huston 150 and Joe Doughty 220. Raider state champion Craig Morrill and finalists Keith Madore, Dillon and Clyde Tibbetts and Nick Wells at 182.
Of 16 kids on our team, seven are state champs eight runners up,‰Oak Hill coach Shane Bouchard, a former Dirigo wrestler. „One placed fourth, but beat one of the state champs during the year. So while we may not have the Marquee wrestlers, but we have a very solid group, from some very solid teams (Lisbon, Oak Hill, Camden, Noble). Alex Meile of Dirigo was a finalist.
Best of all.......I believe...... Is the group of kids,‰Bouchard said. „They are all around great kids and that was an important part of deciding who to pick.
Mountain Valley‚s Ryan Burgess (105) will be at Cony and teammate Ernie Matthews (145) has been invited, also. Each won Class B state championships. Matthews, two-time state champ, is the Falcons all time leader in wins.
Dirigo state champion Brandon Jonaitis will compete at Morse. Nebraska will be stacked, Maine Team Leader Shawn Guest said. After (Maine) going 3-1 last year out there, Tom (McCann) will be gunning for bear. They are just so deep in high school wrestlers in the state. Of course it helps when (three university teams placed in top four inn respective division). Kids want to wrestle.
Maine team will feature four-time state champions Joe Eon of Massabesic and Travis Spencer-Belfast-189. Spencer, 2009 New England finalist, earned All-American Honorable Mention by Wrestling U.S.A. Magazine, respectively. The Lion standout has received a full-scholarship from a Missouri University. Nebraska wrestlers are well-known for securing legs to control matches.
The guys we are bringing are not all state champs,‰ McCann said. „But a good mix of kids that qualified through our try out system, for the most part. They are a good group of kids.
The Cornhusker state really has 210 schools offering wrestling in four classes. Class A has 32 of the largest schools - most have over 1,000 students.; Class B has 48 schools with enrollments from 400 to 700+; Class C 150 students and up - has 64 schools. Class D is schools with under 150 students.
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The Maine-Nebraska Friendship Series had its beginnings In April of 1984 when Wally LaFountain, an official from Winslow attended a National Federation of High School's rules committee in Kansas City and met Mick Pierce, who coached at Lincoln Southeast High School in Nebraska.
Given the great geographical and economic diversity of the two states, the Great Plains-Atlantic Ocean, this is truly a great cultural exchange. The various scenery and unique experiences continue to provide the participants with life-long memories.
Following the first year of the exchange, Pierce handed the Nebraska Program over to Tom McCann, coach at Kearney, Nebraska. Wally LaFountain was the leader on the Maine side of the program for ten years. In 1995, he stepped Down, giving the responsibility of the exchange to Dennis Walch. After leading the exchange for nine years, Walch, retired Westbrook coach, passed the responsibility on to Guest; a veteran coach at both Wiscasset and Morse. On the Nebraska end, McCann has led for 23 years. Nearly 1000 Maine wrestlers have participated in over 1500 matches. Maine has also Wrestled against individuals from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, South DakotaAnd Texas. While the wrestling is fierce on the mats, the main purpose Is to initiate friendships and develop an understanding of a slightly.
Maine Hall of Fame addition on BOB Walker
The MAWA Hall OF Fame increases each year as deserving individuals are recognizes for accomplishments and contributions to the worlds oldest sport. A foursome will be officially inducted at a MAWA banquet this summer. They include former coaches Bob Walker, Hal Watson and Mark Lewia and Sanford wrestler Ryan Kalman.
Robert Bob Walker had no prior wrestling experience, however, with sheer determination and a can-do-attitude founded the program at Noble HS in 1973 and also enjoyed a success tenure at Kennebunk.
In nearly two decades, Walker compiled a 253-98-1 dual-meet record and along the way won state championships at each interscholastic institution. This included the hundreds of individuals who he helped and earned their respect.
After getting the Knights going in 1974, Walker stepped away for a season, before returning in 1976 and stayed mat side until 1985. Noble finished fourth in the 1977 Class A state meet, but it served as a prelude of things to come.
In Walkers nomination, current Noble coach Kip DeVoll wrote Bob was my coach and mentor at Noble, along with many other athletes at Noble and Kennebunk. If it had not been for Bob, I would not be where I am today in terms of coaching. Bob is the father of Noble wrestling, having started the program from scratch in 1973 with no previous wrestling experiences, he built a powerful base for future teams to follow.
In ‚81 and ‚84, Noble proved to be a team to be on the move after placing second at the regional and state meets, respectively. In ‚85, the Knights broke through by winning both the regional and state meets.
Following the banner season, Walker moved up the road to Kennebunk and
In 1991, Kenn tied Sanford for the Class A state championship. In 1994, Walker retired and Dale Doucette took over.. DeVoll and Doucette both wrestled for Walker at Noble and both coach the Knights. Glenn Rowe and Steve Winkleman were Walker's first two state champions. Walker coached 17 individual state champions 10 at Noble and seven at Kennebunk; is believed to be the only coach to win a team state championship without ever competing in the sport; even more amazing, he won two state titles with two different high school programs.
Walker was committed to enhancing the sport and served as Liaison to the MPA from 1989-94.
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Mark Lewia who coached wrestling at Wells for 23 years earned plenty of respect and will be inducted in to the MAWA HOF, also. Lewia guided the Warriors beginning in 1983 and following the 2006 stepped aside to coach the junior high program.
Lewia had discovered how wrestling can contribute to a person‚s life, when competing at Kennebunk. He placed third in the 1979 state meet. The lessons learned prompted him to move in to the coaching ranks.
Wells won 254 dual meets and became a team to watch for in tournament competition. This included Class B state championships in 1988 and 1996, respectively. In both big wins the teams had stepped-up following set backs at the regional, one week earlier. The Warriors did win three regional crowns and finished second seven times.
Lewia coached 26 individual state champions and 54 state finalists. This included the late Sean Sheehy who won three titles. The Navy Seal was inducted in to the MAWA HOF in 1994.
Wells has always been a competitive program which competes hard and has earned nine Sportsmanship awards from the Maine Principal‚s Association.
When Lewia stepped away his brother Scott took over and continues coaching the high school team.
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Ryan Kalman who competed at Sanford HS and Springfield College will be inducted as a competitor. He was a member of two state championship teams at Sanford and was a finalist in ‚92 state meet.
Kalman enrolled at Springfield and excelled in the classroom and on the wrestling mat. He was an Academic All American in 1995 and 1997.
In ‚97, Kalman earned All American honors with a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Division III championships. He was inducted in to the New England College Conference Wrestling Association HOF.
Kalman joins his late father Keith as the fourth father-son tandem in the MAWA HOF. The elder Kalman won a NE championship in 1964, in fact Sanford is the only Maine team to ever win the NE crown.
Hal Watson, Dirigo coach is a member of the 2009 Maine Amateur Wrestling Hall Of Fame.
It requires quite an event to revoke a reaction from Hal Watson, however, even the mild-mannered man was rendered speechless upon being informed that the former Dirigo coach is a member of the 2009 Maine Amateur Wrestling Hall Of Fame.
The honor is certainly humbling to Watson who started the Cougar wrestling program over three decades ago with little support or guarantees. Still, Watson refused to be deterred and was determined to see his dream become a reality.
Watson will be officially inducted at a MAWA banquet this summer. He will be joined by former coaches Bob Walker and Mark Lewia and Sanford wrestler Ryan Kalman.
Watson engulfed the opportunity and with a no-nonsense and can do attitude, Dirigo has revolved from club level to a state powerhouse.
“I am overwhelmed at being selected,”Watson said, a retired history teacher. “To have my name mentioned in the same conversation with those (past and current) recipients is gratifying. As I have contacted people, it has forced me to realize that this has happened to a short, fat, bald kid from (River Valley).”
Watson had initially started a wrestling program at Dirigo in 1980 and Jack Schmidt placed third in the 1982 Class B state meet. Despite high student participation, a lack of interest by the administration put things on the back burner.
Fortunately, the vision resurfaced in 1985 when first-year principal Tom Ward asked Watson if he’d be willing to be wrestling coach. Watson’s second-floor classroom served as a practice room and approximately 10, four by eight-foot mats were taped together between the iron-heating grates, which were cranked up.
“Hal is very deserving,”Ward said, currently SAD 21 superintendent. “I vividly remember watching Hal empty his classroom every night after school and put together what he had for mats and coach wrestling. I knew then that I had to find a way to buy him a wrestling mat and support him in starting wrestling at DHS. The rest is history.”
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Watson initially introduced to wrestling by the late Mel Preble who coached at Stephens High School in Rumford. The fever and love for the pure sport never escaped his intra-being.
When the sport was reintroduced at Dirigo there were numerous obstacles to overcome, especially since the team wasn’t allowed to practice in Defoe Gymnasium at the high school. In 1989, a regulation wrestling mat was purchased, however, it was stored at the middle school one mile away. Dirigo paid its dues and Watson handled things by instituting his own style. He hammered out discipline, while early assistants Peter Glover, Mike Burke, Roger Smith, Glenn Gurney and Spencer Quiriron were the technicians.
“I surrounded myself with good coaches,”Watson said. “I took advice from anybody, then I’d pick and choose from the information that I had stumbled across. The important thing was never forgetting reaching toward the goal of a quality program.”
Former athletic director Brad Payne scheduled powers Oxford Hills and Rumford in a triangular meet, and as expected Dirigo was crushed. Then Rumford coach Jerry Perkins stated the Cougar wrestlers knew what moves to execute, but they needed physical conditioning. Watson didn’t take any criticism personally, but instead quietly listened and instrumented what was necessary in order for Dirigo to reach the next level.
“When you think of Dirigo wrestling it is important to think of the man who started it,”Perkins said, who is a hall of famer. “Hal Watson started the program from scratch and built it up by learning and teaching the basics. Not only has Dirigo earned respect in Class C rankings, but in all classes.”
For years, Watson brought out the best in his hard-nosed student-athletes and the competitiveness is well known. In 1988, the Cougars finished fifth at the Mid-State League tournament and went home with their heads held high. The following day coach Tom Hicks called to admit a scoring error was discovered and Dirigo was declared the winner.
Wrestlers are known for being able to react to any situation and following a 1989 meet, Watson took Martha outside and proposed marriage to her. Fortunately, he maintained focus and received an affirmative answer because he needed to rush back-inside and help roll the mats up. Two years later, a Class C state meet was created, but controversy erupted over seeding each wrestler. Watson promptly spoke-up and said it doesn’t matter who is seeded where because we’ll still kick your tail. This wasn’t an idle threat because Dirigo won the 1990 state championship and finished runner-up the next three years.
“The classroom was still being used for practice when we won the state championship,”Watson said. “We had six finalists and Keith St Laurent (103-pounds) was our first state champion. My philosophy for the team(s) that I stressed was that we didn’t fit any previous molds. Nobody wanted us. So, if we were relentless, worked hard and stayed together we would gain acceptance. (Dirigo) built a tradition and has maintained it since it started.”
Watson stepped away in 1994 and handed the reins over to Gurney and Dirigo didn’t skip a beat and won the 1996 state championship. When wrestling gets in the blood stream it’s hard to ignore and Watson is no exception because he was reeled back in as assistant coach for Doug Gilbert from 1997-2006.
“Hal’s demeanor never changed,”Gurney said. “I’ve never heard a referee or opposing coach say any thing disrespectful. He treated every one fairly like you’d want to be treated. I can honestly say that any one who been around him is a better person.”
Bob Walker, Hal Watson and Mark Lewia and Sanford wrestler Ryan Kalman in the MAWA Hall OF Fame
The MAWA Hall OF Fame increases each year as deserving individuals are recognizes for accomplishments and contributions to the worlds oldest sport. A foursome will be officially inducted at a MAWA banquet this summer. He will be joined by former coaches Bob Walker, Hal Watson and Mark Lewia and Sanford wrestler Ryan Kalman.
Robert Bob Walker had no prior wrestling experience, however, with sheer determination and a can-do-attitude founded the program at Noble HS in 1973 and also enjoyed a success tenure at Kennebunk.
In nearly two decades, Walker compiled a 253-98-1 dual-meet record and along the way won state championships at each interscholastic institution. This included the hundreds of individuals who he helped and earned their respect.
After getting the Knights going in 1974, Walker stepped away for a season, before returning in 1976 and stayed mat side until 1985. Noble finished fourth in the 1977 Class A state meet, but it served as a prelude of things to come.
In Walkers nomination, current Noble coach Kip DeVoll wrote Bob was my coach and mentor at Noble, along with many other athletes at Noble and Kennebunk. If it had not been for Bob, I would not be where I am today in terms of coaching. Bob is the father of Noble wrestling, having started the program from scratch in 1973 with no previous wrestling experiences, he built a powerful base for future teams to follow.”
In ’81 and ’84, Noble proved to be a team to be on the move after placing second at the regional and state meets, respectively. In ’85, the Knights broke through by winning both the regional and state meets.
Following the banner season, Walker moved up the road to Kennebunk and eventually won the 1992 Class A state championship. He coached 17 individual state champions 10 at Noble and seven at Kennebunk.
Walker was committed to enhancing the sport and served as Liaison to the MPA from 1989-94.
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Mark Lewia who coached wrestling at Wells for 23 years earned plenty of respect and will be inducted in to the MAWA HOF, also. Lewia guided the Warriors beginning in 1983 and following the 2006 stepped aside to coach the junior high program.
Lewia had discovered how wrestling can contribute to a person’s life, when competing at Kennebunk. He placed third in the 1979 state meet. The lessons learned prompted him to move in to the coaching ranks.
Wells won 254 dual meets and became a team to watch for in tournament competition. This included Class B state championships in 1988 and 1996, respectively. In both big wins the teams had stepped-up following set backs at the regional, one week earlier. The Warriors did win three regional crowns and finished second seven times.
Lewia coached 26 individual state champions and 54 state finalists. This included the late Sean Sheehy who won three titles. The Navy Seal was inducted in to the MAWA HOF in 1994.
Wells has always been a competitive program which competes hard and has earned nine Sportsmanship awards from the Maine Principal’s Association.
When Lewia stepped away his brother Scott took over and continues coaching the high school team.
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Ryan Kalman who competed at Sanford HS and Springfield College will be inducted as a competitor. He was a member of two state championship teams at Sanford and was a finalist in ’92 state meet.
Kalman enrolled at Springfield and excelled in the classroom and on the wrestling mat. He was an Academic All American in 1995 and 1997.
In ’97, Kalman earned All American honors with a sixth-place finish at the NCAA Division III championships. He was inducted in to the New England College Conference Wrestling Association HOF.
Kalman joins his late father Keith as the fourth father-son tandem in the MAWA HOF. The elder Kalman won a NE championship in 1964, in fact Sanford is the only Maine team to ever win the NE crown.
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Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance 2/10 Wrestling Poll
2/10 WRESTLING POLL- 1. Noble (Knights adjusted and finally regained the top spot)
2. Noble (Mustangs Joey Eon worked overtime for fourth title)
3. Lisbon (Greyhounds dominated as magnificent seven ran wild)
4. Belfast (Lions Spencer stuck’em all on way to fourth crown)
5. Camden Hills (Windjammers proved how the tough sail in tourney)
6. Cony (Rams continued on their climb to reach new heights)
7. Oak Hill (Raiders showed how confidence and attitude mix)
8. Dirigo (Cougars had a couple surprises and disappointments)
9. t. Bucksport (These Golden Bucks came and left it all on mat)
10. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen discovered how points count at states)
Receiving consideration: MountainValley/Wells/Skowhegan/Dexter/
It was a survival of fittest on stage at ACC
Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Wrestling Poll- 2/2- 1. Massabesic (Mustangs have been on top and remain determined)
2. Noble (Knights will need to battle all for one & one for all)
3. Lisbon (Greyhounds have accepted every challenge with grit)
4. Belfast (Lions shuffled den around and have stronger pack)
5. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen grown tired on being tabbed best of rest)
6. Camden Hills (Windjammers battle has just begun with neighbors)
7. Mtn. Valley (Falcons over came adversity & may be peaking, now)
8. Cony (Rams stepped it up in order to reach Eastern summit)
9. Oak Hill (Raiders aiming for top three finish @ Class B states)
10. Erskine (Eagles will be asked to over achieve one more time)- Receiving consideration: Wells/Mount Ararat/Dirigo/ Bucksport/Dexter/
- The time has arrived, so step on mat with a purpose
Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance Top 10 High School Teams 1/26
1. Massabesic (Mustangs were drove, but captured gold at Essex)
2. Noble (Knights continue to shine beam directly at Stangs)- 3. Lisbon (Greyhounds picked-up pace to repeat at Mid States
4. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen took advantage of competition at SMAC)
5. Belfast (Lions flexed muscles at KVAC to lead rest of pack)
6. Skowhegan (Indians were missing a couple, but still performed)
7. Camden Hills (Windjammers have the competitors who will battle)
8. Dirigo (Cougars deserve credit for advancing back through)
9. Mtn. Valley (Falcons continue to peck away after additions)
10. Cony (Rams need to get back on right path next two weeks)
Maine Amateur Poll 01/05
1. Massabesic (Mustangs certainly not buckling under to any one)- 2. Lisbon (Hounds work ethic in practice room is paying off)
- 3 Belfast (Lions trio of champions have been leading the pack)
- 4. Noble (Knights still need to ban together when it counts)
- 5. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen have been carried by Martin and Groeger)
- 6. Mount Ararat (Eagles can not afford to sit and wait, attack)
- 7. Cony (Rams finally stepping up, but will it be enough)
8. Wells (Warriors lower weights score, so anchor must finish)- 9. Skowhegan (Indians win dual, however, can they reach next level)
- 10. Mtn. Valley (Falcons can score in tournaments, but to many holes)
Maine Amateur Wrestling Alliance - 12/31 High School Wrestling Poll
1. Massabesic (Mustangs proved to be in control of range, again)- 2. Lisbon (Hounds have key components to run wild)
- 3. Noble (Knights are only a couple matches shy of shining)
- 4. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen can‚t be over looked when challenged)
- 5. Belfast (Lions might have stumbled, but will still roar)
- 6. Mount Ararat (Eagles are putting their pieces in to the mixture)
- 7. Cony (Rams won‚t go away, so they will be contenders)
- 8. Wells (Warriors will have a say before the battle is over)
- 9. Camden Hills (Windjammers need to get back on a steady course)
- 10. Skowhegan (Indians smoke signs need to be tested)
- Receiving consideration: Westbrook/Dirigo/Oak Hill
- Teams taking stock of which wrestlers are prepared for long haul
Maine High School Rankings - 12/16
WRESTLING POLL
1. Massabesic (Mustangs previous success will carry over, again)
2. Noble (Knights are busy preparing; in order to shine bright)
3. Belfast (Lions have solid nucleus that flexed at McDonalds)
4. Lisbon (Hounds steady pace will open things up, soon)
5. Camden Hills (Windjammers must develop depth for contending)
6. Cony (Rams put their intentions in gear during Tiger)- 7. Bonny Eagle (Scotsmen best of the second-tier in Class A West)
8. Westbrook (Blue Blazers have been building and could streak)
9. Dirigo (Cougar youth movement is already growing claws)
10. Morse (Shipbuilders have opened sails and face head wind)- Receiving consideration: Wells /Mountain Valley/Skowhegan/Oak Hill ‚
Maine 2008-09 Top Teams
- Top Teams Town Coach
- Class A
- 1. Massabesic Waterboro Rick Derosiers
- 2. Noble North Berwick Kip DeVoll
- 3. Sanford Sanford John Carmihalis
- Class B
- 1. Belfast Belfast Ted Heroux
- 3. Mountain Valley Rumford Gary Dolloff
- 3. Wells Wells Scott Lewia
- Class C
- 1. Lisbon Lisbon Mark Stevens
- 2. Dirigo Dixfield Doug Gilbert
- 3. Dexter Dexter Adam Gudroe
- TEAMS OF DECADE
- Noble HS Class A State Champions 1999-2006
- Camden Hills HS Class B State Champions 1998, 2000-2005*, Œ07
*co-champs in Œ05- Lisbon HS Class C State Champions 2001-3, 06, 08
- 2007-8 PRESEASON TOP PICK
- 145 JOE EON Massabesic HS Senior
- 3x Class A State Champ, 3rd in New England ‚07, 4th in NE Œ08
- Over 100 wins in 3 years
- Best wrestler in Maine, great set up and reacts to opponents moves.
- Josh is relentless, always focused, doesn‚t get rattled, stays in control.
- SENIOR
- Travis Spencer Belfast 3x State champ, 3rd NE ‚08 46-2 215
- JUNIOR
- Matt DelGallo Gardiner 2x State champ, 5TH NE ‚08 44-2 112 SOPHOMORE Forrest Cornell Lisbon STATE CHAMP 29-7 103
FRESHMAN- Taylor Carey Mountain Valley 5x NE Junior champ 145
- 1. Noble (Knights adjusted and finally regained the top spot)