LISBON FALLS -The results may have been lopsided once again, however, Maine westlers extended themselves against Nebraska in the finale of the 2003 Friendship Series at steamy Manchester Gynasium Monday night.

Lisbon High School hosted the cultural exchange that features wrestlers from Nebraska and Maine. The exchange, founded in 1985, is the longest between two states in the nation.

In previous meets this past week, Nebraska has beat Maine teams at Noble, Oxford Hills and Belfast.

Nebraska won 15 of the 17 matches Monday, but several tight scores translated into solid competition.

Lisbon was well represented with Justin Cornell, Troy Clark, Nate Hix, Josh Dubois, Robert Hespe, Adam Lord and Joe Schreiber. Schreiber, a three-time Class C state champion, started the festivties off against Nebraska heavyweight Matt Sage. Schreiber (204 pounds) attempted a throw, but the move slipped and put the Greyhound wrestler straight to his back. Schreiber was pinned and also lost a second match 12-5 to Jordan Holman.

Clark also lost twice, including by technical fall 17-2 to Nebraska All-American Brandon Brill.

“There was more things going on here tonight,” Maine coach Mark Stevens said. “To most people the score says Maine lost by a lot. But, take Robert Hespe, his 2-0 loss can be considered a victory. The Nebraska kids were ready and always had a series of moves. It was (effective) because the Maine kids used a move and were stuck thinking if it didn’t work.”

Hespe was tied 0-0 entering the third period, but lost on a reversal by Justin Wilkinson. “In the third period, I stayed off the mat and goot to my base,” Hespe said. “I had to guard against his quick tilts.”

Dubois held a lead until the third period, but was tilted by Ryan Etherton (5-0) and lost 4-2.

“I felt that I could have done better in the bottom position,” Dubois said.”I trained two weeks for this, but I guess it wasn’t enough.”

Nebraska wrestlers displayed a dominating style on the mat that Maine wrestlers have struggled to counter. These include crisp takedowns and tight leg rides. Nebraska won 13 of 19 matches at Noble; 18 of 19 at Oxford Hills and 11 of 16 at Belfast.

Lord lost a 6-2 decision to Jared Easpammner. Hix lost a 1-0 decision to and Cornell was cradled by Jim Baugham.

“I had plenty of energy,” Lord said. “But, my skills are rusty.”

Decota Cotten of Noble, a late replacement, won a 4-1 decision against Levi Wolfford. Cotten executed the initial takedown and outwrestled Wolfford. Cotten had won two matches against Nebraska last week.

Marshwood state finalist Jon Brooks won a 13-2 decision.

Coming up short were Brandon and Cameron Pike of Bonny Eagle, Wade DePalma of Westbrook, Craig Vermette of Biddeford and Peter Lee of Winslow.

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