Mountain Valley looks to the future after a humbling experience at a regional tourney.
By Bob McPhee
Staff Writer

Just when things were looking up, the Mountain Valley wrestling team took a major hit over the weekend at the Redskin tournament in Sanford.

The Falcons had been building up momentum, but they endured a humbling experience with dreadful performances (10th place) against competition from around New England.

Mountain Valley is by far the best Class B team in Western Maine, which has been backed up by strong finishes in tournaments. Less than two weeks ago, the Falcons won the Atlantic in Wells as five of seven finalists earned championships. The team also finished second in the McDonald’s Invitational.

The early successes were quite impressive because the starting lineup is comprised of three seniors and one junior. The remaining eight underclassmen (excluding forfeiting 112 pounds) have exceeded expectations.

“We definitely we have not wrestled our best or even close to it,” Falcon coach Gary Dolloff said. “We have some kids with pretty good records. It’s a good young team and that’s exciting. Anything can happen.”

Leading the way has been state champion Chris Smith (171) who had been unbeaten this season and won both tournaments. Smith survived a stern test against Dan Rancienello of Kennebunk in the Atlantic final. Smith had to fight him off his back before pulling away in the third period. A repeat wasn’t in the cards as Smith lost 10-0 to Matt Tricarico off Danbury, Conn., in the Redskin finals. Younger brother David Smith (15-1 at 275) and Mike Hansen (215) placed third and fourth, respectively.

“There’s been plenty of surprises,” Dolloff said. “Chris Smith showed a lot the other day to fight off his back and win. Dave Smith may be surprising to everyone but me because he is one of the best heavyweight wrestlers in the state. It’s these types of efforts that will be needed.”

The biggest disappointment surrounding the Redskin was how the Falcons fared against in-state teams. The true measure of a team’s strength can be measured in how it fares in a tournament and the results had Camden Hills (fourth), Noble (fifth) and Lisbon (seventh). The trio has each won multiple state championships in their respective classes.

Mountain Valley was looking forward to the opportunity to lock horns against the best in the state, but there’s still plenty of time left to iron out the kinks. The biggest adversity in Class B will be Camden Hills which the Falcons have placed second behind in three of the last four state meets. The two teams will square off in a dual meet in two weeks.

Senior co-captains Travis Child (130) and Travis Dragoon (189) each have been solid, but came away empty-handed at the Redskin. Child has shown incredible balance and is always aware of where he is on the mat. Dragoon is competing at his natural weight and won his first 13 matches.

Junior Ben Madigan (152) was a state champion in 2002.

“The team looks good, but it has been tough,” Dolloff said. “During a two-week period, we were only able to practice a couple times because of school and meet cancellations. I have several kids with good records. But we know who is ahead of us. Camden is always tough.”

The freshmen include Mike Gilbert (103), Zack Bradley (119) and Devon Roberts at 125. Bradley was a great surprise by beating three higher-seeded wrestlers to win a tournament.

Aaron Arsenault placed third in the state meet as a freshman last year. He has moved up to 140 this season. Chris Cayer (135) is solid and will be needed in the latter tournaments time. Mike Pelletier (145) and Chris Brennick (160) have each improved.

“I think we match up good in (remaining) tournament situations,” Dolloff said. “We will see, but I need some of the other kids to start stepping up. They will make the difference when it counts. I’m really proud of this team and how they are coming along. We have a goal and we take it one meet at a time.”