Lisbon shines to win the MSL championships.
By Bob McPhee
Staff Writer

WISCASSET – The monkey is finally off Lisbon’s back.

The Greyhounds put forth a combined team effort to win the 2004 Mid State League wrestling championships Saturday at Wiscasset High School.

Lisbon won nine individual championships, including the first eight weight classes, to edge out longtime nemesis Mountain Valley 240-232. It served as a bit of redemption based on the fact that Mountain Valley had won the previous two MSL crowns by a combined 7 points over Lisbon. The Greyhounds hadn’t won the MSL championship since 1987.

Lisbon champions included Tyler Clark 103, Justin Cornell 112, Charlie Stambach 119, Tim Sewall 125, Nate Hix 130, Derek Giusto 135, Troy Clark 140 and Mitch Harmon 145. During the early going of the finals, Stambach offered his insights on the team’s plight.

“It will be close,” Stambach said. “Every match between Mountain Valley and us counts heavily. (Lisbon) has come so close in the past, but today we break the chain.”

Stambach, who was voted the most outstanding wrestler in the tournament, won the first of two overtime matches against Falcon opponents in the finals. Freshman Zack Bradley had led throughout the match, but Stambach executed a standing escape and received a penalty point with five seconds left in regulation.

Lisbon battled the Falcons throughout the day as the two teams combined for 23 finalists, but the ‘Hounds won six of nine head-to-head matches. Another key was Lisbon’s foresight to recertified Nick Adams (two pins) who placed third at 171.

Mountain Valley received a boost when Ben Madigan 152 rallied off the mat to pin Josh Dubois of Lisbon. Unfortunately, the Falcons’ wings were clipped as Ian McKeage decisioned Chris Brennick 10-8 in overtime at 160. Brennick rallied back with (takedowns), but McKeague evened the score.

“You have to give our kids credit,” Lisbon coach Mark Stevens said, who earned coach of the year. “They battled and showed a great deal of determination and wrestling is a grueling sport. Charlie Stambach really lit a fire on the team when he won and then Ian McKeage also came up big.”

Mountain Valley finished strong with pins by Chris Smith 171, Travis Dragoon 189, Mike Hansen 215 and David Smith 275. Chris Smith (three pins in 2:20) rolled over Russell Parker of Hyde. Dragoon (three pins) and Hansen each caught Lisbon’s Mark Stambach and Jake Sprinkle in a head and arm.

“I was trying to (work inside),” Hansen said. “I stepped on his foot and got him off balance.”

Dirigo took third at 115. Lone finalist Kyle Meile scored the initial takedown, but was cradled by Harmon. The youthful Cougars earned thirds from Josh Ronan 103, Mike Jonaitis 112, Aaron Patenaude 119, Nate Carrier 135, Devin Brann 152, Randy Hall 160, Pat O’Leary 189 and Keith Ellis 275.

The Falcons’ Devon Roberts (125) and Cody Grasruck (145) each placed third.

Lisbon came out in force as Tyler Smith pinned (grapevine) Mike Gilbert of Mountain Valley. Hix and Giusto each stuck the Falcons’ Jeff Pelletier and Chris Cayer. Troy Clark scored the final 10 points to decision Aaron Arsenault 12-3.

Monmouth finalists were Louie Masi and Wes Danforth at 112 and 125, respectively. Nick Pomerleau was third at 130.

“This really feels good ,”Guisto said. “We had had a confrontation with Mountain Valley at the Kennebunk Duals (won), but we were always behind them (MSL). We’ve changed our practices to include more live wrestling and it really has helped us stay focused, especially in the third period.”