BANGOR – There are only so many chances in life to redeem oneself. The same type of mindset exists in wrestling.

The 2004 state championships were contested Friday and Saturday at the Bangor Auditorium and there were several interesting developments.

The intensity level accelerates as the competition moves into the later rounds. When a wrestler senses an opportunity, outstanding performances are the result.

This was certainly evident with Seth McAlister, who earned a second Class A state championship. The Oxford Hills senior had endured some adversity throughout his career, but was always determined to redeem himself for previous shortcomings.

McAlister completely dominated previously unbeaten Mike Dumais of Kennebunk for an 11-0 decision at 140 pounds. The Rams standout was the defending state champ at 140.

“I knew that I had to wrestle my match,” McAlister said. “I didn’t want to make any mistakes. He had something that I have wanted for a long time. The fact that he was undefeated definitely added fuel to the fire. It was redemption.”

It actually ended two years of frustration for McAlister who had compiled an unbeaten season and won the state championship as a freshman in 2001. Since that time, there have been plenty of highs for the Vikings’ all-time leader in wins. His career record is approximately 150-8.

Still, two matches in the state meet have been a thorn in his side. As a sophomore, McAlister lost a close decision. Last year, he lost a one-point decision in the finals.

“Seth overcame a lot,” Vikings coach Mark Dolloff said. “He had come up short in a couple state meets, but he never stopped trying. It’s important to be able to keep learning and it was a loss in the Redskin Tournament (to Troy Clark of Lisbon) that helped set him straight.”

Five titles for Greyhounds

Although Lisbon fell short in its bid for a fourth state title, there were some successes along the way. A lack of depth in the upper weights, in addition to a couple key losses, proved to be the Greyhounds Achilles’ heal.

Lisbon didn’t go down without a fight, winning five of seven matches in the finals. Justin Cornell pinned Dirigo freshman Mike Jonaitis and teammate Charlie Stambach stuck Mike McNaughton at 119. The big trio of Nate Hix, Derek Guisto and Troy Clark each responded by repeating as state champions. Hix executed a head-and-arm pinning move in the first period and went on to upset two-time state champion Keith Thompson of Dexter. Giusto won his third state crown at 135. Clark had lost to Thompson by one point in the state finals a year ago.

“We got beat by a better team,” Lisbon coach Mark Stevens said. “There were a couple key matches, but Foxcroft had the depth and we knew that coming in. They have a quality program and it doesn’t hurt as much finishing behind a team like that.”

Lisbon was actually in a position to tie the score, but its final wrestler Mitch Harmon lost late in a clinching win by Foxcroft’ Max Kennedy.

All in the family

Mountain Valley’s David Smith (35-0 in Maine) completed a perfect season by pinning Nick Jose of Winslow in 42 seconds to win the Class B state championship at 275. Older brother Chris Smith (34-2) won his second-straight state crown at 171.

It’s the Falcons second pair of brothers to win state championships in the same year. Sal and Anthony Mazza each won in 1996. Chris Fraser (third at 135) of Erskine and Ben Madigan (fourth at 152) of Mountain Valley each won their 100th career matches.

Camden Hills won its fifth-straight Class B crown. Chris Remsen won his fourth-straight title and has approximately 150 career wins and 100 pins.

Drama in Class A

The Class A meet was extremely close.

Noble led 142-141 entering the finals, but Marshwood had a chance to go ahead with Anthony Moriarty at 112. The Hawks junior had beaten Corey Gallant five times this season, but the Massabesic wrestler upset the Hawk.

Titles from Zach Hale (119), Kyle Hale (125), Jared Porpor (135) and Dekota Cotten (55-0 at 152) provided the clincher for the Knights’ sixth-straight championship. Seth Webber of Mt. Blue lost to Porpor 4-2 in overtime.

Deanna Rix of Marshwood lost in OT in the consolation semifinals, falling shy of becoming the second-ever female to earn a medal in Class A.

state meet.

Copy the Story Link