For the past several years, Camden Hills has ruled the KVAC, but things could change this season. The Windjammers lost a lot, so other teams see a window of opportunity. Still, it will require a monumental effort to knock off the five-straight Class B state champion.

Each team features four or five wrestlers who are capable of placing in tournaments. The KVAC has 17 teams, so it will place a great deal of emphasis on the overall depth. Unfortunately, the lack of full lineups will hinder several teams.

Mt. Blue might be a team to watch out for, based on how things finished up last season. The Cougars came on strong to win the Class A East regional and they hope the momentum carries over. There are several varsity returnees who should be recognized.

The seniors will have a huge reading on how successful the team is through out the season. Nate Childs won some quality matches last winter, so the experience should pay off. The captains include Sheldon Allen, Hazen Pingree and Shane Webber.

Pingree enjoyed a solid football season and the talented running back looks strong. Shane Webber won over 30 matches last season and placed high at the KVAC and regional. Unfortunately, he failed to medal in the state meet. The Webber name has a strong reputation at the Farmington school because older brothers Scott (three) and Seth each won state championships.

Shane Webber won’t be alone because younger brother Sam is a freshman. Sam is equally aggressive and is expected to make an impact at 103 pounds. The Cougars’ lower weights are set with Gary Begin and female wrestler Katleen Roberts. Roberts qualified for the state meet last year.

“We look as strong this year as last year,” Mt. Blue coach Nate Platt said. “Our hope is to bring home another regional title, especially where the regional are at Mt. Blue this year.”

The operative word at Oxford Hills is youth and the situation can be best addressed on the mat.

The Vikings do not have any returning state place winners, and only one wrestler under 120 pounds. The biggest threat will be Tom Moulton (152/160), who won 30-plus matches as a freshman last year. The postseason didn’t pan out. Moulton must be prepared for the entire season. Moulton is battling a summer injury and is a little behind.

The big sophomore class is the strength of the team, including Adam Edgerton (135), Will Rolfe (140/145), Jack Pike (140/145), Brad Smith (145/152), Devin Pike (160/171), Keith Brown (171) and Dan McLean (215).

“We’re loaded throughout the middle weights,” Viking coach Mark Dolloff said. “I think we’re still at least a year away from making another run. There’s 34 wrestlers on the squad, but the growth spurt by the team members should help. They hit the gym in the offseason and it really shows on Edgerton, Pike, Rolfe and Smith, who each moved up three to four weight classes.”

Cory Smith (189), Tyler Guerin (275) and Ron Ramsey (152/160) each need to be consistent. Senior John Sirmopoulus lost an eligibility appeal to the Maine Principal’s Association to compete this season.

Look for freshman Justin Paine 103, Caleb Flanders 125, and Justin Estes 130 to shine. But Dolloff isn’t satisfied with the amount of competition each wrestler receives. The incentives between varsity and junior varsity wrestlers isn’t comparable.

“Our schedule has 25 matches to get other wrestlers on the team matches,” Dolloff said. “Wrestling as a sport does a disservice to JV wrestling. We are not organized enough to get these kids the proper competition, so we are going to wrestle more matches to get these kids matches.”

Oak Hill will be hard-pressed to finish in the KVAC top 10. The lack of experience will be apparent. Alex Pruitt could be a factor at 140. Nickole Lemay (112) led the team with a 21-12 record and is determined to place in the state meet. She was a finalist in the girls’ New Englands. Ben Rossignol (119) and Joe Wysocki (125) must rebound from injuries.

“We are looking to make the experience a positive one for the new kids,” Oak Hill coach Ric Swett said. “(Goal) is to keep them interested in wrestling for the next few years and grow the program. Experience goes a long way in this sport.”

The Raiders will miss Cameron Swett, who will compete as an independent for Class C Hall Dale. Mike Nadeau of Edward Little competes as an independent.

Skowhegan has been a threat in recent years and returns Dylen Wentworth. Camden Hills return state champions Joe McGowen and Harry Pearson.

Predicted order of finish: 1. Camden Hills 6. Mount Ararat

2. Belfast 7. Gardiner

3. Mount Blue 8. Ellsworth

4. Skowhegan 9. Lincoln Academy

5. Oxford Hills 10. Morse