There’s always been quality wrestlers who have excelled in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference, and this trend should continue this season.

The KVAC is the biggest in the state, however, there’s a big gap in the overall team competition. Camden Hills has been setting the standard for more than a decade.

Oxford Hills

The Vikings are up-and-coming, led by a strong junior class. Tom Moulton (152/160) has won more than 30 matches for each of the last two years and won a regional title. A disappointing fourth place at the state meet should serve as a motivator.

Brad Smith and Jack Pike each won more than 20 matches and placed third in regionals. A lot will depend on which weight class they compete in. The Vikings will need to fill their light weights with freshmen.

Mt. Blue

The Cougars are a top-five team and will showcase Sam Webber, who was a state finalist as a freshman at 112 last year. Hazen Pingree and Collin Gillespie can’t complete because of injuries. Kris Arnold, Gary Begin and Nick White could make an impact, while Kathleen Roberts is a two-time state qualifier.

Gardiner welcomes transfer Doug West who won a state championship at Sanford. Morse has increased its numbers.

Class B Oak Hill has veterans Joe Wysocki, Alex Pruitt and Josh Heckerd.

Mid-State League

The Mid-State League has grown to 12 teams with the addition of five schools from the Western Maine Conference.

In resent years, the battle for the top spot in the MSL has been a battle between Mountain Valley and Lisbon. These two programs certainly have enough returning talent to be there again.

Lisbon will be led by state finalist Nic Adams (160) and Tyler Clark (125), a former state finalist. Jeff Cossar (119) and Ryan Guisto (135) have each placed at the state meet.

Mountain Valley earned a share of the Class B state championship and return a majority of that team.

The Falcons are anchored by state champs Brendan Bradley (215) and David Smith (38-2 at 275). Smith was unbeaten in-state and has placed sixth at New England’s two straight years.

Aaron Arsenault (152) reached the state finals and Zack Bradley (140) will need to rebound from a broken ankle. Ben Matthews is coming off a third-place performance in Class B.

But Dirigo has the potential to have an impact on the final outcome. A total of nine starters, including a trio of Class C state finalists, will lead the Cougars – sophomores Derek Daley (119) and Jon Smith (130), and e junior two-time state finalist Mike Jonaitis (140).

The Cougars strength will in the middle weights.

A lack of depth has prevented Monmouth from being a factor, but several have shown promise.

– Bob McPhee