By Bob McPhee,Staff Writer

SOUTH PARIS – The importance of learning the fundamentals in wrestling was stressed at the second annual Oxford Hills Area wrestling camp

University of Southern Maine coach Joe Pistone was the instructor for the three-day commuter camp. The Huskies coach issued a challenge to those young wrestlers who are willing to work toward future goals.

The campers went through double sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“It was great to see kids here, again,” Pistone said. “I’m blown away by the amount of progress these same kids have made over the year. Also, I promised they would be better wrestlers by the end of this camp. Later on, it was great seeing the kids executing the moves, and (hopefully) they’ll be successful in the future.”

Pistone firmly believes that off-season wrestling is a second season, and it is necessary to achieve one’s goals. If a student athlete decides to slack in the off-season, goals will be harder to achieve, as it is likely that their opponents have been working harder.

The commuter camp was designed for all ages, from second grade to high school. A variety of techniques were taught, and it’s an excellent opportunity to learn from Pistone, who is a highly successful national competitor.

“It’s so important to learn the basics,” Pistone said. “Younger wrestlers, like most attending this camp, need to develop a good foundation and work on these moves.”

The moves needed to get by include single and double-leg takedowns, high-crotch series, half nelsons, escapes and a pinning combination. The ability to learn and execute moves provides wrestlers with the incentives to seek out increased knowledge, about the worlds oldest sport.

“We did change one thing this summer,” camp co-director Jack Pike said. “Coach (Pistone) adapted his teachings, to include more live wrestling. Last year, there was a lot more drills (repartition), but the kids asked for live wrestling.” Pistone certainly knows what is necessary to be successful. The Huskies mentor earned Division II All American status and was a two-time place winner in the Eastern Regional. He won 120 matches during a stellar career.

“Wrestling continues to evolve,” Pistone said. “Therefore, it’s important for me as a coach, to keep up on new techniques and training procedures. The wrestlers deserve to see these things first hand, so they have an opportunity to compete.”

Division III USM is the only higher institution in the state that offers wrestling. Maine wrestlers who were recruited by USM include four-time state champion Chris Barkac of Dexter, Keith Sleeper of Gardiner, three-time state champion Tony Gilmore of Belfast and Dan McClean of Oxford Hills. “USM wrestling is strong,” Pistone said. “And the program is continuing to grow. We recruit kids from throughout the country. A big selling point is the fact, that they have an opportunity to become the first All American in school history. That is a big deal, because achieving All American status changes your life.”