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

Oxford Hills could be a surprise, with some talented athletes. Tom Moulton (171) has won more than 30 matches three straight years and won the regional twice. A third place at the state meet should serve as a motivator. Ben Stoodley (152) also placed third in the state and Jack Pike (189) was a regional champion and fourth at states. The Vikings will fill their light weights with freshmen. Megan Wormwood (103), Craig Varney (112), Adam Edgerton (140) each placed in regional.

Mt. Blue went on to win the regional and will showcase Sam Webber, a two-time state finalist. The Cougars may benefit by a strong turnout. Kris Arnold returns from an injury and Gary Begin (140) placed third in the state. Aaron Forbes (112) and Alex Johnson (189) are veterans. Several freshmen and sophomores will compete for mat time. Oak Hill has struggled, but look for sophomore Ken Pinard to place high at 103. Chris Lagasse (119), Ben Rossignol (135), Tim Blais (140) and Clyde Tibbetts (160) will need to step-up.

Morse is solid in middle weights led by state champion Ben Schutt at 145. Defending champion Camden Hills features Kristie Pearce, Murphy McGowan, True Bragg, Cory Laite, Hank Simpkins and Ollie Breeden. Belfast returns four Class B state champions, including Josh Robbins (30-4 at 112), James Spencer, Logan Kelly and Travis Spencer.

MISL

Last season, the Mid State League added team, but mainstays Mountain Valley, Dirigo and Lisbon finished on top. These three programs certainly have enough returning talent to be there, again.

Dirigo was second and should have a direct bearing on the final outcome, again. Class C state champions Derek Daley (130), Jon Smith (140) and Kyle Meile (171), will lead the Cougars. They each won the MSL, and Meile was the Most Outstanding Wrestler. Josh Palmer (145) was a 2006 state finalist and Mike Jonaitis (135) is a two-time state finalist. The Cougars have depth and the respective schedules have the top teams competing head-to-head several times. Brett Stapes (119) and Pat O’Leary (285) each placed third in state meet. Matt Smith (152) returns to the line-up.

Lisbon finished a disappointing third in MSL, but won the state championship. They will be led by state champions Jeff Cossar (119) and Tyler Clark (125), while state finalists Ryan Guisto (140) Mark Stambach (215) will be in the hunt. The Greyhounds will need to develop depth.

Mountain Valley walked away with MSL title and also won the regional and Class B state championship. The Falcons return a majority of that team. The focal point will be state champion Tyler Child (189), but several veterans add depth. Derek Sicotte (135), Ben Mathews (145) and Kyle Dow (285) each reached the state finals. Zack Bradley (152) rebounds from an injury.

A lack of wrestlers will prevent Monmouth from being a factor. Erik Taylor (130) and Matt Freeman (160) have shown promise and mat time should help. Mike Danforth (135) placed third in state.

York and Wells have solid competitors and could be spoilers. Fryeburg has Matt Badoue, Nick Novia and Sequoyah Reynoso. Wiscasset, Traip, Lake Region and Madison will struggle.

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