RUMFORD – The Dirigo wrestling team dominated the mat, scoring 216 points to repeat as the Western Class C regional champions on Saturday.
The Cougars also qualified all 14 wrestlers for the state meet. Dirigo won seven of 11 matches in the finals, including victories by Dylan Castonguay (103 pounds), Mike Jonaitis (135), Jon Smith (140), Josh Palmer (152), Kyle Meile (171), Kevin O’Leary (189) and Pat O’Leary (285).
The Cougars lost four matches and then scored heavily in the semifinals to take an insurmountable 50-point lead.
“It was a great day,” Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert said. “I had told the kids that the semis were important because we could either win or lose the tournament. They came through.”
Castonguay started the finals by sticking Corbin Percy of Wiscasset, but the Cougars back slid with four straight losses. Brett Staples (119) was unaggressive, and Zach Vickers of Hall Dale won. State champion Derek Daley (130) was upset by Mike Danforth. The Monmouth wrestler executed a takedown at the buzzer for a 5-3 overtime win.
Jonaitis reestablished the Cougars with a 9-7 decision against Ryan Giusto of Lisbon
“It really helped by not giving up points early on,” Jonaitis said. “Then I was able to go after him.”
Palmer held off Mike Bolduc of Lisbon. Miele broke the school record for wins with 110. Former Cougar Devin Brann had set the mark with 107.
“I hadn’t set out to break the record,” Miele said. “It s a big accomplishment, especially after three years of wrestling. I was injured at the McDonald’s tournament as a sophomore.”
Lisbon was second (166), but advanced its 11 individuals for the state meet. Jeff Cossar (112) and Tyler Clark (125) each pinned the Cougars’ Chad Oakes and Brandon Jonaitis. Cam Bubar and Mark Stambach each won decisions at 145 and 215, and teammate Kyle Huston lost 4-3 at 160.
Lisbon had won regional championships from 2001-2005 and Dirigo had won regional crowns from 1996-2000.
Dirigo senior Pat O’Leary won his 100th with a pin in finals.
“It feels good,” O’Leary said. “It has been a goal ever since I started wrestling.”
Cody Guzman of Monmouth took third at 145.
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