Lisbon and Mountain Valley are bringing more wrestlers than any Maine high school to this weekend’s 47th annual New England wrestling championships in New Haven, Conn.

The Greyhounds and Falcons will each have five wrestlers competing, led by four-time state champion Forrest Cornell and three-time winner Mike McNamara of Lisbon and Mountain Valley’s three-time state champion Ryan Burgess.

“The New England tournament is always a big deal,” Lisbon coach Mark Stevens said. “There are no easy matches, and a second or a point can be the difference between (losing two matches) and getting into the semifinals. Anything can happen and it most likely will.”

The Greyhounds have four wrestlers returning from last year. Cornell (119 pounds) is the 15th Maine wrestler to win four championships. When Cornell was a freshman he pinned the Massachusetts wrestler who won the New England title last year. McNamara is the top Maine seed at 135 pounds.

The Falcons’ Burgess (112), who holds the Mountain Valley school record with 150 career wins, is making his third consecutive trip to New Englands. He said he is determined to end the drought. Burgess, top seed, won two of three consolation matches two years ago, falling one slot shy of a podium finish.

Burgess dropped to 112 pounds during the regular season and is confident competing near his natural weight will be an advantage.

“It is a great honor for these kids to participate,”Mountain Valley coach Gary Dolloff said. “But (Maine) is still behind because of timing with too much time off, but dedicated kids will stay in shape. We have had a couple kids (brothers David and Chris Smith) place (sixth) in the past but would love to get a kid on the top three podium. I think Ryan (Burgess) has a good a shot at doing that then anyone we have sent.” 

The Falcon trio of Taylor Carey (171), Josh Allen (189) and Christian Durland (215) each have positive attributes that should serve them well. Allen will  try to utilize his aggressiveness to execute the first takedown, while Durland has incredible strength and could be a surprise.

Lisbon’s Josh Pomerleau (119) and No.1 Matt Nicholson (140), along with Josh Thornton (145) of Mountain Valley are each making a return visit to New Englands.

Dirigo sophomore D.J. Webber (160) and Lisbon’s Nick McNamara (103) are making their initial trip.

“When ever I take kids to New England for the first time, you just never know,” Dirigo coach Doug Gilbert said. “It’s a different environment and the wrestling styles need to be (experienced). The kids need to be prepared, both physically and mentally. It’s certainly not a case of just being able to step on the mat and being able to simply execute moves that have worked through out the season.”

There are no returning Maine medal winners.