WINSLOW — Members of the Mt. Blue “Mat Cats” youth wrestling program celebrated an impressive showing at the 12th-annual Winslow Area Youth Wrestling Invitational held Sunday, March 4 at Winslow High School.

With a packed gymnasium of parents, grandparents and fans from all over central Maine, there was no lack of excitement from the spectators or enthusiasm from the crowded field of young competitors. The full-day of wrestling drew over 100 athletes from a variety of community youth programs.

In addition to Mt. Blue, other programs participating included Bucksport, Dexter, Ellsworth, Madison, Monmouth, Mt.View, Nokomis and Skowhegan. Each of the four “Mat-Cat” wrestlers was awarded medals at the event for victories in their respective age/weight classes.

“We have a very strong youth program. The Mat Cats are a great group of kids. They come to practice, work hard and have fun and it shows when they compete. It is a lot of fun watching them enjoy such a rewarding sport. I really enjoy coaching them,” said Mat Cats coach Bob O’Connor.

Upcoming Meets for the Mat Cats include Skowhegan on March 18 and Nokomis on March 25.