Mt. Blue senior Seth Webber set a new school standard last Saturday by becoming the all-time leader in career wins with 120.

The previous record of 119 was set two years ago by older brother Scott Webber. The former Cougar was a three-time Class A state champion.

“That sure is a lot of matches,” Seth Webber said. “I’ve got some big shoes to fill. Scott only lost four career matches and I’ve already lost 16. I would have liked to have wrestled the match, but they bumped a kid up to 140 (pounds).”

Webber had won two previous matches and ran on the mat fully expecting to wrestle a third match.

The score of the meet was still close, so Erskine coach Paul Willey waited for Webber to step on the mat and then announced that the Eagles were forfeiting the match at 135. The home team has the option of sending its wrestler to the table last, but once on the mat, that individual is locked into the match.

Webber (24-3) wasn’t overly concerned over the incident because the defending state champion remains focused. The Cougars still have the KVAC championship, regional and state meets left.

“I’ve still a ways to go,” Webber said. “I’ve been working hard in practice so I’m sure that I’ll be ready. We’ll find out over the next three weeks.”

Mt. Blue has a strong lineup. A victory against Oxford Hills provided a boost and has set things up for the second season. Shane Webber (24-5 at 130) and Josh Haines (12-3 at 171) are contenders.

The Cougars will be counting on strong performances from Gary Begin (112), Chris Embleton (119), Hazen Pingree (145), Nate Child (215) and Kyle Willey (275).

Conference honors

Conference championships are the focus this weekend. Numerous subplots could emerge as the respective teams map out strategies.

The KVAC will decide things at the Bath Middle School with 17 teams in toe. Despite the vast number of wrestlers, only two or three teams have a realistic shot at winning the crown. It’s tournaments like these that expose the depths of teams.

In recent seasons, Camden Hills has really stood above the rest with consistent performances. This year’s team features 3-time champion Chris Resmen (145 pounds), Jake Rollins and Bryan Creamer (189).

Numerous individuals have opportunities to medal. Oxford Hills, Skowhegan and Mt. Blue each have quality wrestlers.

“The team has been wrestling well,” Mt. Blue coach Nate Platt said. “There hasn’t been any big surprises. The KVACs will feature a lot of good competition, so as for our team it will be a tune up. If we do OK and finish high that will be great, but our main concern will be getting ready for the regional.”

Oxford Hills will cash in with Josh Laird (130) Seth McAlister (140), John Sirmopoulus (160) and Matt Hess (275). Skowhegan features Brooks Thompson (119) and Dylon Wentworth (125).

Mt. Blue could surprise with Shane and Seth Webber, Josh Haines (171) and Nate Childs

at (215). Oak Hill features Nikole Lemay (112), Alex Pruitt (140) and Schyler Gagnon (171).

There will be a lot of black and blue at the Mid State League title at Wiscasset. Mountain Valley and Lisbon should battle tooth and nail, again. Last year, the outcome wasn’t decided until late in the finals.

The favorites each anticipate advancing nine or 10 individuals into the finals. Lisbon had all 14 wrestlers place in the top three of their respective weight classes in 2003 and still lost.

This year, the seeding meeting will be a factor because

the team with the least amount

of byes will have an opportunity to earn advancement points. Mountain Valley will lose points because it forfeits 112.

Dirigo and Monmouth will be spoilers with several wrestlers capable of upsetting the proceedings. The Cougars’ Mike Jonaitis (112), Jamie Bedard (140), Kyle Meile (145), Devin Brann (152), Kyle Dolloff (171) and Pat O’Leary (189) should be factors.

Monmouth has Wes Danforth (125), Matt Freeman (135) and Dennis Trask (145).

Out of state success

Lisbon passed a major test in a 27-team field at the annual Essex tournament in Vermont last weekend.

The three-time defending Class C state champions scored 177 points, behind Shenendehowa (N.Y.) 264 and Mt. Mansfield (Vt.) 184.

A trio of Lisbon finalists included Nate Hix, Troy Clark and Jake Sprinkle.

Hix, Clark and Derek Giusto each passed 100 career wins this month for the Greyhounds.

Champions from Noble were Jared Porpor and Dekota

Cotten at 135 and 152, respectively.