By Jon Gulliver
Staff writer
Three Caribou Vikings finished in the top three in the state in the Class B Wrestling Championships held at Fryeburg Academy on Saturday.
It was a matter of “what if” for senior Deion Caudill who was runner-up in the 182-pound weight class. He was pinned in the title match by Camden’s Anthony Batty. Caudill defeated Batty last week at the Eastern Maine meet.
“He dominated everybody including his final opponent,” said Caribou coach James “Chico” Hernandez. “A costly mistake ended his day as he pinned himself while he was in a scramble.”
Caudill finishes his high school career with 90 wins.
The other Caudill, Robert, finished third at 120 pounds. The freshman won by decision over Connor Winchenbach of Camden.
“He will be a serious threat to win the State Championship in the future,” said Hernandez.
Junior Brendan Wood also had a third-place finish. At 126 pounds, he pinned Brandon Gill of Mountain Valley in the consolation match.
Coach Hernandez is also looking for Wood to be one of the best wrestlers in the state again next year.
Other Viking wrestlers who took part in the state meet include Rebecca King, Michael Selander and Colby Conroy.
Team scores at the meet were as follows: Camden Hills 169, Fryeburg Academy 109, Mountain Valley 93.5, York 73, Morse 69, Ellsworth 67, Wells 65, Gardiner 58, Belfast 55, Caribou 44, Medomak Valley 35, Maine Central Institute 32, Mount Desert Island 24.5, Hermon 18, Lincoln Academy 3 and Central 2.
“We competed only with six qualifiers and finished 10th in the final team standings,” said Hernandez. “I wanted a top-10 finish and that’s where we landed. I am extremely proud of this team and can’t wait for next year.”
Hernandez also praised assistant coach Susan Plissey for her hard work throughout the season.
“She instructs, wrestles and is an RN — what more can I ask,” he said. “The team loves her and I cannot say enough about her.”
