Some Notes on the 2001 High School Wrestling State Championships
held February 10th at the Augusta Civic Center

First of all, our hearts and prayers go out to Kevin Armstrong of Dexter, who was in the hospital during this tournament.  Kevin was a State Champion at 135 lbs. last year.  Kevin, we wish you well, and if anyone hears how he's doing, please let me know.

Concessions!  What were they thinking!  Not only was the selection severely inadequate, but they kept running out.  You were not allowed to bring food into the Civic Center, yet they expected these athletes, in the biggest tournament of the year, and maybe their career, to eat hotdogs and/or pizza.  Ask Matt Waite what pizza does to your stomach when you start wrestling.

My hats off to Dave Labranche of Biddeford, who came out of the 4th seed in the west to win the Class A 119-lb. Championship!

The most exciting heavyweight I've seen wrestle, in recent memory, has to be Abe Bradeen of Dirigo.

Chris Welch, hope you get well soon.  Ian Slaymaker, I hate to see anyone lose a championship this way, but rules are rules.

I like the idea of all Championships in the same place!  I got to see some great matches that I otherwise would have missed.  My only suggestion is that you group the Classes as shown below.  You would have to pull back the curtain and add a ninth mat.  It would be easier to follow your team.  It would also be easier on the coaches.

Finally, Congratulations to ALL wrestlers.  To the Champions: Represent well the Great State of Maine at the New Englands.  See you there!

- Harry Smith -
02/11/01