Class A Wrestling: Mt. Ararat/Brunswick capture first state championship

AUGUSTA — Perennial powerhouse programs like Marshwood and Noble were once again in the mix for a team title at the Class A state tournament on Saturday, but it would be the Mt. Ararat/Brunswick wrestlers who were receiving a police and fire department escort home when the day was over.

The Eagles would get individual state titles from freshmen Brycen Kowalsky and Spencer LeClair and senior Brady Mitchell as they racked up 96 points — 19 1/2 ahead of second-place Marshwood — en route to the team crown.

“This is a crazy feeling,” said Mitchell on winning both an individual and team state championship.

Mitchell admitted a state title wasn’t something he was expecting this season.

“I’ve never even dreamed of coming close to being in the finals and to take it all is just unreal … this is the biggest moment of my life probably and it just feels amazing,” said Mitchell, who pinned Portland/South Portland’s Malcom Garland in the 195-pound final.

Kowalsky clinched the team title for the Eagles when he pinned Kennebunk’s Garrett Dickinson in the second period of the 113-pound final.

“It’s pretty big. I would rather win it for the team than for myself,” said Kowalsky.

LeClair entered Saturday’s state tournament confident he would leave Cony High School with a gold medal around his neck.

“I was expecting a win. I’ve been training hard over the past few weeks and I’ve been putting in the work and obviously it’s paying off,” said LeClair.

The Mt. Ararat freshman had split the last two matches with his finals opponent, Camden Hills’ Dawson Allen, but in the 132-pound title match it would be all LeClair as he won 8-3.

“I’ve been getting better and better every week. I’m glad for the (outcome). I ended up winning, but he’s a great competitor and hopefully I’ll see him next week,” said LeClair.

LeClair was thrilled to send his senior teammates out with a championship.

“It feels amazing. We’re going to lose a few seniors (after) this year and it’s been great knowing them. I’m glad we got our seniors (a state title),” LeClair said.

Mt. Ararat/Brunswick coach Erick Jensen was thrilled with his team’s effort — from the freshman phenoms to the seniors enjoying one final ride.

“I knew there was a ton of talent on this team and I think that there are some kids that stepped up, especially some of my seniors,” said Mt. Ararat coach Erick Jensen. “My 170 pounder (Mason Hultman) placing today and then obviously Brady (winning a title) at 195 was a little unexpected, but they really peaked at the right time and the freshman did what I thought they could do.”

Jensen wasn’t surprised to see Kowalsky and LeClair shine at the state meet.

“They’ve wrestled a lot of years. They have traveled all over the country and what’s nice about it is the stage wasn’t too big for them,” Jensen said.

Mt. Ararat/Brunswick will send six wrestlers to this Saturday’s New England Qualifier as third-place finisher Ben Laurence (152) and fourth-place finisher Kyle Graffam (145) will join the three champions and Hultman (fourth at 170) at Oxford Hills High School.

“They’ve got goals and I’d like to see them obviously do well next weekend and continue this momentum all the way through New Englands. They are aggressive enough and hopefully they can do something,” said Jensen on his wrestlers’ mentality heading into the qualifier.

The Eagles are ready to put in the work over the next couple weeks, according to LeClair.

“Our goal is definitely preparing for New Englands. We still have All-States to work on obviously, but we’re mostly worried about New Englands — training harder and working harder than everybody else,” said LeClair.

Kowalsky is looking to climb onto the podium the next two weeks.

“Hopefully win All-States or come in the top three and then place in New Englands,” said Kowalsky.

Jensen, who is in his 19th year, is hoping all the success the Eagles have enjoyed this season will help the program grow in the future.

“I hope it’s huge. Our peewee program is down a little bit this year, so hopefully this will bring things up,” said Jensen.

The Morse Shipbuilders will also be represented at the New England Qualifier as Ihsan Myers finished third at 182 pounds and Donovan Rector was fourth at 132 pounds on Saturday.

The other wrestlers who captured state titles on Saturday were Cony’s Noah Dumas (106), Bonny Eagle’s Colby Frost (120), Noble’s Josh Cote (126) and Sam Martel (138), Camden Hills’ Noah Lang (145), Marshwood’s David Spinney (152), Portland/South Portland’s Zack Elowitch (160), Nokomis’ David Wilson (170), Cony’s Aaron Lettre (182), Sanford’s Sol Demers (220) and Scarborough’s Addison Boisvert (285).