By Kevin Sjoberg
Sports Reporter
CARIBOU — James “Chico” Hernandez is ready to see his Viking wrestling team become a well-regarded challenger in the Eastern Maine Class B ranks.
The squad is coming off a fourth-place finish in last year’s regional meet. Deion Caudill, Colby Conroy and Morgan Swan were key members of that team who have since graduated. Caudill was an EM champ and state runner-up last year and Conroy placed third in EM.
Caribou welcomes back senior Brendan Wood, the team’s 132-lb. wrestler who has placed among the top four at the state meet in each of his first three seasons. He won a gold medal at the PVHS Preseason Tournament in Howland Dec. 1 and “this should be the year for him,” Hernandez said.
Senior captain Michael Selander has qualified for the state meet every year since his freshman year and has medaled at the EM meet all three years. “He is probably the slickest wrestler on the t-am,” Hernandez said of the 152 lb. competitor. “He has been working hard this past summer lifting weights and he is seriously committed to be a state champion this year.”
Junior Matthew Manter is currently wrestling in the 195-lb. division, but could drop a class as the season progresses. “He is constantly improving every day and has a lot of passion for the sport and is seriously committed to be the best,” Hernandez said. He captured titles in both of the team’s preseason tourneys.
Senior Aaron Simon, another captain, is the current 182-lb. competitor but will probably compete at 170. He completed U.S. Army combat basic training this past summer and serves in the Maine National Guard and “shows no fear and is one tough wrestler,” Hernandez said. Simon garnered a gold medal at Saturday’s tournament at Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln.
Junior Rebecca King is the most talented female wrestler Hernandez has ever coached. She medaled in last year’s regional meet in 113 and this year is competing in the 120 division.
Sophomore Robert Caudill came in third place at last year’s state meet and is currently struggling with injuries and making the 126-lb. class. “With hard work and improved mental toughness, he has the ability to be a state finalist or champion,” Hernandez said.
Jacob Bither, a junior, competes in the 145 class and is a seasoned veteran who has worked hard to improve. “He has a vast knowledge of moves and techniques, but needs to improve his quickness and reaction time to take it to the next level,” said his coach.
There is a large contingent of freshmen on this year’s squad. Trevonte Caudill is one who is making the adjustment from junior high wrestling and has already displayed great talent in the 113 category, winning the PVHS tourney. William MacLeod competes in 106 and has been a pleasant surprise in the preseason, according to Hernandez. He took gold at the Mattanawcook tourney.
Dustin DeMerchant is another freshman who has also performed well during preseason action in the 182 division. Classmate Colton Conley competes in 220 and could drop a class as the season moves on. Hernandez said Conley is very committed to the team and is a very focused wrestler.
Kevin Bither will most likely compete as a 160 wrestler and Axios Gerakaris has been a steady performer in 126.
Amber Kelley, a senior, competes in 106 but was out most of last season and has also fought injuries during the preseason.
“We have small numbers, but fill 13 of the 14 weight classes,” Hernandez said. “We will gain a few more wrestlers as the season progresses and that will be welcome.”
Bradley Burlock, a former CHS standout wrestler, has joined the team as an assistant coach.
“He’s been an asset,” Hernandez said. “He has pushed the development of some of our veterans who need to take it to the next level.”
The second-year coach expects his team to surprise a lot of opponents this season.
“Like last year, we will go under the radar and will surprise many at tournaments, especially the Eastern Maine Championships. Our main goal is to place in the top two at that meet,” Hernandez said.
“If we can stay academically sound, injury free and can mature rapidly, I like our chances.”
