Wolfpack wrestling team turns in solid showing at State Championships

By Matt Pascarella

The Windham/Gray-New Gloucester/Westbrook varsity Wolfpack wrestling team had a total of six prep wrestlers and four alternates qualify for the State Championships, which was held at the Lewiston Colisee on Saturday, Feb. 15. Windham seniors CK Kennedy, Ayden Cofone, freshman Tristen Merchant, Gray-New Gloucester senior Spencer Fields and Westbrook sophomores Jajjad Jumaah and Cole Tanner all qualified to compete in the event.

Windham senior Ayden Cofone flips his Massabesic opponent
during the finals of the Maine Principal's Association State
Championship Meet in Lewiston on Saturday, Feb. 15.
PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA 

Cofone won his third state title in four years after he defeated Massabesic in the finals in 43 seconds, with a score of 15-0. The Wolfpack placed 14th overall.

“It always feels good, especially at a state tournament, to do what you want to do,” said Cofone. “I knew I had it locked up, I put him on his back again and I thought to myself, ‘that’s it, I just got my third.’ The ultimate goal is always a New England Championship title, but three state titles are cool. (A New England title) is what I’m striving for and what I’m going to keep working towards. I know what I’m capable of and I’m the best on the mat when I step on the mat. I go in with that mindset ... I thought I did good at top-game, always turning, always looking for another tilt, always getting more points because you rack up the points, you win easy.”

In the quarterfinals, Ayden defeated Kennebunk 8-0. He defeated Cony 3-0 in the semifinals to advance to the finals.

Wolfpack wrestling coach John Nicholas said Ayden has accomplished so many great things in his career and will go down as the best Windham wrestler of all time. He is really impressed by Cofone’s toughness. Cofone has set the bar high for future wrestlers.

Merchant, Jumaah, Kennedy, Tanner and Fields all fought hard, but lost in the quarterfinals and consolation rounds. Fields finished in sixth place.

“I like being here because ... it’s something to give my passion to and something to put my hard work into,” said Fields, who qualified for the state championship for his first time. “I put all my passion in tonight. Mentally matches can be difficult as well as physically. I’d say that’s definitely the hardest part about this sport is that mental fortitude and that strive to keep pushing, through that match. I think the team has done really well; everyone has put out 110 percent. Even for these new guys they look great on the mat. Out of the six guys the came to states, we all tried our hardest. For the team (there has been) a lot of improvement technique-wise, physically, mentally – this sport just boosts your endurance overall. I’ve grown overall as a person and as well as just in the sport ... (wrestling) really makes me focus harder on every aspect of my life.”

Nicholas said we were very pleased with Cofone’s performance, and the rest of the team wrestled well and gained a lot of valuable experience.

“This was the most wrestlers we have qualified for the state tournament,” said Nicholas. “We knew we had a strong team this year, but we were plagued by sickness and injuries the entire season. The main goal was to get healthy and to improve our conditioning. We were able to do both of those things heading into the postseason. We are a pretty young team, so it was important for a lot of the kids to experience competition at the state level. Also, wrestling in bigger venues with big crowds should help us in the future. Many of the wrestlers are coming back next year and we are very proud of how our seniors conducted themselves.” <