Freshman Evan Michaud went 5-0 over the weekend and capped off the performance with a championship in Saturday’s tournament held at Dexter Regional High School.
Michaud, Caribou’s 106-lb. wrestler, is coming off a broken arm and only recently was cleared to compete, but still went undefeated Friday at Mattanawcook Academy in Lincoln and the following day in Dexter.
“He is learning at a pretty good rate and I have shown him the basics of what will win you matches and so far he is sticking with the game plan and it is paying off so far,” said Caribou coach Chico Hernandez. “He is still has a long way to go but if he keeps this winning attitude and focus he will go far for a freshman.”
Also in the tourney, freshman Cory Jandreau managed a fourth-place performance in 113, while junior captain Axios Gerakaris also was fourth in 152. Gerakaris beat two state medalists, including Class C state runner-up Ethan Cooley of Piscataquis Community, but lost by injury default in the consolation final to Dylan Kruger of Penobscot Valley after leading with three seconds remaining.
“Axios is turning the corner and on his way to becoming one of the state’s top-tier wrestlers,” Hernandez said. “He needs to clean up his mistakes and wrestle solid and he will win.”
Eric Simon placed third, pinning state medalist Nick Birtz of Mattanawcook Academy in the consolation final. 182 lbs. Alton Pelletier came in second, as did junior captain Dustin DeMerchant in 195.
Senior Brady Anderson in 285 took third place. Hernandez was impressed with the first-year performer and likes his potential.
“If he could learn a few more moves and get some more experience, he will be a factor at the end of the season in the regionals,” said the coach.
Freshman Jarred Jordan also had a solid showing at the tourney.
“I am very pleased with our performances of this past weekend in back-to-back outings,” Hernandez said. “The team’s morale is still very high and that will go a long way as we learn. We have to learn fast and have a lot to learn as we are a very young team.”
Caribou will next wrestle in Saturday’s PVHS Christmas Tournament in Howland. The Vikings won the team title at the event last year.
