The Caribou Vikings’ varsity wrestling team hosted a dual meet last Tuesday, Jan. 10 and then participated in a tournament held in Dover-Foxcroft Saturday, Jan. 14.
The Vikes lost to Fort Kent, 54-12, with Cory Jandreau, in the 132 lb. division, winning the only contested match for Caribou with a 19-second pin of Rylee Theriault. Evan Michaud picked up a forfeit victory in the 126 division.
Both juniors competed in exhibition matches, with Jandreau defeating Reece Pelletier by pin in 145 and Michaud scoring a 20-9 major decision victory over Colby LeClair.
On Saturday, Michaud won his first two matches to reach the 126 lb. division championship round before losing by fall to former Caribou wrestler Marcus Caudill, now of Foxcroft Academy. Michaud’s victories were over Josh Tatlock of Foxcroft and Daegan Eastman of Mattanawcook Academy.
“Evan needs to minimize his mistakes and then he will go far,” said Caribou coach James “Chico” Hernandez. “He is experimenting with new moves and that should pay off in the long run.”
Jandreau placed third in the tourney. He lost by fall in the quarterfinals to Mattanawcook’s Dominic Libby before bouncing back to defeat Charles Newman of Woodland in the consolation semifinals. Jandreau then was impressive in defeating Jack Diamond of Foxcroft in the consolation finals by a 6-2 decision.
“Cory’s last win was against a very talented wrestler, but he needs better mat preparation, especially in first-round action, and must clean up mistakes too,” Hernandez said, “but like Evan is improving every week.”
Michaud is now 15-3 on the season and Jandreau stands at 15-5.
Caribou next competes on Saturday in a multi-team event hosted by Ellsworth High School.
