BATH — Maddie Ripley’s quest to become Maine’s first female state champion fell just one win short.
Ripley, a sophomore from Oceanside High School, lost by pinfall in the first period of the 113 pound title match to Deegan Tidswell of Mattanawcook at the Class B wrestling state championships on Saturday at Morse High School.
“It’s the best feeling ever, honestly,” said an emotional Tidswell. “I can’t really explain it. It feels so good.”
Tidswell’s win was one of four title victories for the Lynx, who claimed their first state championship in program history. Wells — which won three straight Class B crowns from 2017-2019 — finished as the runner up, while York finished third. Other champions for Mattanawcook were Cole Albert (120), Jackson Sutherland (170) and Isaac Hanier (182).
Tidswell said he tried to use Ripley’s aggression against her during the match.
“I knew she wrestled very aggressive in the first two rounds,” Tidswell said. “I was watching a little bit. I just had to prepare myself, and I had to make sure to keep that aggression under control.”
The Lynx made a clean sweep of the postseason, capturing the Penobscot Valley Conference and Class B North titles.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Mattanawcook head coach Matt Lindsay said. “The kids worked incredibly hard for a lot of years to get to the level they’re at. Luckily today, they were able to showcase it. They just did awesome.”
Ripley beat Chase Lunetta of Wells and Ryker Evans of Belfast to reach the championship round. Ripley, who became the first female Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference champion, finishes her season with a 34-2 record. Her only other loss was to Wynn Pooler of Erskine Academy. Pooler topped Adam St. Cyr of Lincoln Academy for the 106 title.
Winslow’s Allan Rogers, top, and Mountain Valley’s Kaden Passo compete in the 182 pound consolation semifinals at the Class B state championships on Saturday in Bath. Rogers pinned Passo to win. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal
“She had a great day, it’s really tough,” said Oceanside head coach Jason Yates, who is also Ripley’s stepfather. “Unfortunately, (female wrestlers) get a lot of pressure, and I know people meant well congratulating her before, ‘Hey, you’re going to make history, you’re going to be the first girl (state champion).’ Unfortunately, I think that comes with a lot of pressure that boys don’t have to deal with. It’s tough, she’s taking it tough, she feels like she let a lot of people down, when really, she had a great year. I hope she’s an inspiration to other girl wrestlers that they can look up to.”
Ripley’s brother, Gavin Ripley, won the 126 championship over Maine Central Institute’s Keith Cook via pin in the second period.
Samuel Schmitt of Winslow bested Michael Ducharme of Wells 18-10 for the 138 championship. Schmitt, who was named the meet’s outstanding wrestler, gained some revenge in his victory over Ducharme.
“He beat me last weekend, it left a bad taste in my mouth,” said Schmitt, a senior. “I knew I couldn’t wrestle on the mat with him, so I just took him down and let him back up. I had a really good game plan that I went over with my coaches. I’m happy to execute it.”
Other champs included Wells’ Griffin Brickett (132), Lincoln’s Jaden Lafrenaye (145), Mountain Valley’s Lucas Libby (152), Fryeburg’s Job Fox (195), Bucksport’s Jaxon Gross (220) and York’s Will Orso (285).
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