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Cumberland matmen looking good |
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Tuesday, 09 December 2008 |
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By TERRY NAU Sports editor CUMBERLAND – Steve Gordon seems to get a little bit younger every year. That’s what happens when you hang around teenage wrestlers every day.
The long-time Cumberland High mat coach begins his 41st season when his Clippers host Chariho tonight.
“This is actually the school’s 40th varsity season,” Gordon said. “We started the program with one year of junior varsity competition before we joined the varsity league.”
This storied program has never been in better shape. Over the past four years, Cumberland has won its second state team championship (2005) and captured two dual-meet state titles (2005 and 2008). Of the 14 starters on last season’s juggernaut, 11 return this season.
“I like our team,” said the ever-optimistic Gordon, who has never seen a wrestling team he didn’t like. “I’m very excited. Our first three weight classes are as good as anyone around. I have a lot of confidence in all of the kids.”
Let’s start with the lightweights. The Lariviere twins – Shai and Shoneil – return at 103 and 112 pounds, respectively. Shai finished second in the state as a freshman and Shoneil battled to gain a third-place medal. They are joined by 119-pounder Jaron Parent, who placed fourth in last year’s state tournament.
Jake Cardoza returns at 125 pounds, a bit stronger and more experienced. Newcomer Nick Maccini, a sophomore, steps in at 130 pounds.
Chris Smith, who Gordon says is “much bigger and stronger this year,” will man the 135-pound job. Junior Ricky McCoy returns at 140 pounds, followed by the mercurial George Beaulieu, who scored a couple of huge pins in the dual-meet tournament last winter.
“Georgie came through with some big wins for us when it counted last year,” Gordon recalled.
Taylor Dougan, third in the state last year, returns at 152. The senior played football for Cumberland’s playoff squad and is just now getting into wrestling condition. Anyone who has played both sports knows the difference.
Cameron Glad, a 2008 junior varsity state champion, takes over for the departed Ryan Lefaivre at 160 pounds. Gordon likes to refer to Glad with one of his favorite adjectives -- outstanding.
At 171, another JV state champion – Adam Krajanowski – figures to be the starter once he gets off the injured list. Dylan Bishaw and Alex Gallette will share the job for the time being and could figure in the mix all season long if they can succeed in the wrestle-offs.
Senior Derek Paul returns at 189 pounds. As always, Paul will move up to 215 when Gordon feels that’s the best way to win the dual-meet.
“Derek came in at 200 pounds,” Gordon noted. “He would rather wrestle at 189. He’s going to be a big 189-pounder this year, that’s for sure.”
Paul finished a disappointing sixth in the state at 189 last year.
“He had a bad tournament,” Gordon said.
Nick Coppinger returns at 215. He’ll step aside when Paul moves up.
The heavyweight situation is interesting. Tall and lanky Jerry Dellanoy wrestled very well at heavyweight last winter but has lost some weight and could come down to 215 for the state tournament. That’s all speculation at this point in time. It’s just another option for the coach and his senior wrestler to consider.
“We’ve got a lot more experience as a team this year, although we’re still young,” Gordon said. “I can’t wait to see them wrestle against Chariho.”
Tonight’s match will begin shortly after 7 p.m.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 13 December 2008 )
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