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The main result of World Freestyle Wrestling Cup for Krasnoyarsk is children who would come to gyms,

Vice-Governor Lev Kuznetsov 3/26/2007 1:59:00 PM

The main result of World Freestyle and Female Wrestling Cup for Krasnoyarsk is a lot of children who would come to the gyms, Vice-Governor Lev Kuznetsov stated at the press conference.

"We were very nervous as Krasnoyarsk was first to host an event like that in Russia. We wanted to make it a holiday both in terms of organizing and sport achievements. I believe we have succeeded in this, and no problems have arisen during the tournament. We are very glad that it has been in Krasnoyarsk that our men's team has won World Cup," he added.

Head of the Wrestling Federation of Russia Mikhail Mamiashvili joined Kuznetsov's position. "Parents and children having crowded the stands will go to the gyms tomorrow. They will be perfecting themselves and will live thinking that one day they will be able to wear the national team's uniform to defend the honor of the world's most invincible team at the most prominent sport events. I think it is the most important thing," he noted.

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11 College Scholarshipos Presented by Columbus Rotary

Columbus, Ohio ---

G. Robert “Bob” Bowers, past President of the Columbus Rotary Club, and current Scholarship Committee Chair, announced the establishment of eleven $1,000 college scholarships in partnership with The 2007 Arnold Sports Festival & Fitness Weekend in 2006 and eleven worthy recipients were recognized at the event, March 2 - 4 in Columbus, Ohio. The Weekend is the largest multi-sports festival in the nation and welcomed 150,000 visitors and 17,000 competitors from across the nation in 2007.

The Arnold Sports Festival 2007 hosted 39 sports including 14 Olympic sports and generated an estimated $39 million for the central Ohio community. Scholarships were awarded to youth competitors by Columbus Rotarians, Event Chairs, and when possible California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger as a part of the Weekend’s festivities.

“The Columbus Rotary Scholarship Committee looked forward to expanding our partnership in 2007 to include eleven new scholarships,” said Bob Bowers. “This partnership provides an opportunity to further the Columbus Rotary mission to provide exemplary leadership through commitments to youth, and to effect positive and enduring change in the lives of others.” Bowers stated, “It is a pleasure to work with the youth awardees and to encourage their future participation as Rotarians in Columbus and other communities.”

The 2007 scholarship awardees included Federico Flores of Hart, Michigan in boxing; Haley Imel of Bluffton, Indiana in cheerleading; Benjamin Jagger of Washington, PA in fencing; Laura Stegner of Gahanna, Ohio in figure skating; Eddie Penev of Fairport, New York in boy’s gymnastics; Stephanie McAllister of Indianapolis, Indiana in girl’s gymnastics; Michael McCarthy of Chicago, IL in martial arts; Madison Benner of Heath, Ohio in speed skating; Michelle Glasgow of Provo, Utah in weightlifting; Jesse Thielke of Germantown, Wisconsin in boy’s wrestling; and Michaela Hutchinson of Soldotna, Alaska in girl’s wrestling;

Jim Lorimer, Producer of the 31 year Arnold Fitness Weekend, commented, “Governor Schwarzenegger and I originally conceived of The Arnold Sports Festival as an opportunity to celebrate excellence through sports performance. Since inception, the Weekend has grown into the nation’s largest multi-sports festival. We are immensely pleased to partner in our commitment to youth by joining with the Columbus Rotary in these important scholarships.”

Kris Wilson, Executive Director of Columbus Rotary added, “Columbus Rotary members are devoted to being actively involved in a broad array of service projects. We believe we present a unique advantage to help secure the educational futures of eleven youth and to instill the critical Rotary message of a lifetime of community, and vocational service.”

The Rotary Club of Columbus was founded in 1912 as the 38th Rotary International Club. The Club boasts 500 members committed to effecting positive and enduring change in the lives of others by conducting service programs, fostering goodwill and peace around the world, and creating opportunities for fellowship and new friendships.

Michaela Hutchinson was awarded a $1,000 college scholarship at the Second Annual Arnold Wrestling Challenge in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday, March 4, 2007, and Paul Bukky, Director of the Second Annual Arnold Wrestling Challenge.
Michaela Hutchinson was awarded the scholarship in 2006 and is the first time two-time recipient of the annual scholarship that is co-presented by the Columbus Rotary and the Arnold Sports Festival.

17-year-old Michaela Hutchinson was presented with the scholarship in recognition of her outstanding athletic performance at the 2007 event and her year-round scholastic achievements and sportsman-like behavior.

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Pearse pins down New England 110-pound title

By Ken Waltz 3/26/07
Sports Director

Camden Hills' Kristi Pearse, top, pushes the head of Mountain Valley's T. Ross in a 103-pound match during the high school season. Pearse won the 110-pound New England title in a United States Girls Wrestling Association tournament over the weekend at Pilot Middle School in Dorchester, Mass. (Photo by Ken Waltz)

(March 26): Camden Hills Regional High School junior Kristi Pearse is slowly but surely becoming one of the best female wrestlers in Maine history.

Pearse, who finished second in the state Class B 103-pound division the past two seasons while competing against male opponents, won the 110-pound New England title in a United States Girls Wrestling Association tournament Saturday at Pilot Middle School in Dorchester, Mass.

With the victory, Pearse has earned a spot in the 10th annual USGWA national competition on Saturday and Sunday, March 31 and April 1, at Churchill High School in Livonia, Mich.

Pearse, a Lincolnville resident, has had a phenomenal grappling career. She excelled in the sport at Wiscasset schools before transferring to Camden Hills, helping the squad win a state Class B title in 2007.

During this high school season, Pearse finished 40-9, with 14 pins. She finished second in the state, regional and league championships at 103 pounds.

In a preseason USGWA ranking, Pearse was fifth in the nation at 110 pounds. Jessica Teter of Parkersburg, W.Va., a sophomore at Parkersburg South High School, was ranked first.

Additional information on Pearse's accomplishment will appear later with this story.

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Camden Hills dominates KVAC mats — again

By Ken Waltz (Jan 28):
Sports Editor

WATERVILLE The Camden Hills Regional High School wrestling team ruled the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference mats again Saturday at the Waterville Area Boys and Girls Club.

The Windjammers dominated the competition to win their sixth straight league title and 12th in the past 20 years.

The Windjammers had several other grapplers finish among the top four, including Oliver Bradeen (2nd at 189), Hank Simpkins (2nd at 160), Murphy McGowan (2nd at 125), Kristi Pearse (2nd at 103), Chaz Guthrie (3rd at 215), True Bragg (3rd at 130), Allen Muir (3rd at 285) and Jack Simpkins (3rd at 135).

Camden Hills' Kristi Pearse looks at the referee in a 103-pound battle against Belfast's Winston Poole. Pearse won by pin en route to a second-place effort. (Photo by Ken Waltz)

The team scores were: Camden Hills 195.5, Belfast 150, Oxford Hills of South Paris 108, Morse of Bath 95.5, Mt. Ararat of Topsham 58.5, Erskine Academy of South China 55, Mt. Blue of Farmington 53, Maine Central Institute of Pittsfield 51, Oak Hill of Sabattus 32, Skowhegan 27, Lincoln Academy of Newcastle 26, Gardiner 21, Mt. View of Thorndike 19, Winslow 14, Cony of Augusta 11, Lawrence of Fairfield 3, Medomak Valley 2 and Lewiston no score.

"I am very proud of the team's effort overall," said Windjammer coach John Kelly. "I thought our intensity was at a high level all day. We knew that there was going to be many close and competitive matches throughout the tournament, many of which we won, and the few that we lost certainly weren't from lack of effort. I feel the team is starting to peak at the right time, which is a good situation for us heading in to the final two tournaments of the season."

Laite improved his all-time Windjammer career win record to 164 and his two pins in three KVAC matches moved him to 105 pins, which ties Chris Remsen for the team's career lead. Remsen finished his high school career 157-8, with 105 pins.

The Windjammers and Panthers will participate in the Eastern Class B championships on Saturday, Feb. 3 at Medomak Valley High School. Camden Hills then will vie for another state Class B championship on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Augusta Civic Center.

The individual results for Camden Hills and Medomak Valley grapplers from the league championships were:

103 pounds — Pearse, CH, pinned Winston Poole, Bel, at 0:58; pinned Jacob Taylor, EA, at 5:13; and lost to D.J. Brackett, Mor, 8-6 in overtime in the championship final. Pearse finished second. "Kristi lost on a controversial call in the finals to place runner-up [in the meet] for the second year in a row," coach Kelly said.

112 pounds — Zach Fields, CH, won by major decision over Ken Pinard, OaH, 15-3; lost to Matt Delgallo, Gard, 14-9; and lost to Dustin Vigue, Win, 8-5. "Zach showed tremendous improvement in losing to the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds," said coach Kelly.

Craig Holmes, Med, lost to Currier, MtB, 5-3 in a pigtail match.

119 pounds — I. Bragg, CH, pinned Alexis Lodge, MCI, at 3:05; pinned Gary Theriault, MtB, at 0:25; and beat Josh Robbins, Bel, 9-8 in the championship final. Bragg finished first. "Ivan wrestled very inspired and was not to be denied his championship on this day," said coach Kelly.

125 pounds — McGowan, CH, pinned Ryan Chenevert, Law, at 3:24; pinned Brian Parlin, Skow, at 3:30; and lost by major decision to Sam Webber, MtB, 13-3 in the championship final. McGowan finished second. "Murphy lost a tough finals match to Webber, but showed he is getting back to his championship form," coach Kelly said.

Eric Bissonette, Med, lost to Chenevert, Law, 4-0 in a pigtail match.

130 pounds — T. Bragg, CH, pinned Kris Arnold, MtB, at 0:48; lost to Spencer Chipman, Mor, 6-4; pinned Steven Genthner, Med, at 2:23; and pinned Drew Marshall, MtA, at 2:37 in the consolation final. Bragg finished third. "True had one costly mistake in the semifinals, but otherwise wrestled to perfection the rest of the day," coach Kelly said.

Genthner, Med, beat Chris Robinson, Con, 4-3 in a pigtail match; was pinned by Jimmy Spencer, Bel, at 1:46; beat Jake Sylvain, Skow, 4-1; and was pinned by T. Bragg, CH, at 2:23.

135 pounds — J. Simpkins, CH, pinned Kyia Bryant, MtV, at 0:25 in a pigtail match; pinned Ben Rossignol, OaH, at 0:58; lost to Cinjin Goewey, MCI, 2-0; won by major decision over Chris Taylor, Med, 9-1; and pinned Dakota Leeman, EA, at 2:52 in the consolation final. Simpkins finished third. "Jack wrestled extremely well and continues to show steady improvement," coach Kelly said.

Taylor, Med, beat Sean Kelly, MtB, 11-4 in a pigtail match; was pinned by Leeman, EA, at 2:40; beat Mitchell James, Con, 7-4; and lost by major decision to J. Simpkins, CH, 9-1.

140 pounds — Laite, CH, pinned Austin Mehlhorn, LA, at 3:51; pinned Theo Marshall, MtA, at 0:31; and beat Logan Russell, Mor, 9-3 in the championship final. Laite finished first. "Cody dominated all his opponents with a strong takedown and unstoppable pinning combination," said coach Kelly

Brian Baker, Med, was pinned by Powers, Law, at 1:53 in a pigtail match.

145 pounds — Nick Harrington, Med, pinned Fortier-Brown, Gard, at 2:44 in a pigtail match; was pinned by Gary Begin, MtB, at 3:54; and was pinned by Casey Littrell, Mor, at 3:00.

Angus Pfister, CH, was pinned by Goewey, MCI, at 4:32 in a pigtail match.

152 pounds — Berry, CH, won by technical fall over Justin Haver, Bel, 18-1; pinned Ben Stoodley, OxH, at 3:59; and won by major decision over Ben Cox, MtA, 13-3 in the championship final. Berry finished first. "Jacob was flawless and truly overpowered his opponents with great technique and strength," coach Kelly said.

160 pounds — H. Simpkins, CH, won by major decision over Justin Serrano, MtV, 14-4; beat Brad Smith, OxH, 3-2; and was pinned by Mike Rolerson, Bel, at 1:08 in the championship final. Simpkins finished second. "Hank returned to the lineup after a month long injury and gutted out some tough matches, which was inspiring to watch given the fact his conditioning is down and he's not 100 percent recovered as of yet," coach Kelly said.

171 pounds — Jessica Leach, CH, was pinned by Frank Osbourne, MtB, at 0:45 in a pigtail match.

Caleb Erskine, Med, lost to Mike Fraser, Con, 10-0 in a pigtail match;

189 pounds — Bradeen, CH, pinned Drew Wallace, Mor, at 0:18; beat Tom Moulton, OxH, 9-5; and lost to Travis Spencer, Bel, 7-3 in the championship final. Bradeen finished second. "Oliver demonstrated extraordinary quickness and technique to reach the finals in arguably the toughest weight class in the tournament," coach Kelly said. "We just need to develop a strategy to overcome his nemesis [Spencer] from Belfast."

215 pounds — Guthrie, CH, pinned Ben Graves, MtA, at 1:34; was pinned by Dave Atchison, EA, at 0:25; beat Bryant lorette, Skow, 5-0; and pinned Bill Hixson, Con, at 2:19 in the consolation final. Guthrie finished third. "Chaz also fell victim to one costly mistake, but otherwise wrestled superbly," coach Kelly said.

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Jammers sail to KVAC title
Wrestling

by Dwight Collins
(Created: Monday, January 29, 2007 3:21 PM EST)

Camden Hills Kristi Pearse, left, stacks Belfast’s Winston Poole with a double-chicken wing for the pin during Saturday’s KVAC championships in Waterville. Pearse placed second in this year’s event. Dwight Collins

WATERVILLE — The Camden Hills wrestling team cruised to its sixth consecutive Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference title on Saturday at the Alfond Youth Arena/Waterville boys and girls club.

The Windjammers crowned three individual champions in Ivan Bragg (119 pounds), Cody Laite (140) and Jacob Berry (152) while Kristi Pearse (103), Murphy McGowan (125), Hank Simpkins (160) and Oliver Bradeen (189) were crowned runners-up. True Bragg (130), Jack Simpkins (135), Chaz Guthrie (215) and Alan Muir (285) all won their consolation championship match to finish third. Muir defeated the top seed in his weight class in both the championship semifinals and the consolation finals.

Medomak Valley did not fair as well as coach Philip Genthner had hoped. For the first time in recent memory, the Panthers did not see a single grappler make it into either the championship or consolation championship finals.

“Hopefully they can use this to build on for next week at regionals,” said Genthner. “This is always a tougher tournament and there was some really good competition here today, so considering that, I thought we wrestled pretty well for being a such a young team.”

The Panthers have only one senior in the line-up, Brian Baker at 140 pounds.

Camden Hills has dominated the KVAC championships since its return to the league 15 years ago, winning the title a whopping 11 times. Prior to that, then, Camden-Rockport ruled the Penobscot Valley Conference in its only four seasons of competition.

“I thought the effort was there from each and every wrestler today,” said CHRHS coach John Kelly. “The guys that lost — it wasn’t do to a lack of effort, they fought hard and sometime it’s not meant to be. We consistently put guys in the finals and those that had to wrestle in the consolation round gained us some valuable points through wrestle-backs. It was complete team effort.”

The KVAC decided in 2007 to crown champions in Class A and B as well as the overall champions. Both classes competed against each other in the tournament brackets and the top team in each class that won the divisional crown. The Class A championship was won by Oxford Hills, which placed third overall in the team standings. The Lions of Belfast gave a valiant effort placing second to Camden Hills. The top two teams in the final team standings were from Class B, which sets the stage for another showdown between the two Midcoast rivals next Saturday at Medomak Valley for the Eastern Class B regional tournament.

Team scores were: 1, Camden Hills, 195.5; Belfast, 150; Oxford Hills, 108; Morse, 95.5; Mt. Ararat, 58.5; Erskine Academy, 55; Mt. Blue, 53; Maine Central Institute, 51; Oak Hill, 32; Skowhegan, 27; Lincoln Academy, 26; Gardiner, 21; Mt. View, 19; Winslow, 14; Cony, 11; Lawrence, three; Medomak Valley, two; Lewiston, no score

Individual results for Camden Hills and Medomak Valley, with Windjammer wrestlers listed first were:

103 pounds — Pearse pinned Winston Poole, Bel, at 0:58; pinned Jacob Taylor, EA, at 5:13; and lost to D.J. Brackett, Mor, 8-6 (OT) to finish second. MVHS had no entrant.

112 pounds — Zach Fields defeated Ken Picard, OH, 15-3; lost to Matt Delgallo, Gar, 14-9; and lost to Dustin Vigue, Win, 8-5. Craig Holmes lost to Andrew Currier, MtB, 5-3 in the preliminary round.

119 pounds — Bragg pinned Alexis Lodge, MCI, at 3:05; pinned Gary Theriault, MtB, at 0:25; and defeated Josh Robbins, Bel, 9-8 to finish first. MVHS has no entrant.

125 pounds — McGowan pinned Ryan Chenevert, Law, at 3:24; pinned Brian Parlin, Skow, at 3:30; and lost to Sam Webber, MtB, 13-3 to finish second. Eric Bissonett lost to Chenevert 4-0 in the preliminary round.

130 pounds —T. Bragg pinned Chris Arnold, MtB, at 0:48; lost to Spencer Chipman, Mor, 6-4; pinned Steven Genthner, MV, at 2:23; and pinned Drew Marshall, MtA, at 2:37 to finish third. Genthner was pinned by Jimmy Spencer, Bel, at 1:46; defeated Jake Sylvain, Skow, 4-1; and was pinned by Bragg, CH, at 2:23.

135 pounds — J. Simpkins pinned Ben Rossignol, OH, at 0:58; lost to Cinjin Goewey, MCI, 2-0; defeated Chris Taylor, MV, 9-1; and pinned Dakota Leeman, Ers, at 2:52 to finish third. Taylor was pinned by Leeman, Ers, at 2:40; defeated James Mitchell, Con, 7-4; and was pinned by Simpkins, CH, at 0:58.

140 pounds — Laite pinned Austin Melhorn, LA, at 3:51; pinned Theo Marshall, MtA, at 0:31; and defeated Logan Russell, Mor, 9-3 to finish first.

145 pounds — Angus Pfister was pinned by Revelin Goewey, MCI, at 4:32 in the preliminary round. Nick Harrington pinned Fortier-Brown, Gar, at 1:59; was pinned by Gary Begin, MtB, and was pinned by Casey Littrell, Mor, at 3:00.

152 pounds — Berry defeated Justin Haver, Bel, 18-1; pinned Ben Stoodley, OxH, at 3:59; and defeated Ben Cox, MtA, 13-3 to finish first. MVHS had no entrant.

160 pounds — H. Simpkins defeated Justin Serrano, MtV, 14-4; defeated Brad Smith, OxH, 3-2; and was pinned by Mike Rolerson, Bel, at 1:08 to finish second. Jonathan Storer was pinned by Don Cowels, Skow, at 1:48 in the preliminary round.

171 pounds Jessica Leach was pinned by Frank Osbourne, MtB, at 0:45 in the preliminary round. Caleb Erskine lost to Mike Fraser, Con, 10-0 in the preliminary round.

189 pounds — Bradeen pinned Drew Wallace, Mor, at 0:18; defeated Tom Moulton, OxH, 9-5; and lost to Travis Spencer, Bel, 7-3 to finish second.

215 pounds — Guthrie pinned Ben Graves, MtA, at 1:34; was pinned by Dave Atchison, Ers, 0:25; defeated Brain Lorette, Skow, 5-0; pinned Bill Hixon, Con, at 2:19 to finish third.

285 pounds — Muir defeated Ron Packard, OxH, 2-1; was pinned by John Pelletier, MtV, 1:14; pinned Todd Steward, Slow, at 1:50; pinned Packard, OxH, at 3:17 to finish third. James Ogden was pinned by Muir, CH, at 1:39 in the preliminary round.

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