Weston’s 100th career win helps Foxcroft wrestling finish second at PVHS tourney

HOWLAND — On Dec. 9 the Foxcroft Academy wrestling team traveled to Howland to compete at the Penobscot Valley High School (PVHS) tourney. This was the season opener for all 13 teams attending the tournament. Most of the schools attending were from the Penobscot Valley Conference, joined by Monmouth Academy from the Mid State League.

Foxcroft entered the tournament missing three weight classes, but despite that the Ponies had a good showing. The team finished the tournament in second place behind Mattanawcook Academy of Lincoln. Foxcroft had six wrestlers in the finals and finished with four tournament champions.

“I am proud how we came out today, but we still have a lot of work to do to get where we want to be,” head coach Luis Ayala said.

The highlight of the tournament came in when senior Brandon Weston reached a personal milestone. On his first match of the tournament Weston pinned his Washington Academy of East Machias opponent to earn his 100th career win.

“I am so proud of him for putting all the hard work to get to reach this goal,” Ayala said. “It’s never easy to accomplish this, but he has worked hard for this.”

Joining Weston as a tournament champion was RJ Nelson, Dustin Simmons and Elijah Ames.

Ponies finishing as runners-up in their weight classes were Austin Jackson and Jacob Diamond.

Rico Ayala, AJ Atkinson and Josh Whittemore each came in third place.

Grady Reardon finished in fourth place.

Photo courtesy of Angela Ayala
100TH CAREER VICTORY — Foxcroft Academy senior Brandon Weston, center, reached the 100-win milestone during a Dec. 9 tournament in Howland. Weston is pictured with teammate Rico Ayala and their head coach Luis Ayala.

Photo courtesy of Angela Ayala
CELEBRATING WITH HIS TEAMMATES — Senior Brandon Weston, with sign, celebrates with his Foxcroft Academy teammates after recording the 100th win of his Pony wrestling career on Dec. 9 in Howland. Weston pinned his opening match opponent to reach the milestone and he would go on to finish in first place at the tournament.