Foxcroft Academy wrestler wins his 150th career match

DOVER-FOXCROFT — On Saturday, Jan. 25 the Foxcroft Academy wrestling team hosted its last regular season meet.  This event is always special as it is Senior Night, where all the senior wrestlers are recognized before the meet with flowers for their parents.

This night became even more special as senior Rico Ayala was looking for his 150th career win. Wrestling is such a tough sport and winning is never easy. Achieving this milestone mark is such an amazing feat. For it to be accomplished a grappler needs to be a varsity wrestler for all four years, need to stay healthy and avoid any major injuries and win matches.

Contributed photo
PROUD PARENTS — Foxcroft Academy senior Rico Ayala poses with his parents Angela and Luis Ayala for Senior NIght on Jan, 25, the same evening he won his 150th career match.

For Ayala it has been something that he has had his eye out for many years. It was something that he envisioned when his older brother Antonio achieved it his senior year in 2016. The younger Ayala envisioned his name being on the banner on the wall of the Foxcroft Academy gym with the other great Pony wrestlers that have achieved the 150 career victory  mark and now it was his turn.

Ayala needed to win one match to accomplish this goal. Foxcroft wrestled Mt. View in the first round and Ayala would see the Mustangs’ 126-pound wrestler. Ayala would not disappoint as he came out firing from the whistle. He got his takedown early and seemed in control to win the match. As he turned his opponent for the pin you could feel the anticipation of the large crowd waiting for the pin.As the referee slapped the mat, the crowd erupted. They started cheering and  waving the 150 win signs.

Ayala has been a team captain for the last two years and he has accomplished many team goals.  He has led the Ponies three conference championships and three regional titles in the last three seasons, but this marked something personal for him. This year he has a 37-2 mark and with the big tournaments looming ahead he also has other personal goals that he wants to achieve.  

Contributed photo
PROUD PARENTS — Foxcroft Academy senior Rico Ayala poses with his parents Angela and Luis Ayala for Senior NIght on Jan, 25, the same evening he won his 150th career match.

The Foxcroft wrestling finished the Jan. 25 meet with a 2-1 record. This puts the Ponies with a regular season mark of 22-7 and in third place in the Class B North region. Foxcroft will advance to the Class B team duels championship on Feb. 21st at Penobscot Valley in Howland.             

The Jan. 25 scores were Foxcroft 51, Calais 12; Foxcroft 52, Mt. View 24; and Camden Hills 51, Foxcroft 24.