Olson becomes FA’s newest member of the 100-win club

    HOWLAND — On Saturday, Dec. 21 the Foxcroft Academy wrestling team traveled to Penobscot Valley High School to compete at the Howland Christmas Tournament. This was not going to be like any tournament, the Ponies were going to compete with other PVC teams and looked forward to the challenge.  What made this day a special event was that one Foxcroft wrestler was going to accomplish a milestone.

Contributed photo

    100TH CAREEER VICTORY — Foxcroft Academy senior Eli Olson celebrates with his parents Scott and Doreen after picking up his 100th career win on Dec. 21 at the Howland Christmas Tournament. Olson’s milestone win came in the 126-pound finals.

    Senior Eli Olson, wrestling at 126 pounds, was looking to win his 100th career match. Coming into the tournament he needed two more victories. 
    Accomplishing this goal is no small feat. A wrestler needs to be a varsity wrestler their freshman year, not an easy accomplishment at FA because you have to earn your spot by winning the wrestle-offs for that weight class, not only your freshman year but every year. You also have to stay healthy during your career to have the opportunity to wrestle all those matches.
    Looking at the brackets in the tournament, Olson received a bye in the quarterfinals, meaning that he had to win his first match in the semifinals and his second match was going to be in the finals. Olson was able to win his first match by pinning his opponent from George Stevens in the first period. 
    Going into the finals Olson had to face Matt Webber of Dexter, an opponent he was familiar with and knew that it was not going to be an easy task. As the match started you could feel the intensity of this battle. The action was quick and furious. Webber was able to get the early advantage as he was able to take control and seemed that he was going to turn Olson on his back on a cradle and that’s when things changed. 
    While fighting the cradle Olson was able to counter the move and get an advantage that quickly turned the match around for him. Olson was able to now lock the cradle on Webber and put him on his back for the pin. The FA crowd went crazy as they could not believe what just happened. As they cheered they were waving the 100 signs to recognize Olson’s accomplishment. As the ref raised his hand the other wrestlers in the gym gathered around the mat to congratulate him on his accomplishment. As Eli walked off the mat his teammates and family members all rushed to him to congratulate him. 
    “Eli is just a great kid.  He is a fighter that just never quits.” Coach Luis Ayala said. “He is a captain on the team and he leads by example. He is one of the hardest workers in the wrestling room always trying to get better. I am just so happy for him. He deserves it.”