Holmes advances to New England Wrestling Championships
Foxcroft Academy junior Connor Holmes finished third in the 285-pound bracket at the All-State Wrestling Tournament in Sanford on Saturday, punching his ticket to the New England Wrestling Championships in Hanover, MA, on March 6-7.
The All-State tournament features the top four finishers from each weight class at the Class A, Class B, and Class C state tournaments, which were held the Saturday prior. Wrestlers must finish in the top three at All-States to earn an invite to the New England meet. Holmes, who gives away as many as 30 pounds to his competitors, capped a breakout junior season by springing several upsets on his way to the surprising third-place finish. “Connor has come a long way,” said Coach Luis Ayala. “This was his first year as a varsity wrestler, and he’s made the most of his opportunities. I’m very proud of him–he’s exceeded my expectations all year.”
Tino Ayala, who was FA’s highest finisher at the Class B state meet (runner up at 120), placed fourth in his bracket and will serve as an alternate for the New England meet. Brandon Weston (106) and Conner Johnson (132) also competed for the Ponies.
Rich caps career with best performance at state ski championships
Foxcroft Academy senior Annie Rich closed out a great career by placing 20th in the giant slalom and 21st in the slalom at the Class C Maine State Ski Championships at Big Rock Mountain on February 16-17. A four-year state qualifier and FA’s only skier (she practices and competes with Greenville High School), Rich improved upon her performance at last year’s state meet at Sunday River, where she finished 27th in the giant slalom and 26th in the slalom.
Annis named Class B Swimming Coach of the Year
Congratulations to Foxcroft Academy swimming coach Jody Annis, who has been recognized by her peers as the Class B Girls’ Swimming Coach of the Year after leading a small but talented roster to an excellent regular season and a sixth-place finish at the state meet.