CONOR SMITH works for a pin in recent varsity wrestling action. (Photo courtesy of Sue Thurston/FA)

VARSITY WRESTLING

Head Coach: Bryce Thurston, fifth year

Team record from a year ago: First in Class B West Regionals, second in Class B State Meet

Returning wrestlers: Tom Remedis, sophomore, 126 pounds; Conor Smith, junior, 132 pounds, third at Regionals; Ryan Buzzell, senior, 145 pounds; Matt Boucher, sophomore, 152 pounds, third at Regionals, second at States; Hunter Day, sophomore, 160 pounds, second at Regionals, fourth at States; Billy Rascoe, senior, 160 pounds; William MacFawn, junior, 170 pounds; Trevor Henschel, junior, 182 pounds, second at Regionals, fourth at States; Greg Harmon, senior, 195 pounds; Angel Esclante, junior, 220 pounds, third at Regionals; Andrew Lyman, senior, 285 pounds, third at Regionals.

Top newcomers: Nathan Wilson, freshman, 138 pounds; Keagan Jones, freshman, 120 pounds; Mike Dandaneau, senior, 195 pounds; and Courtney Batchelor, senior, 132 pounds.

Strengths of the team: The Raiders have started the year doing well with takedowns — both offensively and defensively — and pinning people when they get the opportunity.

Weaknesses: “We will need to improve on our ability to get out on the bottom. We still need to get better on set ups for takedowns. We will need to get more third period strength so we can have good form on our technique when we are tired in a close tough match,” Coach Thurston said.

Team goals: The Raiders hope to have as few forfeits as possible and get everyone healthy and peaking in February come regional and state tournament time.

What will be your emphasis this season? “I try to preach weight lifting, nutrition and (get) as much sleep as possible,” Coach Thurston said.

For the team to be successful, what must happen: The Raiders have to improve on their “flo” in wrestling — “meaning we need to be able to fluently go from one move to another without hesitation from not knowing what to do or not having the conditioning to do it,” Coach Thurston said.

Complete the following, “I am looking forward most to see…” Coach Thurston said, “The guys that have wrestled with me since junior high and seniors who have experience, to step it up and be in the running for a Top 3 in States this year. I hope we qualify a majority of the guys for sates and they all have a fun year being together.”

Recent results: In a match with Chevrus, Ryan Buzzell earned a pin in the 145-pound class in 1:39 and Greg Harmon pinned his 195-pound opponent in 1:51.

Against Deering, the Raiders outscored the Rams 60-9. Victors were:

126, Keagan Jones, by forfeit

132, Conor Smith, pin, 1:46

138, Nathan Wilson, pin, 1:08

145, Ryan Buzzell, by forfeit

152, Matt Boucher, by forfeit

160, Hunter Day, pin, 0:26

170, Willy MacFawn, pin, 1:00

182, Trevor Henschel, by forfeit

285, Andrew Lyman, pin, 0:56.

Greg Harmon lost his 195-pound match via pin in 2:39, while Angel Escalante lost an 11-7 decision in 220-pound action.

• The Raiders travel to Wells High School this Saturday for the Atlantics.