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Maine Wrestling Tournament Concludes, Salem Girls Shine

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, January 18th 2026 at 12:14 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New Hampshire, UNITED STATES

Portland, Maine - January 18th, 2026 - The wrestling community across New England is buzzing this weekend following the conclusion of a highly competitive two-day tournament held in Portland, Maine. The event showcased a wealth of talent from several New Hampshire schools, with Concord High School securing 5th place, Souhegan High School finishing 7th, and the Salem High School girls' wrestling team achieving an impressive 2nd place overall. While team standings offer a snapshot of performance, the individual achievements of several wrestlers were particularly noteworthy, underscoring the growing strength and depth of wrestling programs in the region.

Concord's Solid Performance & Rising Stars

Concord High School's 5th place finish demonstrates a consistent level of performance within the New Hampshire wrestling landscape. While not claiming the top spot, their team effort solidified their position as a competitive force. Individual wrestlers within the Concord squad showed considerable skill. David Cordeiro's 3rd place finish at the 138-pound weight class was a standout achievement, showcasing his dedication and technical prowess. Jacob Lapierre's 4th place showing at 160 lbs further reinforces Concord's ability to develop strong wrestlers across multiple weight categories. Ryan Smith's 6th place finish at 195 lbs contributes to the overall team score and highlights a strong upper-weight presence. Concord's wrestling program has consistently worked to build a balanced team, focusing on both skill development and fostering a supportive team environment. Coaches have emphasized the importance of rigorous training and mental fortitude, contributing to the team's consistent performance.

Souhegan's Resilient Effort

Souhegan High School's 7th place finish represents a resilient effort from a team continually striving for improvement. The tournament highlighted the challenges faced by smaller programs in competing against larger schools with more extensive resources. Despite these hurdles, Souhegan's wrestlers demonstrated determination and sportsmanship. Ethan D'Andrea's 6th place finish at 126 lbs signifies a rising talent within the program. Kyle Gauthier's 7th place at 170 lbs demonstrates a commitment to consistent improvement, and Joey Marchand's 8th place performance at the heavyweight 285-pound class underscores the difficulties and demands of that weight class. Souhegan's coach has been instrumental in cultivating a culture of perseverance and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of personal growth alongside athletic achievement.

Salem Girls' Wrestling Team Makes a Statement

The Salem High School girls' wrestling team's 2nd place finish was arguably the most notable achievement of the tournament. Girls' wrestling continues to experience exponential growth across the nation, and Salem's performance is a testament to the dedication and rising skill level of female wrestlers in New Hampshire. Makenna Fagan's 1st place victory at 129 lbs was the centerpiece of Salem's success, demonstrating exceptional talent and dominance in her weight class. Grace Young's 3rd place finish at 152 lbs contributed significantly to the team's overall score. Abigail O'Neil's 4th place finish at 170 lbs shows a commitment to the sport and a willingness to compete against top-tier opponents. The Salem program has been a pioneer in promoting girls' wrestling, actively working to increase participation and provide opportunities for female athletes to excel. The team's success also serves as an inspiration for other schools considering developing girls' wrestling programs.

Looking Ahead: The Future of New England Wrestling

This Maine tournament underscores the growing vitality of wrestling in New England. The dedication of coaches, athletes, and families is fueling a positive trajectory for the sport, particularly as girls' wrestling gains increased recognition and participation. Future tournaments are expected to be even more competitive, reflecting the continuous development of talent across the region. Further investment in training facilities and coaching resources will be crucial to sustaining and amplifying this growth, ensuring that New England remains a vibrant hub for wrestling excellence.