The Boothbay Region High School wrestling team’s return to competition last year was a success. After nearly a decade’s absence, the team produced an individual champion and two fourth place finishers at the state meet.

As the program begins year two of its rebirth, Coach Allan Crocker believes his team is poised to build on last season’s achievements.

So far, Crocker has 11 wrestlers out during the first week of practice. His and every other wrestling coaches’ goal is to fill each of the 14-individual weight classes.

And the Boothbay Seahawks may be well on the way to meeting that goal. The roster may expand as two more potential grapplers have expressed interest in joining the team, according to Crocker.

“We already have 11 in variety of given weight classes. So I’m very encouraged about where we are at,” Crocker said. “We also have a lot of returning talent. So I see a lot of positive things already happening for this team.”

Among the team’s strengths are four wrestlers who have made a mark against top high school competition. Senior Antonio Maulolo is a two-time state champion. He is joined by fellow senior Howie Carter who finished fifth in the states in 2012 and was ranked as high as No. 2 in the state last year. Sophomores Brandon Andrews and Nick LaBonte each placed fourth at the state championships.

In two seasons, Maulolo has registered over 50 wins, according to Crocker. He wrestles in the 220-pound division. Crocker described him as, “one of the strongest kids he has ever encountered.”

“Antonio is a very talented and built like an ox,” Crocker said. “He also works very hard at it. He has the heart of a champion and absolutely hates to lose, which is a mark of all great athletes.”

Maulolo is hoping to inspire his teammates to achieve the same success on the mat as he has. While pursuing a third straight state championship, he hopes to pass along his successful training regimen to his teammates.

“My focus this year is to help out the entire team,” Maulolo said. “Howie and I need to provide leadership and show the other wrestlers that success is all about how you train. If you push yourself in practice and take it seriously then success will come.”

Howie Carter is focusing on some unfinished business. He was a top wrestler in the 160-pound class last season. He violated school rules, which resulted in his being removed from the team. He is back this season trying to win the state championship he wasn’t able to compete for.

“I was ranked No. 2 in the state last year until I got caught at a party I shouldn’t of been at,” Carter said. “So this year I’m looking to turn my frustration into energy toward winning the state championship I didn’t get to wrestle for last year.”

Crocker expects Carter to be a force this season. He believes his previous experience combined with superior endurance will once again make him a title contender.

“His strength and endurance is as good as anybody’s,” Crocker said. “Howie really works at it. He has definitely caught the ‘wrestling bug.’ He thinks about wrestling all-year round. And nobody is more prepared to wrestle.”

Crocker is also looking to build on the strong first-year performances of Brandon Andrews and Nick LaBonte. Andrews wrestled in the 145-pound division last year. LaBonte  grappled in the 106-pound division. Both are expected to wrestle in a higher weight class this year.

“They both struggled last year as first year high school wrestlers,” Crocker said. “But they worked hard and by the end of the year they posted their best results when it counted most.”

Crocker is also expecting a big year from his heavyweight Lucas Leighton. The senior is an underweight wrestler who missed most of last season to injury. He weighs about 245 pounds in a class where the heaviest competitor is at 285 pounds.

This year’s team also has newcomer to wrestling. Freshman Kaitlyn Daku is looking to make the transition from the gridiron to floor mats. She played varsity football this fall as a tight end and defensive back. And now she wants to play another sport generally associated with males.

Daku prefers playing contact sports like football and wrestling and enjoys the camaraderie of her male teammates.

“I don’t like the girlie sports,” Daku said. “I like football and wanted to go out for wrestling. Being on a boys’ team allows you to get to know them in a different way. You start to understand their personalities better.”

The first wrestling meet is on Saturday, Dec. 6 in Dexter.