Boothbay Region High School sophomore Cameron Crocker had a big learning curve this season as a first-time wrestler. Crocker, who previously played basketball, had never wrestled prior to this year. But the rookie learned his lessons well enough this season to qualify for the Class B State wrestling meet.

Crocker finished fourth in the 182-pound division on Feb. 6 during the Class C South qualifying tournament in Rumford. Crocker was one of three Boothbay Region wrestlers competing and the only one to qualify for the state tournament.

In the first round, Crocker faced a familiar opponent, Jon Boardman of Madison. Boardman is the defending State Class C 170-pound runner-up. He also defeated Crocker in both meetings during the regular season. But Crocker used his improved wrestling knowledge to turn the tide against Boardman. Crocker pinned him to advance in the tournament.

Boothbay Region coach Allan Crocker was not surprised that Cameron Crocker qualified for the state meet. Cameron Crocker has been the most improved wrestler on this year’s Seahawk squad, according to the coach.

Cameron Crocker has improved throughout the season, but signs of major progress began showing last month. On Jan. 9, Cameron Crocker earned his first varsity pin. He nearly earned a second against Boardman, but a mistake resulted in him being pinned.

“I really thought he should’ve won that match,” said Coach Crocker. “He just stopped making those mistakes. And this time, when he had Boardman in a vulnerable position, he kept him there.”

In his second match, he lost to No. 1 seed Nolan Potter of Wells. In the consolation round, Crocker defeated Harold Christiansen of Erskine Academy, 6-1. In the third-place match, he lost to Mountain Valley’s Darren Buono.

Boothbay Region finished last in the 11-team meet with nine points. Dirigo of Dixfield won the Class B South Regional qualifying tournament with 200 points defeating runner-up Mountain Valley of Rumford (147.5) and third place Wells (131.5).

Boothbay Region wrestlers Nick Labonte and Dylan Peters also competed in the tournament. Labonte wrestled in the 120-pound division and was pinned by No. 1 Danny Buteau of Oak Hill. In the consolation round, he lost, 4-2, to Dirigo’s Jonathan Flagg.

“It was still probably the best match of his year. Nick lost last week, 15-0, to the same wrestler,” said Coach Crocker.

Peters competed in the 145-pound class and lost to No. 1 seed Eddie DeRoche of Mountain Valley. In his second match, he was pinned by Lincoln Academy’s Kyle Baty.

Cameron Crocker will compete in the state championship meet on Saturday, Feb. 13 at Oceanside High School in Rockland.