CAMDEN – A 40-year tradition continued Tuesday with the third day of the annual Maine-Nebraska Wrestling Exchange at Camden-Rockport Middle School.

20 high school wrestlers from Maine competed against an all-star team from the Cornhusker State that had already played two duels in Massabesic and Dirigo in recent days. The meeting was the toughest of the excursion, with Nebraska defeating Maine 37-21. Wrestlers from both sides say they learned a lot and believe it will help them next winter.

“It helps me gauge where I am, what the level of competition is and how I can improve,” says wrestler Michael Rollins of Camden Hills. “It's about seeing what new things you can do and try.”

“Their snapdowns are really good and it seems like they want to throw a lot, which is fun,” says Oceanside wrestler Phoenix Martinez. “That gives a good insight into what the state and regional championships will be like.”

“The transition was nice, especially the transition from freestyle and Greco-Roman back to this style,” says Nebraska wrestler Quinlan Johnson. “It helped me get a new perspective on folkstyle wrestling. I've competed against some pretty strong opponents and I'll probably try to increase my strength because that seemed to have a really big impact. I hope to be ready when I get back to Nebraska.”