On Friday, Feb. 26, eight CVU wrestlers traveled to Vergennes for the 2009-2010 State Finals Tournament. Liam Bowley (103 lb., freshman, Williston), Shane Haley (119 lb., freshman, Williston), Bryant Grey (125 lb., senior, Shelburne), Schuyler Himberg (130 lb., sophomore, Williston), Ryan Stearns (135 lb., junior, Williston), Tucker Austin (160 lb., sophomore, Williston), Sam Fortin (171 lb., sophomore, Hinesburg), and James Dattilio (229 lb., senior, Williston) all made the trip.

The eight were part of the largest tournament in recent Vermont wrestling history. Nearly 200 wrestlers, representing 24 schools, participated in the double-elimination event. After one loss, competitors move to the consolation bracket. After two losses, a wrestler is out of the running.

Friday night ran long, finding senior team Captain James Dattilio wrestling his last match at almost 11 p.m.

"I've never seen anything like this," said coach Rahn Fleming. "We're asking kids to wrestle when we're usually asking ‘em to be in bed!" By Saturday morning, only three Redhawk wrestlers remained: Shane Haley, Schuyler Himberg, and Captain Sam Fortin. By Saturday afternoon, only Fortin was still on the mat. Coach Gunnar Olson took a philosophical approach: "This tournament has the best of the best, and all on their best game. It's never easy."

The highlight of the day on Saturday was Fortin's 9-3 consolation-finals victory over Spaulding's Taylor Dorsett, an opponent to whom Sam had lost four times in the regular season. "He saved his best for last," said coach (and Uncle) Jeff Fortin. "We knew he could do it. He just had to believe it."

With the win, Fortin, who finished the year with an impressive 33-8 record, claimed third place in the state. The top three wrestlers in each weight division will continue to the New England Regional Tournament in New Haven, Conn, on March 5 and 6. Fortin will be CVU's lone representative.

As a team, CVU finished 17th in a state tournament that was won by Mt Anthony for the 22nd time in a row. "We don't intend to finish this far off the pace ever again," said Olson. Testimony to Olson's declaration was the scene in a separate gym, where Captain Ryan Stearns (25-12 on the year) was leading his Redhawks teammates in an impromptu roll-around practice while the tournament continued down the hall. "Next year starts now," said Stearns. "I don't think anyone in the building is more disappointed, or more determined, than Stearnsy is right now," reflected coach Fleming. "We'll make sure they get some much needed mental and physical rest, then we start on the road to next year's success."

The CVU grapplers finished 7-6 on the season, including non-league competition. Many will continue to train into the off-season, in preparation for the 2010-2011 season.

"Lots of our guys have only been wrestling for 90 days in their entire lives," exclaimed Coach Olson. "I'm very impressed with spirit, the level of talent, and the commitment this team has shown. I can't wait to get back on the mat with them!"

As at the start of the season, so too at its end: the future looks bright for the CVU wrestling Redhawks.