Coach: Doug Gilbert (22nd year)

Conference: Mid-State; Class: Class B

Last year’s results: Won Mid-State League; state runner-up in Class B

Returning athletes: Seniors —Bryce Whittemore (160), Hunter White (152), Jon Flagg (120), Colin Woodhead (145); Juniors — Dalton Berry (195), John Wainwright (138); Sophomore — Nolan Degroot (170).

Key losses: Griffyn Smith, Lucas MacDonald, Spencer Vaughan.

Promising newcomers: Sophomore — Wyatt Lufkin (132/138); Freshmen — Victor Verrill (113), Dmitri Harvey (106), Jacob True (285).

Season outlook: The Cougars will once again be one of the favorites in Class B thanks to a good mix of experienced big-meet scorers and talented newcomers. Whittemore won the 152 state title last year, while White, Wainwright, Degroot and Berry all took the medal stand. Verrill excelled in middle school competition and Lufkin is ready after missing his freshman year with an injury. Numbers always make injury a concern and Degroot and Whittemore will be recovering from football injuries. But with good health in the post-season, Dirigo should rank with Foxcroft, Wells, Ellsworth, Oceanside and Mountain Valley at the top of Class B.