History of the Maine/Nebraska Friendship Series

The Maine-Nebraska Friendship Series, in its 20th year, is the longest running exchange of its type between two states. It had its beginnings in April of 1984 when Wally LaFountain, an official from Winslow, ME, attended a National Federation of High School’s rules committee in Kansas City and met Mick Pierce, who coached at Lincoln Southeast High School in Nebraska.

Since 1985, the two states have alternated hosting each other, with the visiting team typically wrestling at four different sites. Given the great geographical and economic diversity of the two states, the Great Plains-Atlantic Ocean, this is truly a great cultural exchange. The various scenery and unique experiences continue to provide the participants with life-long memories.

Following the first year of the exchange, Pierce handed the Nebraska program over to Tom McCann, coach at Kearney, Nebraska. Wally LaFountain directed the Maine side of the program for ten years. In 1995 he stepped down, giving the responsibility of the exchange to Dennis Walch, long time coach at Westbrook, Maine. 773 Maine wrestlers have participated in 1258 matches. Maine has also wrestled individuals from Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Texas. While the wrestling is fierce on the mats, the main purpose is to initiate friendship and develop an understanding of a slightly different way of life.

Results: 2002 * 2003 * 2004 * 2006 * 2007  * 2008 * 2009 * 2010

Itinerary: 2005 * 2008 * 2009

   Friendship  *  Wrestling  *  Culture

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