SANFORD — When Trevor Henschel was forced to deal with a dose of adversity, he may have mishandled the situation.

But the Fryeburg Academy wrestler decided against throwing in the towel, and instead earned a title at the second annual state qualifying tournament, earning a berth in the New England tournament.

This is the second year that the Maine Principals’ Association has sponsored the event, featuring the top wrestlers from Classes A, B and C. The state of Maine had automatically sent its state champions to New Englands. However, last year the MPA held a qualifying tournament for all classes. This was done in an effort to enhance the level of competitive Maine wrestlers who compete at the regional level.

Several wrestlers from Western and Central Maine were among the top three individuals in the 14 weight classes who have automatically qualified for the New England Interscholastic Wrestling Championship, to be held in North Andover, Mass., in March.

Malik Geiger of Oxford Hills won a crown by injury default over Brett Gerry of Marshwood. It was redemption for Geiger, who had fell shy at the qualifier last year.

Mountain Valley’s Ethan Boucher (120) and Ian Austin (182) placed second and third, respectively. The competition at New Englands is intense, and mental mistakes have proven costly. Boucher secured a spot at the next level after decisioning Dirigo’s Griffyn Smith in the semifinals.

”I knew it would be a tough match,” said Boucher, who set the school single-season record with 54 wins. ”He had beat me twice this season, caught me in a scramble at the Atlantic (tournament) and then 2-0. Once I got ahead, I could dictate the action. I was up 6-2 entering the third period, so I took the bottom (position) and that was the safest, rather than starting neutral and risk being thrown.”

Boucher was schooled by Andy Shorey of Noble in the finals. Smith, a three-time Class C state champion, wrestled back through to place third.

”This feels really good to have earned a trip to New Englands,” Smith said. ”Especially after last year, when I had lost quickly (in consolation finals).”

The event included several state champions.

”We had five state champions and under the old format they would have automatically qualified,” Marshwood coach Matt Rix said. ”They have a lot to lose, but guys who had placed third or fourth have every thing to gain. It’s a double-edged sword.”

Brothers Cody and Tyler Craig of Skowhegan placed first and third, respectively, at 106 and 126.

Ellsworth’s lone champion was Dagan Berenyi (145). Also winning was Samson Sirois (113), Skowhegan; Aiden Whitis (132), Cheverus; Zeko Caudill (138), Cony; Mike Curtis (220) of Wells and Peter Knorr 285, Mount Ararat. Marshwood was the highest ranking Maine team at the New Englands last year