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WATERBORO — Evan Boulard entered his junior year at Massabesic as one of the top wrestlers in the state.

By the end of the season, he had established himself among the best in New England.

Boulard didn’t allow a point on the way to his third straight Class A title, and his second in a row at 132 pounds. Then, he become the first Maine wrestler since 2018 and first Massabesic grappler since Bob Eon in 1977 to win a New England championship.

“It makes me happy,” Boulard said. “I definitely want to see some more Maine New England champions (in the future), just some good kids coming out. There are good (wrestlers) here. It’s still cool, bringing some recognition to the state.”

For his accomplishments this winter, Boulard is the Varsity Maine Boys Wrestler of the Year. Noble’s Brady Ouellete, who became the program’s first co-ed four-time state champion, was also considered.

As a freshman, Boulard won the 126-pound Class A championship.

“Anyone who’s worked with Evan over the years knew (he could be a New England champion),” said Massabesic coach Ken Hall. “There was never a doubt; it was more of a (when will this happen) kind of scenario. … He puts the work in. Whether it’s doing a 45-minute practice at home before coming to practice, then practice, then hitting the weights (after). It’s all the extra work (that counts).”

Boulard enjoyed success all season, even if was a bit painful at times. He dislocated a thumb during the championship match against Gavin Lane of Shawsheen, Massachusetts, at the Sanford Wrestling Annual Tournament. Boulard managed to pop it back into place and win the match 7-0. He also won a title at the Noble Invitation, wrestling at 138 pounds.

At the Class A South championships, Boulard won his three matches by technical fall. Then he didn’t allow a point on his way to the Class A title, which he wrapped up by beating Edward Little’s Cooper Blair by a 4-0 decision. He also swept the competition for the 132-pound New England Qualifier title.

Boulard kept the momentum going into New Englands, where he allowed just three points in four matches. He beat Robert Newton of Scituate, Rhode Island, by a 10-1 decision in the championship final.

“I always knew it was a possibility (to be a New England champion) in my mind,” Boulard said. “It was a lot of mindset stuff that I needed to get through. When I really started envisioning that goal (during the season), I shifted my weight down (to 132) for the postseason.”

Boulard finished the season 58-0. In three seasons, he has a record of 163-11. Beyond the success at meets and tournaments, Hall said he’s appreciative of the type of example Boulard sets with the team.

“You need have those student-athletes that are leaders and are setting the example every day in the (wrestling room),” Hall said. “It shows the others what it takes. It’s not just the hour-and-a-half practice after school, it’s everything else. The ones that want (to win) and the ones serious about it, they observe it, pick up on it and implement it.”

Boulard’s season is not over. He’s hoping to continue his postseason success at the High School Nationals this weekend in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

“I’ll appreciate (the New England title) for a little bit, but I’m always looking for more,” Boulard said.

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