WATERBORO — Ethan Gilman wrestled for Massabesic with one simple guiding philosophy: “Respect your opponent, because anybody can be beat.”

True enough, although Gilman rarely left the mat without his arm raised high in triumph during his stellar Mustang varsity career.

And never was he beaten during the last three state meets when everything, including bragging rights within his own family, were on the line.

So it is for his achievements within the circle and for his high character outside it, that Gilman, a senior, has earned recognition as the Journal Tribune Wrestler of the Year.

He shared that honor last year with fellow Mustang Andrew Tripp, who has since graduated.

Wrestling at the state’s new 126-pound classification, Gilman rose from the mat for the final time as one of a select group of three-time champions.

He had previously won at 119 and 125.

“You could tell that (he) wanted it,” said Massabesic coach Rick DeRosier. “He wrestled tough and hard. The leaders on your team are the ones who say ”˜I want that.’ I think he (grew) up a little bit. I think he realized that this (was) his last year and he (went) for it.”

Gilman wrapped up his career with 151 wins against just 15 losses, and went 35-4 this season.

Moreover, his example in the practice room helped spur the Mustangs to a solid second-place team finish at the state meet.

“Ethan’s a great wrestler, and a great friend,” said Josh Andrews, Gilman’s teammate, who won this year’s title at 220 pounds. “He’s a real good leader because he’s been there. He knows how to work and how to get ready for his match. He knows how to get people pumped up.”

It may be that all that pumping is catching.

“It’s not just wrestling-wise,” said DeRosier. “He’s a good kid, in and out of school. The kid’s respectful and gets a lot of respect (in return). You can cheer for kids like that.”

Still, few other wrestlers can match Gilman’s source of inspiration.

His older brother, Peter, was a two-time state champion for Massabesic before heading off to wrestle for the University of Southern Maine.

Peter set the tone for his younger brother’s successes with a strong, ethical and intelligent approach.

“Hard work went into it,” Ethan Gilman said. “It makes it worth it. It always does. I like to put them on defense with an early shot. That means I’m on offense for the rest of the match. I like performing.”

Gilman said he hopes to continue wrestling by following his brother to USM.

“That’s where he is now,” he said. “I’d like to keep it there.”

— Contact Dan Hickling at 282-1535 or follow on Twitter @DanHickling.