A group of 18 high school wrestlers flew to the American heartland Monday to participate in the 26th annual Maine-Nebraska Friendship Series.

During the next week, the Maine squad will compete in meets in Norfolk, Central City, North Platte and Auburn.

The last time a Maine team travelled to Nebraska, in 2008, it won three of its four matches.

This year’s contingent includes 10 state champions.

“These kids are the ones who made a commitment,” said Maine Coach Shawn Guest, the head coach at Morse. “Each one of them had to raise $650.”

Five wrestlers from reigning Class A state champion Noble made the trip. The group includes Ken Hagen at 135 pounds, Tyler Beaudet at 140, Joey Badger at 145, Ben Valencia at 152 and Dylan Zenga at 285.

The rest of the squad includes Connor Sheehan of Fryeburg Academy, Ryan Burgess and Josh Thornton of Mountain Valley, Scott Carpenter of Calais, Daniel DelGallo of Gardiner, Keith Madore and Craig Morrill of Oak Hill, Mike McNamara and Marcus Bubar of Lisbon, Caleb Austin of Skowhegan, Revelin Goewey of Maine Central Institute, Doug Richardson of Dexter and Tyler Russell of Morse.

Oak Hill Coach Shane Bouchard is serving as assistant coach.

Staff Writer Paul Betit can be contacted at 791-6424 or at: pbetit@pressherald.com