Stuart Mahler 305-970-2032 - hollywoodmahler@yahoo.com

Lifetime Wrestling Fan  Passed Away

Mrs. Helen Husk of Waynesburg, Pa. died Monday morning. She was 86 years old and a wrestling fan for the last 60 years.

  Helen could always be seen at Waynesburg high school during wrestling season. She attended wrestling matches while going to school and then really got involved as sons James, and his brother Rick  became  wrestlers. She was hooked by then, but she became the talk of the wrestling community as her son James became a Hall of Fame Wrestling Coach.

 She will be missed greatly by the Husk family, anyone who knew Helen remembers what a really nice lady she was.

 The viewing will be on Thursday at Behm Funeral Home on West High St. in Waynesburg, the Funeral will be on Friday.          

Wrestling USA Magazine ALL-State Florida Freshman Team

First Team
Eric Gajales, Brandon H.S. State Champ 103 --2A
Eric Chandler, Braddock H.S. State Champ 103 --3A
Benjamin Carter, Barron Colllier, State Champ 135-- 2A
Joey Cozart, Temple Heights, Runner-up 1A 103 ­1A
Gabriel Byrd, Life Academy 3RD 1A 125-1A
Cory Monteforte, Lakewood Ranch, 4th 103 ­2A
Shakendrick Sanders, South Dade, 4th 130 ­3A
Jacob Harmer, Gainesville, 4th 130 ­2A
Kevin Timothy, Brandon, 5th 119 ­2A
Garrett Soileau, Clay, 5th 103-1A
Miquel Rios, South Dade, 6th 103-3A

SECOND TEAM

Jake Rio, Christopher Columbus 103-3A
Zach Burros, North Port 103- 2A
Pete Baldwin, Life Academy 103-1A
Donnie Bush, Okeechobee 112-2A
Alex Eggers, Osceola 125-3A
Tucker Raich, Jupiter Christian 135-1A
Byron Dames, Jupiter Christian 275-1A

Honorable Mention
Mookie Forbes, Walkula 103-1A
Frank Pettineo, Cardinal Gibbons 112-1A
Jacob Gregory, Manatee 112-2A
Chris Andrade, Coral Glades 119-2A
Herman Hernandez, Riverview 125-3A
Dustin Paridorm, Mosley 130-2A
Carlos Montero ,Coral Gables 135-3A
David Richardson, Coral Springs 140-1A
James Bland, Avon Park 152-1A
Ryan Van Valenburg, Lake Brantley 160-3A
Antonio Talley, Dunedin 160-2A
T J Mayer, Mosely 275-2A

By; Stuart Mahler State Editor Wrestling USA Magazine
Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 2-21-06


FINAL RANKING


1.
Brandon
2. Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Dr. Krop
5.
Braddock
6.
Winter Springs
7.
Jupiter Christian
8. Hialeah
9. Suwannee
9. Gainesville
11. Palmetto Ridge

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 2-13-06

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Durant
5.
Braddock
6.
Hialeah
7.
Osceola
8. Clay
9. Suwannee
10. Cardinal Gibbons
10. Manatee
10. Gainesville
10. Flagler Palm Coast

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 2-5-06

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Durant
5.
Braddock
6.
Hialeah
7.
Osceola
8.
Flagler Palm Coast
9.
Winter Springs
10.
Countryside
10.
Clay
10. Suwannee

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 1-28-06

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3. South Dade
4. Durant
5. Braddock
6. Hialeah
7. Osceola
8. Flagler Palm Coast
9. Manatee
10. Countryside
10. Clay
10. Suwannee

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 1-22-06

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3. South Dade
4. Durant
5. Braddock
6. Hialeah
7. Osceola
8. Flagler Palm Coast
9. Manatee
10. Countryside

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 1-15-06

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Durant
5.
Osceola
6.
Southridge
7.
Flagler Palm Coast
8.
Manatee
9.
Countryside
9.
Hialeah

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 1-7-06

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Flagler Palm Coast
5. Durant
6.
Osceola
7.
Southridge
8.
Manatee
9.
Countryside
9.
Clay

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 12-25-05

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Flagler Palm Coast
5. Bloomingdale
6.
South Ridge
7.
Braddock
8.
Hialeah
9.
Suwannee
9.
Clay

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

FloridaKids.us Florida Wrestling Rankings
released December 21, 2005
Compiled by John Lawton, Administrator, Florida & JL's Wrestling Pages

Based on votes of coaches, fans and parents

ALL STATE

1 - Brandon (119);
2 - Oviedo (108 );
3 - Homestead South Dade (94);
4 - Live Oak Suwannee (65);
5 - Miami Southridge (45);
6 - Green Cove Springs Clay (41);
7 - Miami Braddock (34);
8 - Flagler Palm Coast (24);
9 (tie) Hialeah and Winter Springs (22);
11 - Naples Palmetto Ridge (21);
12 - Orlando Olympia (12);
13 - Durant (10);
14 - Ft Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (10);
15 - St Cloud (9);
16 - Venice (7);
17 - Kissimmee Osceola (6);
18 - Miami Krop (4);
19 - Tampa Jesuit (3);
20 - Valrico Bloomingdale (2);

CLASS 1A

1 - Live Oak Suwannee (85);
2 - Green Cove Springs Clay (80);
3 - Naples Palmetto Ridge (72);
4 - Ft Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons (60);
5 - Tampa Jesuit (58 ) ;
6 - Jupiter Christian (45);
7 - Ft Myers Riverdale (39);
8 - Jensen Beach (20);
9 - Englewood Lemon Bay (18 ) ;
10 - Hollywood Chaminade (13);
Others - Tampa Robinson (4), Ft Lauderdale Archbishop McCarthy (1),
Panama City Bay (1), Brooksville Hernando (1);

Class 2A

1 - Brandon (40);
2 - St Cloud (36);
3 - Venice (29);
4 - Lakeland Lake Gibson (27);
5 - Gainesville (22);
6 - Spring Hill Springstead (20);
7 - Bradenton Manatee (16);
8 - Land O'Lakes (12);
9 (tie) Punta Gorda Charlotte and North Port (4);
Others - Cape Coral and St Petersburg Northeast (3),
Tallahassee Lincoln (2), Fleming Island (1);

Class 3A

1 - Oviedo (30);
2 - Homestead South Dade (27);
3 - Miami Southridge (10);
4 - Miami Braddock (16);
5 - Flagler Palm Coast (13);
6 (tie) - Orlando Olympia, Hialeah and Bloomingdale (10);
9 - Winter Springs (8 );
10 - Durant (7);
Others - Miami Krop (5), Clearwater Countryside (4),
Orlando Timber Creek (3), Kissimmee Osceola (2),
Orlando Edgewater (1);

TOP WRESTLERS

ALL STATE

103 - Eric Grajales, Brandon;
112 - Scotti Sentes, Ft Myers Riverdale;
119 - Frank Celorrio, Hialeah;
125 - James Brown, Brandon;
130 - Alex Aaroz, Brandon and Cory Baudendistel, Clay;
135 - Ryan Nye, Valrico Bloomingdale;
140 - Andre Johnson, Jupiter Christian;
145 - Sean Joyce, Brandon;
152 - Rudy Galarza, Miami Southridge;
160 - Damion Stephenson, Miami Krop;
171 - David Craig, Brandon;
189 - David Green, Oviedo;
215 - Ismael Vargas, Miami Krop;
275 - Kenny Lester, Oviedo;

Class 1A

103 - Scott Bouthiller, Lemon Bay;
112 - Scotti Sentes, Riverdale;
119 - Elias Rey Palmetto Ridge;
125 - Zach Mastro, Palmetto Ridge;
130 - Cory Baudendistel, Clay;
135 - Alex Piasecki, Jupiter Christian,
140 - Andre Johnson, Jupiter Christian;
145 - George Bancroft, Cardinal Gibbons;
152 - Lee Laxton, Suwannee;
160 - Nick Raich, Jupiter Christian;
171 - Justin Windley, Tampa Robinson
189 - Johnathan Valasquez, Jupiter Christian;
215 - Simmons Vance, University Christian;
275 - Bobby Christopher, Cardinal Gibbons;

Class 2A

103 - Eric Grajales, Brandon;
112 - Kyle Keller, Brandon;
119 - Anthony Jorge, Lake Gibson;
125 - James Brown, Brandon;
130 - Alex Araoz, Brandon;
135 - Jacob Harmer, Gainesville;
140 - Dakota Rahme, Cape Coral;
145 - Sean Joyce, Brandon;
152 - Keith Koziel, Brandon;
160 - Brett Nelson, Venice;
171 - David Craig, Brandon;
189 - Jeremie Cook, Venice;
215 - Lee Campbell, Gulf Coast;
275 - Anthony Saputo, Venice;

Class 3A

103 - Tommy Bennett, Durant;
112 - Todd Freeman, Olympia;
119 - Frank Celorrio, Hialeah;
125 - Tico Baez, South Dade;
130 - Aymen Habiballah, Miami Krop;
135 - Ryan Nye, Bloomingdale;
140 - Dwayne Tolleson, Winter Springs;
145 - Brandon Hatchett, Winter Springs;
152 - Rudy Galarza, Miami Southridge;
160 - Damion Stephenson, Miami Krop;
171 - Jesse Robbins, Oviedo;
189 - David Green, Oviedo;
215 - Ismael Vargas, Miami Krop;
275 - Kenny Lester, Oviedo;

This poll may not be copied onto any other web site without permission from John Lawton. Wrestling USA Magazine has my permission to post these. 

Media outlets, newspapers and sports writers may reproduce these rankings only if they identify them as FloridaKids.us Florida High School Wrestling Rankings.

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 12-18-05

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Flagler Palm Coast
5. Bloomingdale
6.
South Ridge
7.
Braddock
8.
Hialeah
9.
Suwannee
9.
Clay

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 12-11-05

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Flagler Palm Coast
5. Bloomingdale
6.
South Ridge
7.
Venice
8.
Hialeah
9.
Suwannee
9.
Gainesville
9.
St. Cloud
9.
Winter Springs
9. Timber Creek
9. Clay

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 12-11-05

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3. South Dade
4. Flagler Palm Coast
5. Bloomingdale
6. South Ridge
7. Venice
8. Hialeah
9. Suwannee
9. Gainesville
9. St. Cloud
9. Winter Springs
9. Timber Creek
9. Clay

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 11-27-05

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3. South Dade
4. Miami Southridge
5. Braddock
6. Venice
7. Cardinal Gibbons
8. Suwannee
9. Clay
9. Durant
9. Gainesville
9. St. Cloud
9. Dr. Krop

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Thursday our fellow referee, David Mendoza Passed Away

Thursday our fellow referee, David Mendoza keeled over at Dr. Phillips High School. He was at the venue to see his daughter wrestle and also to video his fellow referees in order to evaluate them.

David has been a wrestling official for only a few years but he has worked both as a FHSAA scholastic official and also as an Olympic style official with the USWOA. He has made significant contributions during his short tenure and there is no doubt he will be missed.

Here is the information I have:

Dear fellow coaches and officials,

David Mendoza Memorial Services will be as follows:

Place:

Family Funeral Care

7565 Red Bug Lake Road

Oviedo Next to Lowe's off of 417

Date:

Monday, November 14, 2005

Time:

5 PM ­ 6 PM Friendly Gathering

6 PM ­ 7 PM Memorial Services

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 10-28-05

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3. South Dade
4. Miami Southridge
5. Braddock
6. Venice
7. Cardinal Gibbons
8. Suwannee
9. Clay
9. Durant
9. Gainesville
9. St. Cloud

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor
The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Florida Chapter will host its sixth Honors Weekend at the Lake Ashton Golf and Country Club, 4140 Ashton Club Drive, Lake Wales, FL 33859 on Friday and Saturday August 26th and 27th.

This year the inductees to be honored are:

Ralph Ballou contributor and official from Miami

Kevin Carpenger coach from Altamonte Springs

Joeseph Gicobbe coach and official from Miami

James Hazewinkle coach from Pensacola

Randy Jessee coach from Orlando and

David Laxton coach and contributor from Live Oak

Reservations for the Honors Weekend may be obtained by contacting Gary Townsend 3167 Hoylake Road, Lake Worth, FL 33467 or calling (561) 439-2429 or sending a Fax. to (561) 736-6261 or Email to:

Gltowns

The actual schedule of events is:

Friday August 26th Golf practice round for $30.00 all day

At 8:00 PM, "Meet the Inductees" social and reception at the host hotel, Best Western Admiral's Inn, 5665 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven, FL 33884 1-800-247-2799. Reservations to attend the "Meet the Inductees" can be obtained by filling out a reservations form or paying at the door, $10.00.

Saturday 8:00 AM the charity Golf Tournament at the Lake Ashton Golf and Country Club tickets are $75.00/person or $3000.00/foursome. This is the main fund raiser for the Florida Chapter and your participation is necessary and appreciated

10:30 AM Brunch for those not playing golf, $15.00.

1:00 PM Luncheon at Lake Ashton Golf And Country Club tickets included for those playing golf.

6:00 ­ 7:00 PM Cash Bar and Reception at the Lake Ashton Golf and Country Club

7:00-8:00 PM Dinner at Lake Ashton Golf and Country Club $35.00

8:00-10:00 PM Induction ceremonies for Class of 2005

WHY THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME FLORIDA CHAPTER?

Those who made early contributions to the sport of wrestling made possible the opportunities participants enjoy today. Pioneers established the early programs, overcame barriers, set the standards and developed the enthusiasm for the sport of wrestling in Florida

Those who came before set the standards and their example will serve to inspire others who learn about the history of wrestling in Florida. The individuals who sacrificed, set records, accomplished goals, maintained the programs and were dedicated to Florida wrestling set the precedents and serve as models for those who will follow.

The opportunity to teach by citing models requires that those of us who are active today take the time to research and recognize those who came before us. Exceptional length of service, outstanding accomplishment and special contributions deserve to be acknowledged and the individuals responsible thanked.

Taking time to celebrate our leaders and those who have contributed provides both the opportunity to learn about and thank those individuals. Bringing those who are to be honored together with those they served creates a reunion that may rekindle the love for wrestling that all shared at one time. There are other reasons to support the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Florida Chapter.

First, it allows the Florida wrestling community to honor those who have contributed to amateur wrestling

Second, it provides the opportunity to bring together the wrestlers, coaches, referees and volunteer contributors in a wonderful social setting to recall their relationships and experiences.

Third, it sometimes motivates those who have dropped out of wrestling to become involved again.

Fourth, it brings attention to the sport of wrestling in the media.

Fifth, it is simply a way to say THANK YOU to individuals who have been responsible for the programs we participate in.

Please feel free to nominate deserving individuals at any time. Contact me personally for a nomination form or download it from the Florida Chapter website at:

http://floridachapter.com/ http://floridachapter.com or hofsite.myinlinestudios.com

Ira Fleckman

Vice-President for Nominations

10604 Whitman Circle

Orlando, FL 32821-8619 Email: IraFleckman@aol.com

INDUCTEES TO THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME FLORIDA CHAPTER

2000

Mort Geller-Official(Miami Beach); Rick Tucci-Official(Miami-Dade & Broward); Russ Cozart-Coach(Brandon); Jim Husk-Coach(Miami) and Harriette Weller-Contributor(Clearwater Beach)

2001

Charles Almeida-Official(Miami); Brian Bain ­ Official/Contributor(Lakeland); John Davis ­Coach(Miami); Johnny Rouse- Coach/Contributor(Orlando); Steve Evanoff ­ Official(Miami) and Monsignor Michael Devine ­Outstanding American(Clearwater)

2002

Gary Fries ­ Coach(Fort Myers); David Frayer ­ Coach(Clearwater); John Heyman ­ Official/Contributor(Villa Rica); Greg Bondurant ­Official(Lakeland), Lt. Governor Frank Brogan ­ Outstanding American(Tallahassee) and Captain Stephen Archer ­ Coach/Official/Contributor & Outstanding American(Port Charlotte)

2003

Jerry Biller ­ Coach(Venice); Charles Zies ­ Coach(Miami); John Lyzott ­ Coach(Fort Lauderdale); Robert Herman ­ Coach/Contributor(Pensacola), Bob walker ­ Coach/Contributor(St. Petersburg) and Mike McCoy- Coach/Contributor(Homestead).

2004

Wili Sargable ­ Medal of Courage Award(Riverview); Wayne Stapleford Coach/Contributor(Sebring); Steve DeAugustino ­ Coach(Palm Coast); John "Jeff" Davis ­ Coach/Contributor(Gainesville); Ron Shulz ­ Coach/Contributor(Hollywood) and Walter Allison ­ Official(Oldsmar).

2005

Ralph Ballou ­ Contribtor/Official(Miami), Kevin Carpenger ­ Coach(Lake Brantley), Joseph Gicobbe ­ Coach/Official(Miami), James Hazewinkle ­ Outstanding American/Coach(Pensacola), Randy Jessee ­ Coach(Orlando), David Laxton ­ Coach/Contributor(Live Oak).

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Florida Chapter is proud of those already inducted and looks forward to processing additional nominees. A nomination form may be submitted by anyone at any time. The nomination forms may be downloaded from:

Nominations may be made at any time by contacting:

Ira Fleckman

Vice-president for Nominations

10604 Whitman Circle

Orlando, FL 32821-8619

(407) 352-9314

<mailto:IraFleckman@aol.com>IraFleckman@aol.co

Those to be nominated must fall into three areas:

Lifetime Service to Wrestling (at least 20 years of service as a coach, official or contributor)

Outstanding American/Floridian a person of national acclaim in their profession with a background in wrestling

Medal of Courage a wrestler who has overcome insurmountable challenges to become successful.

Mike Rio Former Miami Southridge 2X State Champion Wins 2nd National Title

Mike Rio who has been an outstanding wrestler since he started wrestling for Cutler Ridge Middle school, and after he won 2 Florida High School State Championships wrestling for Hall of Fame Coach Jim Husk at Miami Southridge, and last year wrestling for Harper CC he won the NJCAA National Title at 149 pounds, has now won the NAIA National Wrestling Title at 149 pounds while wrestling for Lindenwood in Missouri.
Mike drew a first round bye; in the 2nd round he defeated Thomas Konechne, Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) WBF 5:28. In the Championship Quarterfinals Rio defeated Shane Cristelli, Missouri Valley, 11-2. Mike beat Chris Harada, Simon Fraser (B.C.) in the Championship Semifinals, and in the Final for the prestigious NAIA National Title he WBF over Darren Cotton, William Penn (Iowa) in 4:48.
Rio finished the season with a record of 29-1 and for the 2nd year in a row he was the number 1 wrestler in his weight class in the division that he wrestled in.

Written by
Stuart Mahler
State Editor Wrestling USA Magazine

National Wrestling Hall of Fame Florida Chapter Class of 2005

CLASS OF 2005

INDUCTEES TO THE NATIONAL WRESTLING HALL OF FAME FLORIDA CHAPTER

2000

Mort Geller-Official, Miami; Rick Tucci-Official Dade/Broward; Russ Cozart-Coach Brandon; Jim Husk-Coach Miami and Harriette Weller-Contributor Clearwater Beach

2001

Charles Almeida-Official Miami; Brian Bain ­ Official/Contributor Lakeland; John Davis ­Coach Miami; Johnny Rouse- Coach/Contributor Orlando; Steve Evanoff ­ Official Plantation and Monsignor Michael Devine ­Outstanding American Clearwater

2002

Gary Fries ­ Coach; David Frayer ­ Coach Clearwater; John Heyman ­ Official/Contributor Valrico; Greg Bondurant ­Official Lakeland, Lt. Governor Frank Brogan ­ Outstanding American Tallahassee and Captain Stephen Archer ­ Coach/Official/Contributor & Outstanding American Port Charlotte

2003

Jerry Biller ­ Coach Venice; Charles Zies ­ Coach Miami; John Lyzott ­ Coach Fort Lauderdale; Robert Herman ­ Coach/Contributor Pensacola; Bob walker ­ Coach/Contributor St. Perersburg/Micanopy and Mike McCoy- Coach/Contributor Homestead.

2004

Wili Sargable ­ Medal of Courage Award Riverview; Wayne Stapleford Coach/Contributor Sebring; Steve DeAugustino ­ Coach Palm Coast; John "Jeff" Davis ­ Coach/Contributor Gainesville; Ron Shulz ­ Coach/Contributor Hollywood and Walter Allison ­ Official Oldsmar.

2005

Ralph Ballou ­ Contribtor/Official Miami; Kevin Carpenger ­ Coach Altamonte Springs; Joseph Gicobbe ­ Coach/Official Miami; James Hazewinkle ­ Coach Pensacola; Randy Jessee ­ Coach Orlando; David Laxton ­ Coach/Contributor Live Oak

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame Florida Chapter is proud of those already inducted and looks forward to processing additional nominees. A nomination form may be submitted by anyone at any time. The nomination forms may be downloaded from:

http://floridachapter.com/

OR

http://www.floridausawrestling.org/

RALPH BALLOU ­ Official/Contributor

 

The Florida High School Athletic Association and the National Federation of State High School Associations both issued certificates to Ralph Ballou for 25 years of service. The United States Wrestling Officials Association has documented 21 years of volunteer service to amateur wrestling for Ralph Ballou at the regional, national and international level. These certificates only tell a small part of the story of Ralph's efforts to expand opportunities for Florida's youth in amateur wrestling.

 

Ralph served as an Area Director for the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association and when not helping to organize Saturday tournaments or officiate them, he would visit wrestling coaches, athletic directors and principals in an effort to convince them of the importance of wrestling to their athletic program and especially the importance of the Olympic styles program. Ralph was responsible for the establish of four new clubs.

 

Ralph could always be counted upon to help in any way he could to promote Florida wrestling. When health problems kept him off the mat as an official, he pitched in to help his wife, Mary, in the pairing room. There was no area in amateur wrestling where Ralph wasn't willing to help.

 

In addition to his refereeing skills; Ralph Ballou was always positive, cheerful and able to supply common sense when it was in short supply and to bring a peaceful and fair solution to problems when tempers flared. His humility kept him in the background but didn't diminish his effectiveness in promoting amateur wrestling.

 

Dr. KEVIN CARPENGER ­ Coach

 

Dr. Kevin Carpenger has been the Head Wrestling Coach at Lake Brantley HS since 1977. His overall record consists of 218 wins, 164 losses and 4 ties. He has coached 98 State Qualifiers, one Champion and 9 placers. His team won the District and Region Championships in 1991. These are important accomplishments but they reflect only part of his record. He has consistently fielded complete varsity and junior varsity line-ups. He and his teams are recognized for their discipline, knowledge of the rules and overall sportsmanship.

 

Some of Dr. Carpenger's individual accomplishments include: 1972 Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, 1972 Outstanding College Atheltes, 1982 Lake Brantley Teacher of the Year, 1982 Five Star Conference Coach of the Year, 1988 Florida Athletic Coaches Association District Chairman, 1989 Scholastic Coach Magazine National High School Coaching Award, Wrestling Coach Gold Award, 1992 Co-founder All Seminole County Academic Wrestling Team, 1997 Florida Athletic Coaches Association Service Award 20 Years, 1997 Florida Citrus Sports Coach of the Year Seminole County, 1998 Seminole County Coach of the Year, 1998 Co-Founder Seminole County Female Wrestling Program, 1999 The Sports Authority Award for Outstanding Athletic Leadership, 2003 Established Central Florida Wrestling Coaches Charity Challenge Meet to benefit Hospice/Cancer Society, 2002-2004 Florida High School Athletic Association Wrestling Advisory Committee Board Member.

 

Dr. Carpenger has supported all phases of amateur wrestling. He has encouraged kids wrestling, girls wrestling as well as the high school program. Dr. Kevin Carpenger has never allowed his great enthusiasm for wrestling to diminish his encouragement of academics or adherence to the highest standards of good sportsmanship.

 

JOSEPH GICOBBE ­ Coach/Official

Josepf Gicobbe's career began as an assistant coach at Christopher Columbus HS in 1979 he quickly moved on to become Head Wrestling Coach at North Miami HS and then in 1995 he became Head Wrestling Coach at North Miami Beach HS. His records include: 230 wins, 95 lost and 2 ties 6 State Champions, 66 State Qualifiers, 20 GMAC Champions, 18 Regional Champions. His teams won 6 District Championships, 2 Region Championships and were State Runner-ups in 1985. He also served as a Florida High School Athletic Association referee for 23 years.

Joe Gicobbe supported all phases of amateur wrestling often providing transportation for his wrestlers to tournaments. Joe is well known and admired for working with youngsters who were not the best citizens or scholars in his school. Using wrestling to instill a sense of discipline, Joe was able to help many youngsters develop into productive citizens. At least three of his State Champions was accepted and wrestled and graduated from Ivy League universities.

Joe Gicobbe's teams and wrestlers were always competitive but beyond his career records is the fact that Joe remained devoted to his tough Miami wrestlers mentoring them in more than wrestling techniques.

JAMES HAZEWINKEL ­ Coach

Jim Hazewinkel has been a wrestling coach for 33 years. After coaching at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College in Owatonna, Minnesota, he moved to Pensacola Christian College in 1991. His overall coaching record is 304 wins, 184 losses and 10 ties. He won 2 National College titles in Minnesota 1976 and 1980.

James Hazewinkel established Pensacola Christian College's first wrestling team and for a few years provided the only college level wrestling in the State of Florida. His accomplishments during his tenure in Florida include: 4 National Christian College Association titles 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1998, 2 National Collegiate Wrestling titles 1999 and 2000. Since his move to Florida his program has produced 37 individual National Champions. He has been voted National Coach of the Year 5 times: NCCAA 1993,1994,1995 and 1996, NCWA 2002.

Since moving to Florida, Jim has also competed in the AAU Master's Division and won championships in 1998, 2000 and 2004.

Jim has already been inducted into four Halls of Fame: 1975 NAIA National Wrestling Hall of Fame, 1983 St. Cloud State University Hall of Fame (individual) , 1997 Minnesota State Wrestling Hall of Fame and 2004 St. Cloud State University Hall of Fame (team).

Jim's contributions go beyond wrestling. In his own words, "I believe the Lord has called me to teach and coach. It is a ministry and I love working with young man who want to wrestle for the honor and glory of the Lord."

RANDY JESSEE ­ Coach

Randy Jessee has been a teacher and wrestling coach for 30 years. His overall record is 545 wins, 42 losses and 1 tie. He has coached at only two schools: Bishop Moore HS 1975 ­ 1990 and University HS 1990 ­ 2005. His team records include: Orange Belt Conference Championships 1978,1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, Metro Conference Championships 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, District Championships 1979, 1980,1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, Regional Championships 1981, 1986, 1988, 1989, State Championship 1981. Randy has coached his teams to top ten finishes in the state 20 times. He has coached 14 individual State Champions.

Randy Jessee's coaching accomplishments include: 10 times Orange Belt Conference Coach of the Year, 9 times Metro Conference Coach of the Year, 1981 Florida High School Athletic Association Coach of the Year, 1983 Nominee for National Coach of the Year, Induction into the Bishop Moore Hall of Fame and the Metro Conference Hall of Fame

Randy Jessee has also provided leadership running or assisting wrestling programs sponsored by the Orange County Police Athletic League, the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association and the University of Central Florida.

DAVID LAXTON ­ Coach/Contributor

David Laxton's coaching career began in 1968 as a volunteer assistant at Davis Hills Junior HS in Alabama. After graduation from Auburn University in he again volunteered as Assistant Coach at JO Johnson HS in Alabama for two years. During the years, 1975 ­ 76, David became Head Coach at Bob Jones HS in Augusta, GA, 1979-80 and then mover to Gordan County HS in Calhoun, GA. David arrived in Florida in 1981 and began his tenure as Head Coach at Suwannee HS in Live Oak, FL. Froom 2000-2002, David served as Head Coach at Columbia HS at Lake City, FL. In 2004, David served as a volunteer assistant at Suwannee Middle School. David resumed the position of Head Coach at Suwannee HS at Live Oak, FL., in 2005.

David Laxton's teams during his 18 years at Suwannee compiled a dual meet record of 206 wins, 24 losses and 2 ties. His teams also earned State Championships in 1982, 1991 and 1996 they were runners-up in 1995, 1997, 1998 and finished 3rd in the State in 1984 and 1999. David Laxton's teams also won 9 Regional Championships in 1982, 1984, 1985, 1991, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, and 1999; 13 District Championships in 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999. David was recognized as Gainesville Suns Coach of the Year 1990-91, 1994-95, 1995-96 and 1998-99. He was Florida's nominee for National Coach of the Year in 1992. His wrestlers earned 10 individual state championships and 11 All American honors over the years.

David's personal achievements include: USA Wrestling Bronze Level Coach, USWA State Wrestling Chairman three years in Alabama, Florida High School Athletic Association Coaches Advisory Committee 3 years, Team Coach for the 2000 National High School Coaches Association Florida National Championship Team, Host of the First Father Devine Tournament 1983, USA Wrestling coach and Club Director since 1975, Founding Member of Board of Directors member for the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Florida Chapter since 1999 and Inducted into Suwannee County Sports Hall of Fame for Service to Wrestling 2003.
Florida's Best Freshman

Four months ago over 9000 wrestlers filled Florida's high school wrestling rooms with hopes and dreams of becoming a state champion. As the season came to a close last weekend only 14 of the 672 wrestlers in Lakeland who made it to the State Championship Round of 8 or placed in the Top 6 were Freshman.

As a result, those champions of tomorrow have been named to Florida's 1st Team All-State Freshman Squad. They are:

1-A Scott Sentes, Riverdale (103);Chad Mazurek, Cardinal Gibbons (103); Lance Day, Bolles (103); Colby Borchetta, Archbishop McCarthy (103); Zack Mastro, Palmento Ridge (112); Daphillo Success, Glades Central (119); Jake Schalles Bishop Moore (119); Rich Dehnz, Palmetto Ridge (130); George Bancroft, Cardinal Gibbons (140); and Jerico Weitzel, Bolles (189).

2-A Chase Roundtree, Gainsville (103); and C.J. Cook, Springstead (103).

3-A Austin Figari, Bloomingdale (103); Rodrigo Baez, South Dade (112)

Even more notable were two outstanding young wrestlers who made it to the Lakeland Civic Center as 8th graders. They are Eric Grajales from Temple Heights who finished 2nd at 103 pounds in 1-A and Zaqueray Berridge, also from Temple Heights at 135 pounds, who ended his season with 39 wins.

Honorable Mention ­ State Qualifier

1-A Brandon Jones, Crystal River (103); Eric Dupree, Berkley Prep (103); Dylan Rico, Belen Jesuit (103); Jordan Cone, BAY (112); John Koney, Crystal River (112); Elias Rey, Palmetto Ridge (119); Jordan Thompson, Palmetto Ridge (125); Larry Carnes, Clay (152).

2-A Daniel Cappello, Flagler Palm Coast (103); Timothy Doran, Jupiter (103).

3-A Steve Bliss, Pinellas Park (103);Andrew Sifakis, Lake Mary (112); Allen Held, South Broward (135)

Written by
Stuart Mahler
State Editor Wrestling USA Magazine

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 2-27-05

1. Brandon
2. Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Cardinal Gibbons
5. St. Cloud
6. Hialeah
7. Winter Springs
8. Venice
9. Braddock
10.
Suwannee

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 2-13-05

1. Brandon
1. Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4. Braddock
5.
Hialeah
6.
Venice
7.
Clay
8.
Cardinal Gibbons
9. Countryside
9.
Durant
9. Wakula
9.
St. Cloud

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 2-6-05

1. Brandon
1.Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4. Braddock
5.
Hialeah
6.
Venice
7.
Clay
8.
Cardinal Gibbons
9.
Orlando Olympia
10.
Suwannee
10.
Countryside
10. Durant

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 1-30-05

1. Brandon
1.Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4. Braddock
5.
Hialeah
6.
Venice
7.
Clay
8.
Cardinal Gibbons
9.
Orlando Olympia
10.
Suwannee
10.
Countryside
10. Durant


Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 1-23-05

1. Brandon
2.
Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4. Braddock
5.
Hialeah
6.
Venice
7.
Clay
8.
Cardinal Gibbons
9.
Orlando Olympia
10.
Suwannee
10.
Countryside
10. Durant

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 1-16-05

1. Brandon
2.
Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.Venice
5. South Ridge
6. Hialeah
7. Clay
8.
Cardinal Gibbons
9.
Orlando Olympia
10.
Suwannee
10.
Durant

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 1-9-05

1. Brandon
2.
Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4. Hialeah
5.
Cardinal Gibbons
6.
Clay
7.
Orlando Olympia
8.
Braddock
9.
Venice
10.
Durant

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 1-2-05

1. Brandon
2.
Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Braddock
5.
Hialeah
6.
Southridge
7.
Cardinal Gibbons
8.
Venice
9.
Clearwater Countryside
10.
Orlando Olympia

 

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Sunshine Open Wrestling Tournament Schoolboy and Kids Divisions Results

Lakeland Center, Lakeland, FL

PEEWEE
45 lbs
1. Zachary Sherman - Plantation
2. Hamid Salahutdin - Guardian
3. Colby Singletary - Wolfpack

BANTAM
47 lbs
1. Geoffrey Doback - Black & Blue
2. Shay Leatherman - UNA

53 ­ 58 lbs
1. Jesse Fulk - Manatee
2. Carson Wall - Manatee

59-62 lbs
1. Chase Singletary - Wolfpack
2. Dillon Welch - Black & Blue

MIDGET
65 lbs
1. Donnie Jankowski - Manatee
2. Conor Ross - Spring Hill
3. Connor Barrington - Manatee

70 lbs
1. Fox Baldwin - Attack
2. Luciano Guidoni - Stuart
3. Donnie Jankowski - Manatee

80 lbs
1. Cody Ross - Spring Hill
2. Dontae' McGee - Brandon
3. Alex Bernhardt - Manatee

88-92 lbs
1. Sean Redman - Spring Hill
2. Luis Peguero - Brandon

130
1. Aaron Bradley - Team - Extreme

NOVICE

70 lbs
1. Travis Fulk - Manatee
2. Andrew Rankin - Walhalla, SC

90 lbs
1. Bobby Dehnz - CCPC
2. Alex Doran - Manatee
3. David Dougherty - CCPC

95 lbs
1. Pete Baldwin - Attack
2. Ryan Leatherman - UNA

97-106 lbs
1. Kyle Koziel - North Port
2. Daniel Redman - Spring Hill

120
1. Brian Lussian - Fighting Irish
2. Michael Curtis - Ellet

130 lbs
1. Ben Bradley - Team Xtreme, GA
2. Michael Ettore - BWC

SCHOOLBOY

100 lbs
1. Scott Clock - Outlaws
2. Pete Baldwin - Attack
3. Schyler Swanton - Spring Hill

105
1. Kyle Brooks - Takedown
2. Thomas Gayer - CCPS
3. Richie Blasucci - Cougar

110 lbs
1. DJ Timms - LaBelle
2. Anthony Phillips - CCPS
3. Jermain William - Bulldog

121 ­ 127 lbs
1. Alex Eggeus - Attack
2. Gabriel Bird - Attack
3. Zack Mastro - CCPS

145 lbs
1. Erin O'Dell - Oceanside
2. Isaac Riley - Manatee
3. Luther Clisbee - Haverhill

159-169 lbs
1. Andrew Fulk - Manatee
2. Dustin Woods - Wolfpack

205 lbs
1. Anthony Clisbee - Haverhill

TEAM POINTS:
1. Manatee Wrestling Club 32
2. Spring Hill Wrestling Club 19
3. Attack Wrestling Club 18

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 12-20-04

1. Brandon
2.
Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Hialeah
5.
Braddock
6.
Southridge
7.
Green Cove Springs Clay
8.
Cardinal Gibbons
9.
Venice
10.
Orlando Olympia

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 Teams All Classes 12-20-04

1. Brandon
2.
Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Hialeah
5.
Braddock
6.
Southridge
7.
Green Cove Springs Clay
8.
Cardinal Gibbons
9.
Venice
10.
Orlando Olympia

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida Top 10 teams All Classes 12-13-04

1. Brandon
2.
Oviedo
3.
South Dade
4.
Braddock
5.
Hialeah
6.
Live Oak Suwannee
7.
Cardinal Gibbons
8.
Durant
9.
Clay
10.
Venice

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Mark Schultz Clinic and Tourney


Marianna, Florida
November 13, 2004
USA WRESTLING CARD REQUIRED

Sponsored by FAWA

Mark Schultz
1984 Olympic Champion
2X World Champion
3X NCAA Champion (1982 OW)
7X National Champion
UFC Champion
National Wrestling Hall of Fame
California Hall of Fame

$50 FEE WHICH INCLUDES USA CARD
(If you have a USA WRESTLING card the fee will be $20.00)
CLINIC 2 SESSIONS
1ST SESSION 10AM-12NOON
2ND SESSION 1PM-3PM

TOURNAMENT IS ONLY FOR THOSE
ATTENDING CLINIC $6 FEE
WEIGH-INS FROM 8-9:30
WRESTLING TO START 3PM

For any info necessary contact Stuart Mahler
Head Coach Marianna H.S. at 305-970-2032

Cory Waldron wins Outstanding Wrestler Award at Bulldog Open
held in Crestview.

Cory represented the newly formed Marianna wrestling club at 112 pounds this past Saturday at Crestview High School. The Marianna wrestler was chosen OW after beating his 1st opponent Scott Lae from Fort Walton Beach 11-1, he then pinned Ian Kelly from Crestview in 27 seconds. He pinned his 3rd opponent Josh Jenkins in 34 seconds, and he pinned his final opponent Kyle Miller from Fort Walton Beach in 39 seconds.

Cory was the only member of the Marianna wrestling club to compete in this event, Coach Mahler was quite pleased with his performance, but stated that official high school season starts on November 1st and it is a long way to the FHSAA State Wrestling championships held each year in late February in the Lakeland Civic Center.

Coach Mahler hopes to have a big turn out for the Marianna High School wrestling team starting on November 1st. He states that Marianna has many fine athletes and quite a few of these young men have committed themselves to coming out for wrestling this season and he expects to have complete Varsity and JV squads.

Any 9th, 10th, or 11th grader interested in wrestling should see Coach Mahler this week, because November 1st is right around the corner. Marianna High School has had many fine wrestling teams and we expect to have a good team for many years to come.
USA National Team at Palm Beach County Youth Wrestling Camps
We are excited about having the USA National Freestyle Team Training in West Palm Beach, FL for two weeks before the Olympics. We are having our First Annual Palm Beach County Youth Wrestling Camps in conjunction with their training sessions. Here is a flyer detailing the information about our camp. We are offering a rebate for clubs and money could go back to your clubs if you have athletes come to the camp. Please share the information about our camps with your wrestlers this is an opportunity to train with the best and see first hand how the top wrestlers in the nation train. If you cannot view the flyer you can contact me for additional information.

Thanks,

Aaron Chambliss
CODP Coordinator
Palm Beach County Sports Institute
1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, Suite 1410
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561-233-1015 ext. 515 (office)
561-233-1012 (fax)

mailto:achambliss@palmbeachsports.com
www.palmbeachsports.com

Job opening for an Asst. Coach for Miami Southridge/Head Coach Cutler Ridge M.S.

we are looking for a dual role asst. coach to assist Head Coach Kenny Johnson at Miami Southridge H.S. and for this same person to be head coach at Cutler Ridge Middle School. Middle school responsibilities mandatory. PE. AND SPECIAL ED teaching positions available. RECENT GRADUATE WITH COLLEGE WRESTLING EXPERIENCE,strong wrestling background preferred.
for more info you can call stuart mahler at 305-970-2032

The Great One

It was in a tiny locker room in North Miami that my real education began. I was on of many 7th graders searching for something, and I found it. Coach Sam Mc Woodson was the junior high school P.E. teacher who taught, guided, prodded, and eventually molded my peers and me into what we are today.

The subject was wrestling. The lessons were honor, hard work, commitment, respect, and belief. The method was "watch and learn". Coach McWoodson was the man who made a sanctuary out of a locker room. We had to check our problems, arrogance, and prejudices at the door. There was no place for pettiness in the presence of greatness.

In our sanctuary we learned that if we were going to get anywhere in life we had to work hard. We also learned that because we worked hard we were worthy of becoming champions. To Coach Mac championships weren't necessarily medals, but they were A's in science, acceptances into colleges, or simply handling a difficult defeat with dignity.

No accomplishments went unnoticed, and no lack of effort was accepted. Mr. McWoodson gave his best effort everyday as our teacher, and he demanded that every one of his pupils strive to reach the highest level that their talent permitted. Coach Mac's eyes would dance, as he would tell stories about former students. 'You remind me of Jon Doe. He won state in "84, and now he's a lawyer. I think you can be better than he was." These guys became our heroes. They became immortal because of their commitment to excellence and we all aspired to gain that level of respect for ourselves.

Explaining what Coach Mac taught us on one sheet of paper is like trying to stuff Mount Everest into a janitor's closet. Mere words can't express the daily lessons of life and humility that still push me to be the best man that I can be. It is no coincidence that from my former teams that there are eight teachers and wrestling coaches. It is our tribute to the great one, and although we have never actually discussed it we all know that we share a secret education, brotherhood, or fraternity. We walked into our sanctuary as insecure, borderline hoodlums. We left as future heroes and immortals heading into the world determined to bring pride and honor back to the great man who molded us into men. Coach Sam McWoodson taught us that the most important thing in life was to believe in people, and his legacy is living on.

Homestead YMCA Wins State Kids and Cadets
Wrestling Championship.

The Florida Amateur Wrestling Association held their State Wrestling Championships on March 20, at Martin County High School in Stuart, Florida.

This tournament was a great success; there were over 450 entries from around the state. Wilbert Johnson and Curt Dewberry founded the Homestead YMCA Wrestling program only 3 years ago, and they were a force to be reckoned with. Not only did they win the state title but also they beat perennial power Brandon in doing so. The YMCA program has produced some outstanding Middle school and High School wrestlers already, and will continue to do so in the future.

Coach Dewberry and his assistant coaches work very hard on a year round basis. They attend all Local, Statewide and National youth wrestling competitions. The YMCA has an open door policy toward membership, and they practice in the Gym on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights from 6-8 PM.

These young men won state titles at the FAWA State Tournament.
Matthew Noffo, Nick Moreira, Alexander Mendez, Kendrick Sanders, Rodrigo Baez, Carlos Montero, and Jake Rio.

Coach Dewberry stated "it takes a lot of hard work to have such a good program and he couldn't do it without the help of his assistants." His assistant coaches are Humberto "Duck" Reina, Willie Bowen, Octavius Crawley, George Borgen, and Stuart Mahler. All of the coaches, parents and the YMCA are to be congratulated for their hard work and success.

 

Written by
Stuart Mahler

Girls Wrestling in Florida have new Competition Coordinator.

The Wrestling Community Shares a very special and unique bond. Wrestling is such a captivating sport and whether you are an Olympic champion, just a participant or a fan the common bond is your tremendous love for the sport. The comradely and respect shared within the wrestling community is unmatched in any other sport. A true wrestler believes that it is better to have wrestled and lost than to never have participated at all. Wrestling teaches values and lessons that can be used throughout life. Lessons such as; You have to work hard for everything you get in life, and anything worth having doesn't come for free.

With this said, it is my great pleasure and honor to be back on the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association Board of Directors for the State of Florida. I have an extensive wrestling background, and plan on doing my best for the Woman's program as possible. I have had the
Pleasure of coaching on 3 different Florida High School State Championship teams,

Hollywood McArthur, Miami Southridge, and South Dade. Having coached with Hall of Fame Coach Jim Husk and national coach of the year Victor Balmeceda, has not only given me a formula for success it has opened many doors and allowed me to be involved in all aspects of wrestling. I am a Bronze Certified Coach and Instructor since 1987, and have been involved with Florida wrestling since 1965. I am also involved in wrestling as a sportswriter for the South Dade News Leader, and a State Editor for Wrestling USA Magazine for more than 17 years.

Wrestling is growing in Florida and throughout the United States. This summer will mark the first time that Woman's Wrestling will be recognized in the Olympic games. We in Florida would like to provide the opportunity for our Woman's program to grow and prosper into something special. With this said please feel free at anytime to e-mail or call me about our woman's Wrestling Program. We will be sending a team to Fargo to compete in the Junior Nationals this summer.

Here is a quote that sums up my wrestling philosophy "No sport on earth rivals it. It's the ultimate physical, mental and emotional challenge. A sport where boys, girls turn into young men and woman. Wimps need not apply. It will challenge you to be the best you van be. It will demand your body to use every ounce of its energy or be humiliated in front of God and everybody else. It's pure brute strength matched with near-identical physical ability. Blood, sweat and tears are commonplace. It will get your attention and make you value life from another perspective. It's pressure, pressure, and more pressure. It has no timeouts, no substitutions, no place to hide and no way to escape. Glory is near obsolete. It exposes adverse conditions where survival relies on pure guts and determination. It forces you to make the most out of any situation. It will teach you self-confidence along with self-esteem. It provides a model for respect and admiration for the courage to enter the fight and lose than not to have entered at all."
It's a battleit's a war. It is Wrestling.

Written by
Stuart Mahler
Woman's Competition Coordinator 305-970-2032 hollywoodmahler@adelphia.net

Campbell Drive Middle Wins Back To Back County Middle School Wrestling Titles

Campbell Drive outdistanced the field with 4 individual champions, and all 11 of the team members placing 7th or higher. Their team score of 230 points was well ahead of 2nd place Redlands Middle with 163 points, and 3rd place Cutler Ridge Middle with 162 points. After the semis the battle for the team title was over and the only thing left was the fight for 2nd place and the individual championships. The south dominated all day and finished with 9 of the 12 individual titles. Cutler Ridge was undefeated during the regular season, but the tournament team of Campbell Drive was just too much for them to handle. Of the top 10 teams, 7 were from the Southern Middle schools only northern Highland Oaks who finished 4th and central Howard Doolin who finished 5th were able to compete with the south.
The Outstanding Light weight Wrestler was Ricky Fonte from Cutler Ridge, and the Outstanding Heavy weight wrestler was Caudrey Mack from Campbell Drive
Individual Champions
78 pounds Gab Chandler, Howard Doolin
88 pounds James Williams, Campbell Drive
98 pounds Quintavian McPherson, Campbell Drive
108 pounds Shakendric Sanders, Redlands 2X
115 pounds Rodrigo Baez, Homestead
123 pounds Ricky Fonte, Cutler Ridge 2X
128 pounds Caudrey Mack, Campbell Drive
138 pounds James Walker, Campbell Drive
148 pounds Hector Clavijo, Cutler Ridge
158 pounds Vincent Nelson, Southwood
173 pounds Anthony Valencia, Palmetto
253 pounds Angel Yrure, Jose Marti

Top 10 Teams
1. Campbell Drive 230
2. Redland Middle 163
3. Cutler Ridge 162
4. Highland Oaks 135
5. Howard Doolin 122.50
6. Southwood 117
7. Palmetto 99.50
8. Richmond 94.50
9. Ammons 79
10. Glades 48.50
10. Homestead 48.50

The host school of Coral Reef did an outstanding job of putting on this event, their Head Wrestling coach C.J. Singleton his team members and booster club members need to be commended on the great job of running this event. Also we need to give special thanks to Kevin Whelan from South Dade High School for a job well done as Tournament Director. The top 8 individuals received medals provided by Dade County Middle School Athletic Director Dick Gans, and each individual champion received a trophy provided by Wrestling Coach Stuart Mahler. The wrestlers all had a special surprise to be awarded their medals by former Miami South Ridge Head Wrestling Coach and Hall of Fame Member Coach Jim Husk. Dade County Middle School Athletics is one of the major reasons that Dade High Schools are as successful as they are, and special thanks should be given to retiring Middle School Athletic Director Dick Gans.

2004 FLORIDA STATE FINALS WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS


Lakeland, florida - February 26-28, 2004
By JOHN LAWTON, Wrestling Editor, Florida Kids Web Site

CLASS 1A

CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS

103 Cory Baudendistel (38-2) Green Cove Springs Clay, Fr. d. Scott Sentes (37-1) Ft. Myers Riverdale, 8th 4-2 OT;
112 Keith Evans (34-0) Riverdale, Jr. d. Spencer Caniff (38-3) Clay, Sr. 11-6;
119 Virgil McDuffie (37-2) Clay, Jr. md. Lavon Downs (31-3) Tallahassee Godby, So. 16-7;
125 Jason Machado (38-0) Belen Jesuit, Sr. d. Josh Davis (33-3) Live Oak Suwannee, Sr. 16-11;
130 Matt Miller (48-2) Labelle, Sr. d. Josh Helton (31-2) Crawfordville Wakulla, Jr. 7-5 OT:
135 Morgan Dufresne (48-2) St. Augustine Menendez, Sr. d. Bryan Ryder (43-3) New Port Richey Gulf, Sr. 10-7;
140 Paul Cannella (40-5) Hollywood Chaminade, Sr. md. Blake Germaine (45-4) Sebring, Jr. 16-6;
145 Preston Hart (23-1) Suwannee, Jr. d. Craig Ponchak (35-6) Clay, Sr. 4-1;
152 Alex Enriquez (46-0) Tampa Jesuit, Sr. d. Hunter Hill (40-2) Clay, Sr. 8-3;
160 William Kendrick (18-0) Clay, Sr. d. David Pritz (47-5) Brooksville Hernando, So. 14-6;
171 Addison Chipoletti (48-1) Hernando, Jr. d. Jerico Weitzel (10-5) Jacksonville Bolles, 8th, 4-2;
189 Jason Abell (38-8) Jacksonville University Christian, Sr. md. Alex Virgadamo (48-5) Tampa Jesuit, Sr. 8-0;
215 Bryce Green (29-7) University Christian, Sr. d. Harry Kenning (29-2) Bolles, Sr. 8-7;
275 Cy Wainwright (29-2) Clay, Sr. d. Leon Herrington (47-1) Ft. Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons, Sr. 6-5;

3rd/4th Place Finals
103 - Genesis Mercedes Glades Central d. Kurt Spangler Jesuit 7-3
112 - Joey Pospisil Gulf d. Brandyn Kuhn Hernando 6-4
119 - Jorge Badia Cardinal Gibbons d. Brandon Rifa Clewiston 8-6;
125 - Edward Hru Bishop Moore d. Ernie Young Baker County 3-1
130 - Joe Stump Sebring d. Osvaldo Friger Archbishop Carroll 6-1;
135 - Ben Noralus Miami Pace d. Lyle Archer University Christian 7-6;
140 - Victor Porter Wakulla p. Craig McIntyre Nease 4:18;
145 - Alex Esquinaldo Key West md. Josh Miller Sebring 9-1;
152 - Sean McAleney Gibbons d. Spencer Smith Nease 9-2;
160 - Richard Davis Gibbons p. Reynaldo Munoz Miami Pace 1:42;
171 - Matthew Bryant Forrest d. Seth Metz Crystal River 17-13;
189 - Elijah Charles Clay p. Ruben Hernandez Clewiston 2:59;
215 - Dennis McCray Clewiston d. Andrew McKay Clay 8-3;
275 - Sam Ritter Episcopal p. Windham Rotunda Hernando 2:57

5th/6th Place Finals
103 - Patrick Harned Bay p. William Spreitzer American Heritage 2:36;
112 - Josh Harroun North Port d. Vincent Scirghie Chaminade 10-6;
119 - Nicholas Harbaugh University d. Barney Wainwright Suwannee 2-0;
125 - Chad Rodriguez Key West d. Andy Millburn Clay 5-2;
130 - Adames Garcia Chaminade d. Armand Algarin Cardinal Gibbons 2-1;
135 - John Pilgrim Archbishop McCarthy d. Justin Platt Wakulla 6-1;
140 - David Deaton Bay d. David Conrad Clay 4-3;
145 - Jamie Cross Cardinal Gibbons d. Justin Ragans Forrest 13-6;
152 - Brandon Hunt University Christian by default Peter Augustin Immokalee;
160 - James Hudson Forrest by default David Thompson Bolles;
171 - Brian Engel Chaminade p. Zach Transue Jupiter Christian 1:42
189 - Chris Martinez Miami Pace d. Christian Schael Archbishop Carroll 5-1;
215 - David Stevens Forrest p. Effrain Herrera Miami Pace 2:09;
275 - Jorge Rico Clewiston p. Jacob Sheffield Forrest 0:59;

CLASS 2A

CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS

103 Shawn Rouhan (42-0) Venice, Sr. Christopher Matos (29-1) Palm Bay Bayside, Jr. 4-2;
112 Sean Joyce (37-2) Brandon, Fr. d. Keith Koziel (40-2) Venice, Fr. 3-1;
119 Jeffrey Wimberley (41-0) Ft. Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas, Sr. d. Freddie Williams (39-1) Orange Park Ridgeview, Sr. 8-3;
125 Cesar Grajales (49-1) Brandon, Jr. md. Chris Bencivenga (37-2) St. Thomas Aquinas, Sr. 10-2;
130 Matt Bullwinkel (52-1) New Port Richey Ridgewood, Sr. d. David Hoke (40-3) Punta Gorda Charlotte, Sr. 3-2;
135 Andrew Patacsil (40-1) St. Thomas Aquinas, Sr. p. Casey Schreiber (40-3) Clearwater Countryside, Sr. 3:03
140 Dominic DeNunzio (42-0) Countryside, Sr. p. Zach Brown (38-2) Ridgeview, Sr. 2:42;
145 A. Jay Hixon (42-1) Countryside, Sr. d. Brandon Kelly (43-3) Ft. Myers, Jr. 7-2;
152 Wes Walker (35-1) Countryside, Jr. p. Jeff Ramer (41-7) Land O'Lakes, Sr. 3:27;
160 Rocky Cozart (49-1) Brandon, Jr. md. George Keyzer (35-6) Port St. Lucie Jr. 14-5;
171 David Craig (48-0) Brandon, So. md. Bobby Jablonski (31-2) Okeechobee, Sr. 12-0;
189 Nick Davis (50-0) Gainesville, Sr. md. Mike Cozy (38-5) Venice, Sr. 14-6;
215 Rashard Goff (49-1) Brandon, Sr. md. Eddie Hardee (34-4) Auburndale, Jr. 12-2;
275 Keith Simmons (42-3) Brandon, Sr. d. Richie Rosabella (34-3) Naples Barron Collier, Jr. 4-3;

3rd/4th Place Finals
103 - Travis Hoffman Gainesville d. Kent Costell Countryside 6-4;
112 - Nick Randall Lake Gibson d. Greg Vernon Countryside 4-2;
119 - Franklin Gomez Brandon tf. Kyle Wood Charlotte 16-1;
125 - Billy Bullwinkel Ridgewood dec. Craig Masters Ft. Pierce Central 4-2;
130 - Nick Grande Wolfson md. Sam Patacsil St. Thomas 11-3;
135 - Ryan Joyce Brandon dec. David Corrao Columbia 5-4;
140 - Eddie Hutchinson Brandon d. Mathias Piasecki Port St. Lucie 7-3;
145 - Tommy Hutchinson Brandon p. Shane Simerly Niceville 3:57;
152 - Dane Hayes Ft. Pierce Central by default Bryan Little Venice;
160 - Donnie Jackson Bartram Trail by default Sean Murphy Countryside;
171 - Jeremie Cook Venice d. Barak Jones Lake Region 6-4;
189 - Sean Russ Cape Coral d. Scott Mays Land O'Lakes 3-2;
215 - Ben Hoffman Venice d. Haywood Range Jupiter 4-3;
275 - Willie Weber Flagler Palm Coast p. Taylor Wilkerson Satellite 1:55

5th/6th Place Finals
103 - Sam Mercado Miami Washington md. Anthony Jorge Jenkins 17-9;
112 - Wilson Frasier Lincoln d. Keith Cooper Parker 7-1;
119 - Dean Desrochers Estero d. Lourdy Devalon Port St. Lucie 6-0;
125 - Robert Petrick Gainesville pinned Chris Allen Alonso 3:00
130 - Brandon Ray Brandon md. Kevin Duclos Satellite 11-0;
135 - Brett Nelson Venice d. Alex Penabade Sickles 5-1;
140 - Troy Gerhart Venice d. Carlos Tellechea St. Thomas 5-1;
145 - Engel Vargas Ft. Pierce Central d. Joseph McDaniels New Smyrna Beach 14-7;
152 - Marco Toledo Brandon md. Mike DiPaul Ridgeview 12-1;
160 - Joe Bizzozzaro Flagler Palm Coast d. Kyle Mills Manatee 7-3;
171 - Paul Markham Middleburg md. Ben Rzymek Countryside 13-1;
189 - Richard Mentillo Satellite d. Kyle Riley Middleburg 5-2;
215 - Nathan Sharp Sebastian River by default Courtney James Palatka
275 - Adrian Bull Venice d. Dominic Dawson Port St. Lucie 1-0

CLASS 3A

CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS

103 Giovanni Harris (41-4) Miami Krop, So. p. Brian Guzman (20-5) Miami, Jr. 5:49;
112 Raymond Stephens (46-2) Homestead South Dade, Jr. d. David Cox (44-3) Oviedo, Jr. 18-14;
119 Ariel Mederos (21-2) Hialeah, Sr. d. Tremaine Franklin (43-4) South Dade, Jr. 13-8;
125 Seve Hewitt (44-4) Oviedo, Sr. p. Ryan Palmer (26-5) Melbourne, Sr. 3:39;
130 Michael Falgoust (40-2) Pinellas Park, Sr. tf. Ian Phillips (38-4) Miami Palmetto, Sr. 20-4;
135 Jason Robbins (47-0) Oviedo, Jr. md. Garrett Feldman (40-10) Krop, Sr. 13-4;
140 Jonathan Shoemaker (42-3) Miami Southridge, Sr. p. Raymond Peabody (42-5) Orlando Timber Creek, Sr. 4:44;
145 Justin Fraga (38-1) Oviedo, Jr. tf. Andrew McDermott (27-7) Davie Western, Sr. 18-1;
152 Aldo Victor (41-3) South Dade, Sr. d. John Mendosa (34-4) Orlando University, Jr. 10-6;
160 Andy Perez (40-3) Miami Braddock, Jr. d Damaso Munoz (34-3) Southridge, Jr. 3-2;
171 Harry Joseph (38-0) Palm Beach Gardens, Sr. d. Charley Blanchard (44-1) Sandalwood, Sr. 7-5;
189 Luke Hallsten (38-3) University, Sr. d. Humberto De La Osa (35-8 ) Braddock, Jr. 3-1;
215 Javier Estopinan (26-0) South Miami, Sr. d. Abner Nunez (35-7) Southwest Miami, Sr. 9-5;
275 Marino Eatman (30-0) Coral Gables, Sr. d. Josh Tanner (31-2) Orlando Edgewater, Sr. 2-1;

3rd/4th Place Finals
103 - Frank Celorrio Hialeah d. Kenny Desangles Cypress Creek 4-3;
112 - Tony Newkirk Gulf Coast d. Nick Miller Douglas 4-2;
119 - Joe Penafiel Olympia d. Alex Brown Sarasota 3-2;
125 - Gabe Maul Vero Beach d. Edwin Rey Gulf Coast 1-0;
130 - Chris Zuniga Vero Beach d. Mitchell Li McArthur 8-7;
135 - Sebastian Ruz Varela d. Steve L'Hommedieu Edgewater 6-3;
140 - Jesse Robbins Oviedo d. Michael Alfonso Hialeah 2-1;
145 - Mark Busse Miami Sunset d. Anthony Sifakis Lake Mary 7-5;
152 - Kyle Coffman Oviedo md. Damion Stephenson Miami Krop 12-2;
160 - Jason Chery Spanish River d. Robert Orta South Dade 7-5;
171 - Brian Johnson Riverview d. Daniel Gonzales Southwest 7-1;
189 - Brian Hyde Southwest d. Josh Freemyer Olympia 7-2;
215 - Greg Anderson Pinellas Park d. Anthony Alexander Evans 4-2;
275 - Harold Webster Miami Palmetto d. Connor Kelly Boone 6-2;

5th/6th Place Finals
103 - John Garcia Southwest Miami p. Anthony Califano Sarasota 4:30;
112 - Mick Arteaga Southwest Miami d. Kevin James Coral Springs 7-0;
119 - Matt Caraballo Durant by default Jean Leazard Miramar;
125 - Todd Squires St. Cloud d. Rudy Galarza Southridge 4-0;
130 - Andrew Sutton Edgewater d. Walter Gomez Flanagan 13-8;
135 - Byron Sanchez Braddock d. Xavier Morales Boyd Anderson 13-9;
140 - Sean Kirtz Spanish River d. Daniel Rivera Winter Springs 5-2;
145 - Shayne Funk St. Cloud md. Darin Baldwin South Dade 19-6;
152 - Nathan Mendenhall Wellington p. Joe Pitingolo Gulf Coast 2:48;
160 - Billy Lowe Lakeland by default Matt Seechuck Douglas;
171 - Travis Wright Homestead by default Mike Culbertson Winter Park;
189 - Alejandro Casado Miami Palmetto d. Dominic Desir Southridge 4-1;
215 - Kevin Inca Douglas d. Rodriguez LeClerc Miami Krop 7-2;
275 - Ken Lester Oviedo won by default Travis Youngs Pinellas Park.

These results may not be copied onto any other commercial web site without permission from John Lawton or Florida Kids web Site

2004 FLORIDA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS A DIVISION

From: IraFleckman@aol.com

103

1st Cory Baudendistel(9) Clay 4-2 2nd Scott Sentas(8) Riverdale

3rd Genesis Mercedes(11) Glades Central 7-3 4th Kurt Spanger(10) Jesuit

5th Patrick Harned(10) Bay FALL 2:36 6th William Spreitzer(9) American Heritage

112

1st Keith Evans(11) Riverdale 11-6 2nd Spencer Caniff(12) Clay

3rd Joey Pospisil(12) Gulf 6-4 4th Brandyn Kuhn(9) Hernando

5th Josh Harroun(11) North Port 10-6 6th Vincent Schirgio(10) Chaminade

119

1st Virgil McDuffie(11) Clay MAJ. 16-7 2nd Lavon Downs(10) Godby

3rd Jorge Badia(11) Cardinal Gibbons 8-6 4th Brandon Rifa(12) Clewiston

5th Nicholas Harbaugh(12) University 2-0 6th Barney Wainwright(9) Suwannee

125

1st Jason Marchado(12) Belene Jesuit 16-11 2nd Josh Davis(12) Suwannee

3rd Edward Hru(11) Bishop Moore 3-1 4th Ernie Young(12) Baker County

5th Chad Rodriguez(11) Key West 5-2 6th Andy Milburn(10) Clay

130

1st Matt Miller(12) LeBelle 7-5 2nd Josh Helton(11) Wakulla

3rd Joe Stump(12) Sebring 6-1 4th Osvaldo Friger(10) Archbishop Carroll

5th Adames Garcia(12) Chaminade 2-1 6th Armand Algann(11) Cardinal Gibbons

135

1st Morgan Dufresne(12) Menendez 10-8 2nd Bryan Ryder(12) Gulf

3rd Ben Noralus(11) Monsignor Pace 7-6 4th Lyle Archer(12) University Christian

5th John Pilgrim(12) Archbishop McCarthy 6-1 6th Justin Platt(11) Wakulla

140

1st Paul Cannella(12) Chaminade MAJ. 16-6 2nd Blake Germaine(11) Sebring

3rd Victor Porter(10) Wakulla FALL 4:18 4th Craig McIntyre(12) Nease

5th David Deaton(10) Bay 4-3 6th David Conrad(12) Clay

145

1st Preston Hart(11) Suwannee 4-1 2nd Craig Ponchak(12) Clay

3rd Alex Esquinaldo(12) Key West 9-1 4th Josh Miller(12) Sebring

5th Jamie Cross(11) Cardinal Gibbons 13-6 6th Justin Tagans(11) Forrest

152

1st Alex Enriquez(12) Jesuit 8-3 2nd Hunter Hill(12) Clay

3rd Sean McAleney(12) Cardinal Gibbons 9-2 4th Spencer Smith(12) Nease

5th Brandon Hunt(12) University Christian INJ. 6th Peter Augustin(12) Immokalee

160

1st William Kendrick(12) Clay MAJ. 14-6 2nd David Pritz(10) Hernando

3rd Richard Davis(12) Cardinal Gibbons FALL 1:42 4th Raynaldo Munoz(11) Monsignor Pace

5th James Hudson(11) Forrest INJ. 6th David Thompson(11) Bolles

171

1st Addison Chipoletti(11) Hernando 4-2 2nd Jerico Weitzel(8) Bolles

3rd Matthew Bryand(12) Forrest 17-13 4th Seth Mertz(10) Crystal River

5th Brian Engel(11) Chaminade FALL 1:42 6th Zach Transue(12) Jupiter Christian

189

1st Jason Abell(12) University Christian MAJ. 8-0 2nd Alex Virgadamo(12) Jesuit

3rd Elijah Charles(11) Clay FALL 2:59 4th Ruben Hernandez(12) Clewiston

5th Christopher Martinez(11) Monsignor Pace 5-1 6th Christian Schael(12) Archbishop Curley

215

1st Bryce Green(12) University Christian 8-7 2nd Harry Kenning(12) Bolles

3rd Dennis McCray(12) Clewiston 8-3 4th Andrew McKay(12) Clay

5th David Stevens(11) Forrest FALL 2:09 6th Effrain Herrera(11) Monsignor Pace

275

1st Cyrus Wainwright(12) Clay 6-5 2nd Leon Herrington(12)O Cardinal Gibbons

3rd Samuel Ritters(12) Episcopla FALL 2:57 4th Windham Rotunda(11) Hernando

5th Jorge Rico(12) Clewiston FALL :59 6th Jacob Sheffield(11) Forrest

2004 FLORIDA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

AA DIVISION

 

103

 

1st Shawn Rouhan(12) Venice 4-2 2nd Christopher Matos(11) Bayside

3rd Travis Hoffman(10) Gainesville 6-4 4th Kent Costell(10) Countryside

5th Samuel Mercado(12) Washington-Miami MAJ. 17-9 6th Anthony George(9) George Jenkins

 

112

 

1st Sean Joyce(9) Brandon 3-1 2nd Keith koziel(9) Venice

3rd Nick Randall(10) Lake Gibson 4-2 4th Grag Vernon(10) Countryside

5th Wilson Frasier(10) Lincoln 7-1 6th Keith Cooper(11) Terry Parker

 

119

 

1st Jeffrey Wimberly(12) St. Thomas Aquinas 8-3 2nd Freddie Williams(12) Ridgeview

3rd Franklin Gomez(11) Brandon TECH. 16-1 4th Kyle Wood(12) Charlotte

5th Dean Desrochers(12) Estero 6-0 6th Lourdy Devalon(11) Port St. Lucie

 

125

 

1st Cesar Grajalas(11) Brandon 10-2 2nd Chris Bencivenga(12) St. Thomas Aquinas

3rd Billy Bullwinkel(12) Ridgewood 4-2 4th Craig Masters(12) Ft. Pierce Central

5th Robert Patrick(12) Gainesville FALL 3:00 6th Chris Allen(10) Alonso

 

130

 

1st Matt Bullwinkel(12) Ridgewood 3-2 2nd David Hoke(12) Charlotte

3rd Nick Grande(12) Wolfson MAJ. 11-3 4th Sam Patacsil(12) St. Thomas Aquinas

5th Brandon Ray(12) MAJ. 11-0 6th Kevin Duclos(12) Satellite

 

135

 

1st Andrew Patacsil(12) FALL 3:03 2nd Casey Schreiber(12) Countryside

3rd Ryan Joyce(12) Brandon 5-4 4th David Corrao(12) Columbia

5th Brett Nelson(10) Venice 5-1 6th Alex Penabade(12) Sickles

 

140

 

1st Dominic DeNunzio(12) Countryside FALL 2:42 2nd Zach Brown(12) Ridgeview

3rd Eddie Hutchinson(12) Brandon 6-3 4th Mathias Piasecki(12) Port St. Lucie

5th Troy Gerhart(12) Venice 5-1 6th Carlos Tellechea(12) St. Thomas Aquinas

145

 

1st A. Jay Hixon(12) Countryside 7-2 2nd Brandon Kelly(11) Ft. Myers

3rd Tommy Hutchinson(12) Brandon FALL 3:57 4th Shane Simerly(12) Niceville

5th Engel Vargas(12) Ft. Pierce Central 14-7 6th Joseph McDaniels(12) New Smyrna Beach

 

152

 

1st Wes Walker(11) Countryside FALL 3:27 2nd Jeff Ramer(12) Land O'Lakes

3rd Dane Hayes(12) Ft. Pierce Central INJ. 4th Bryan Little(12) Venice

5th Marco Toledo(11) Brandon MAJ. 12-1 6th Mike DiPaul(10) Ridgeview

 

160

 

1st Rocky Cozart(11) Brandon MAJ. 14-5 2nd George Keyzer(11) Port St. Lucie

3rd Donnie Jackson(12) Bartram Trail INJ. 4th Sean Murphy(12) Countryside

5th Joseph Bizzozzaro(11) Flagler Palm Coast 7-3 6th Kyle Mills(10) Manatee

 

171

 

1st David Craig(10) Brandon MAJ. 12-0 2nd Bobby Jablonski(12) Okeechobee

3rd Jeremie Cook(10) Venice 6-4 4th Barak Jones(12) Lake Region

5th Paul Markham(12) Middleburg MAJ. 13-1 6th Ben Rzymek(12) Countryside

 

189

 

1st Nick Davis(12) Gainesville MAJ. 14-6 2nd Mike Cozy(12) Venice

3rd Sean Russ(12) Cape Coarl 3-2 4th Scott Mays(11) Land O'Lakes

5th Richard Mentillo(12) Satellite 5-2 6th Kyle Riley(12) Middleburg

 

215

 

1st Rashard Gopff(12) Brandon MAJ. 14-6 2nd Mike Cozy(12) Venice

3rd Ben Hoffman(12) Venice 4-3 4th Haywood Range(11) Jupiter

5th Nathan Sharp(11) Sebastian River INJ. 6th Courtney James(12) Palatka

 

275

 

1st Keith Simmons(12) Brandon 4-3 2nd Richie Rosabella(11) Barron Collier

3rd Willie Weber(12) Flagler Palm Coast FALL 1:55 4th Taylor Wilkerson(12) Satellite

5th Adrian Bull(12) Venice 1-0 6th Dominic Dawson(12) Port St. Lucie

2004 FLORIDA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

 

AAA DIVISION

 

103

 

1st Giovanni Harris(11) Dr. Krop FALL 5:49 2nd Brian Guzman(11) Miami

3rd Frank Celorrio(11) 4-3 4th Kenny Desangles(11) Cypress Creek

5th John Garcia(10) Southwest-Miami FALL 4:30 6th Anthony Califano(9) Sarasota

 

112

 

1st Raymond Stephens(11) South Dade 18-14 2nd David Cox(11) Oviedo

3rd Tony Newkirk(12) Gulf Coast 4-2 4th Nick Miller(11) Douglas

5th Mick Arteaga(11) Southwest-Miami 7-0 6th Kevin James(10) Coral Springs

 

119

 

1st Ariel Medero(12) Hialeah 13-8 2nd Tramine Franklin(11) South Dade

3rd Joe Panafiel(11) Olympia 3-2 Alex Brown(10) Sarasota

5th Matt Caraballo(12) Durant INJ. 6th Jean Leazard(12) Miramar

 

125

 

1st Seve Hewitt(12) Oviedo FALL 3:49 2nd Ryan Palmer(12) Melbourne

3rd Gabe Maul(11) Vero beach 1-0 4th Edwin Ray(11) Gulf Coast

5th Todd Squires(11) St. Cloud 4-0 6th Rudy Galarza(10) Miami-Southridge

 

130

 

1st Michael Falgoust(12) Pinellas Park TECH. 20-4 2nd Ian Phillips(12) Miami-Palmetto

3rd Chris Zuniga(12) Vero Beach 8-7 4th Michell Li(12) McArthur

5th Andrew Sutton(12) Edgewater 13-8 6th Walter Gomez(12) Flanagan

 

135

 

1st Jason Robbins(11) Oviedo Maj. Dec. 13-4 2nd Garrett Feldman(12) Dr. Krop

3rd Sabastian Ruz(12) Verela 6-3 4th Steve L'Hommedieu(12) Edgewater

5th Byron Sanchez(10) Braddock 13-9 6th Xavier Morales(12) Boyd Anderson

 

140

 

1st Jonathen Shoemaker(12) Miami-Southrige FALL 4:44 2nd Raymond Peabody(12) Timber Creek

2nd Jesse Robbins(9) Oviedo 2-1 4th Michael Alfonso(11) Hialeah

5th Sean Kirtz(12) Spanish River 5-2 6th Daniel Rivera(10) Winter Springs

145

 

1st Justin Fraga(11) Oviedo TECH. 16-1 2nd Andrew McDermott(12) Western

3rdMark Busse(12) Miami Sunset 7-5 4th Anthony Sifakis(12) Lake Mary

5th Darin Baldwin(10) South Dade Maj. 19-6 6th Shayne Funk(11) St. Cloud

 

152

 

1st Aldo Victor(12) South Dade 10-6 2nd John Mendoza(11) University

3rd Kyle Coffman(12) Oviedo Maj. 12-2 4th Damion Stephenson(10) Dr. Krop

5th Nathan Mendenhall(12) Wellington FALL 2:48 6th Joe Pitngolo(12) Gulf Coast

 

160

 

1st Andy Perez(11) Braddock 3-2 2nd Damaso Munoz(11) Miami-Southridge

3rd Jason Cherry(12) Spanish River 9-5 Robert Orta(12) South Dade

5th Billy Lowe(10) Lakeland INJ.6th Matt Seechuck(12) Douglas

 

171

 

1st Harry Joseph(12) Palm Beach Gardens 7-5 2nd Charley Blanchard(12) Sadalwood

3rd Brian Johnson(12) Riverview 7-1 4th Daniel Gonzalez(12) Southwest-Miami

5th Travis Wright(11) Homestead INJ. 6th Miak Culbertson(12) Winter Park

 

189

 

1st Lake Hallsten(12) University 6-1 2nd Humberto De La Osa(11) Braddock

3rd Bryan Hyde(12) Southwest-Miami 7-2 4th Josh Freemyer(12) Olympia

5th Alejandro Casado(11) Miami Palmetto 4-1 6th Dominic Desir(12) Miami-Southridge

 

215

 

1st Javier Estopinan(12) South Miami 9-5 2nd Abner Nunez(12) Southwest-Miami

3rd Greg Anderson(12) Pinellas Park 4-2 4th Anthony Alexander(12) Evans

5th Kevin Inca(12) Douglas 7-2 6th Rodriguez Le Clerk(11) Dr. Krop

 

275

 

1st Marino Eatman(12) Corla Gables 2-1 2nd Josh Tanner(12) Edgewater

3rd Harold Webster(12) Miami-Palmetto 6-2 4th Connor Kelly(12) Boone

5th Kenneth Lester(10) Oviedo INJ. 6th Travis Youngs(12) Pinellas Park

Campbell Drive Middle win Southern District Wrestling Title


The Southern District Wrestling Championships were held at Coral Reef High School on Saturday the 6th of March. Campbell Drive the returning county champions had an outstanding showing with 7 in the finals and coming away with 4 champions. They scored 185 points to runner-up Redlands Middle who had 6 in the finals and also had 4 champions with a team score of 177. Third place was Cutler Ridge who was undefeated in the regular season and last year's county runner-up who only had 3 in the finals, but had 2 champions and finished with 156 points.

Individual Southern District Champion
78 pounds John Brown CD
88 pounds James Williams CD
98 pounds Darin Baldwin RED
108 pounds Shakendric Sanders RED
115 pounds Rodrigo Baez HOM
123 pounds Ricky Fonte CR
131 Caudrey Mack CD
138 James Walker CD
148 Andy Jimenez RED
158 Javoris Plain CR
173 Dyvon Passmore CEN
253 Briant Otero RED

Ricky Fonte Cutler Ridge was the lightweight Outstanding Wrestler, and Briant Otero Redlands was the heavyweight Outstanding Wrestler.

On Saturday the 13th of March starting at 9AM
The Dade County Middle School Championships will be held at Coral Reef High School. The teams to look out for will be Campbell Drive, Redlands, Doolin, Cutler Ridge, and Highland Oaks. There are many other individuals from many teams who could possibly be an individual champion, but the above-mentioned teams are going to be competing for the team title. If you have never seen middle school wrestling you don't know what you are missing. The middle school wrestling program is one of the main reasons we have so many Dade county high school wrestling champions, and Southridge and South Dade both have 7 state wrestling team titles.

Written by
Stuart Mahler

THE 2004 STATE OF FLORIDA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

By Ira Fleckman

THE 2004 STATE OF FLORIDA WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Lakeland Civic Center hosted the Florida Wrestling Championship Tournaments and 15,747 attended over three days. The venue was reduced to eight mats due to having to wrestle on the ice as the Civic Center also hosts professional ice hockey. The hosts were gracious, the mats insulated and the administration of the tournament efficient.

There were no surprises in the team races as the favored teams in each division established their dominance by the termination of the quarter finals round. In the large school division, AAA, Oviedo, coached by Tom Coffman, was first with 163.5 points, a new record for that division, and had three individual champions. The next six places were the powerful Miami area teams: South Dade; Southwest Miami; Dr. Krop; Miami Southridge; Hialeah and Braddock.

Brandon, coached by Russ Cozart, one of the nation's top rated teams, dominated the AA Division with 6 champions and 261 points which was greater than last year's record setting 246. Countryside, Venice and St. Thomas Aquinas followed well behind. Countryside with 3 State Champions finished 103.5 points behind Brandon in what is the widest victory margin recorded in the AA Division.

Clay, coached by Jim Reape, was moved down to the A Division this year and crushed the other teams scores with 223 points and crowning 4 State Champions. Clay outdistanced Brandon's dominance of the AA Division by leading the second placed team, Cardinal Gibbons by 116 points in Division A; this is the largest margin of victory in any division

The Kids programs and the Olympic style programs that keep wrestlers at their sport during the spring and summer are mostly responsible for the excellence among the top schools. Cardinal Gibbons, St. Cloud, Oviedo and Brandon are also among the teams that traveled outside the State of Florida looking for top competition for their wrestlers. Brandon's second place finish at the Welsh Jesuit Iron Man Tournament shocked many in the wrestling community who haven't taken notice of Florida's improving programs. While it is a fact that the top schools have far outpaced their competition, the programs that allowed them to do so are available to all. Look for more and better Kids programs, increased participation in the Olympic style programs and better wrestling in all Florida schools.

There are a few notes to make about the individuals who established themselves as the best in the state:

135 Jason Robbins (11) of Oviedo is undefeated with over 140 victories and is a three time State Champion who will return next year to defend his title and extend his undefeated record. Jason will compete at national events this summer and is already looking at the Olympic games as a probable goal. 215 Javier Estopinan (12) of South Miami graduates with his second State Championship. In one of the most exciting matches of the entire tournament, Junior 112 Raymond Stephens of South Dade outscored Junior 112 David Cox of Oviedo 18-14 with the majority of the points coming on spectacular takedowns. It is doubtful that these two wrestlers will remain in the same weight classes but if they do, Florida wrestling fans are in for a treat.

125 Cesar Grajalas (11)* attending Brandon captured his third State Championship and this one comes with a big asterisk. When Cesar was an 8th grader wrestling at Temple Heights Christian in the A Division he was supposed to wrestle his cousin Alex Enriquez a 9th grader in the finals at 103. The two agreed not to compete and were eliminated from the competition as forfeits. One of the two wrestlers could have earned another State Championship. At 112 Sean Joyce (9) of Brandon earned his second State title as did 119 Jeff Wimberley (12) St. Thomas Aquinas; 160 Rocky Cozart (11) Brandon; 171 David Craig (100 Brandon; 189 Nick Davis (12) Gainesville and 215 Rashard Goff (12) Brandon.

125 Jason Machado (12) captured his third State Championship at 125 representing Belen Jesuit of Miami. His coaches were again resplendent in their tuxedos but Jason's wrestling speaks for itself. 152 Alex Enriquez (12)* captured his second State Championship as did 160 William Kendrick (12) Clay; 171 Addison Chipoletti (11) Hernando and 275 Cyrus Wainwright (12) Clay

There is a sad note and that is that because of the changing of schools classifications and the up and coming wrestlers from the Kids programs, it isn't safe to be a returning State Champion. Those who failed to defend their titles for whatever reasons are: Division A 103 Jorge Badia (12) Cardinal Gibbons; 145 Jericho Weitzel (8) The Bolles School and 215 Ettore Ewen (12) Tampa Prep; Division AA 112 Khalid Andwele (11) Brandon; 130 Ryan Joyce (12) Brandon, Division AAA Jesse Robbins of Oviedo who won a Division A title in 2003 failed to repeat.

It may seem to some that there are a few superior programs followed by many good to fair programs, however, those who wish to be superior need only attend the camps, wrestle in the off-season programs and travel to the venues where the competition is better. Florida wrestling should continue to improve. As it becomes more difficult to repeat as an individual champion it should also be more difficult for one team to dominate a class.

FLORIDA RANKINGS 2-29-04
By Stuart Mahler
State Editor USA Wrestling Magazine

1. Brandon
2.
Oviedo
3.
Countryside
4.
South Dade
5.
Southwest
6.
Krop
7. Southridge
8. Clay
9. Hialeah
10. Venice

Coach Kenny Johnson wins 1st 4a regional wrestling tournament as new head coach at Miami Southridge High School.

The regional 4a-wrestling tournament was held on February 19th and 20th at Holmes Braddock high school where they were defending regional champions and leading a good portion of the tournament. But the Southridge wrestlers promised their new coach that they were going to win regionals for him and coach Jim Husk. The Ridge had 5 wrestlers in the semi-finals Saturday morning and they all won, and with the wins they picked up in the wrestle backs they never looked back. This is the 1st regional title for Southridge since 2000, and with qualifying 8 wrestlers for state and help from the other Dade County schools Southridge, South Dade and Southwest still have a good chance of Dade county winning the 3a state wrestling title again. Southridge and South Dade have both won 7 state titles and can never be counted out.
When asked how it felt to win his first regional title coach Johnson replied, " I want to thank the kids because they battled for me after taking 2nd in the district last week and they promised me my 1st regional title. After yesterday's standings they gave their heart and soul in the semi's and wrestle-backs, and they also wanted to dedicate this title to longtime Head coach Jim Husk."
When asked what do you think of your chances next week at state the spartan coach replied, " we have some good quality kids but we need help, because of some of the other regions being so weak it will take a Dade county effort for Dade to win the 3a state title this year.

Regional Individual Champions
103 Glovanni Harris KR Dec 7-1 over Brian Guzman MHS
112 Raymond Stephens SD Dec. 9-7 over Alex Perez SR
119 Tramaine Franklin SD Dec 10-4 over Ariel Mederos HIA
125 Rudy Galarza SR Dec. 6-4 over Orlando Ponce HML
130 Edgar Neito SW Dec 8-5 Ian Phillips PAL
135 Sebastian Ruz VAR Dec. 8-6 Garrett Feldman KR
140 Denys Ribot SW Dec. 9-4 over Jonathan Shoemaker SR
145 Mark Busse SUN Dec. 13-6 over Darin Balwin SD
152 Aldo Victor SD Dec. 13-4 over Damion Stephenson KR
160 Damaso Munoz SR Dec. 7-6 ( 2OT) over Andy Prez BR
171 Daniel Gonzalez SW Dec. 12-10 (OT) over Alvin Franklin SM
189 Humberto De La Osa Br Dec. 5-2 over Dominic Desir SR
215 Javier Estopinan SM Dec 2-1 over Abner Nunez SW
275 Marino Eatman CG WBF 4:42 over Oscar Gonzalez HIA

FLORIDA RANKINGS 2-21-04
By Stuart Mahler
State Editor USA Wrestling Magazine

1. Brandon
2.
Oviedo
3.
Countryside
4.
Southridge
5.
South Dade
6.
Southwest
7. Venice
8. Cardinal Gibbons
9. Braddock
10. Krop

FLORIDA RANKINGS 2-16-04
By Stuart Mahler
State Editor USA Wrestling Magazine

1. Brandon
2.
Countryside
3.
Oviedo
4.
South Dade
5.
Venice
6.
Southridge
7. Krop
8. Cardinal Gibbons
9. Braddock
10. Southwest

Florida High School Team Rankings 2-1-04
By Stuart Mahler
State Editor USA Wrestling Magazine

1. Brandon
2. Countryside
3. Oviedo
4. Southwest
5. South Dade
6. Venice
7. Southridge
7. Krop
9. Cardinal Gibbons
10. Braddock
10. Clay

FLORIDA RANKINGS 1-25-04
By Stuart Mahler
State Editor USA Wrestling Magazine

1. Brandon
2.
Countryside
3.
Oviedo
4.
Southwest
5.
South Dade
6.
Venice
7.
Southridge
8. Cardinal Gibbons
9. Braddock
10. Clay
10. Krop

National Record Holder and Legendary Hall of Fame Wrestling Coach Retires.

In the summer of 1964 Coach Jim Husk came to Florida after an outstanding performance, as a running back for Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio his new job was to coach Football and Track at Archbishop Curley. This just happened to be the same time that the FHSAA sanctioned Florida High School Wrestling. Even though Coach Husk was an outstanding wrestler who wrestled on a 4 year undefeated wrestling team in Waynesburg, Pa., Jim had pretty much given up his wrestling career when he took a full scholarship in football over wrestling, track and baseball. Coach Husk earned 12 varsity letters while he was a student athlete at Waynesburg High School. Now while at Curley the football season was over and he was waiting for the track season to begin, he walked into the wrestling practice and saw the wrestling team being coached by Brother Theodore Benten with a book in his hand. The team had not won a match in 3 years and had already lost their 1st match of the season. Jim felt a commitment to help and told the coach that he would go home and get his workout gear. As strange as it sounds when Coach Husk got back he was told the coach had gotten transferred to a school in Texas and this was the beginning of one of the 8 most successful wrestling coaches ever in the history of high school wrestling. The team had already lost their 1st match of the season, and after taking over they ended up 9-1 during his 1st season as a coach. Curley High School under the direction of Coach Husk had a winning record of 54-8 for dual meets; they were state team runner-ups 2X and 3rd 2X. Jim was chosen Florida Coach of the Year by the other wrestling coaches at the 1st official state tournament held at MDJC North Campus in 1965. Two great points of interest occurred while at Curley under Coach Husk; Horatio Villa was awarded the 1st full wrestling scholarship for any Florida wrestler to a Division 1 school. He received a scholarship to Arizona State University during the Curley Culp era. Also Carlos "Chico" Barquin who was a state finalist on Jim's 2nd team became one of the states most the successful cross country coaches and athletic Director of Belen Jesuit High School, in Miami.
At the end of the 1968 season Jim had the opportunity to move to the Dade County School System and take over one of many wrestling programs, Husk took the challenge of building his own program at Miami Southwest High School. During his tenure at Southwest Jim built many great teams and he produced many champions including 2X State Champion and All-American Johnny Williams. Williams who was Miami Dade County's leading rusher followed in the footsteps of coach Husk and went to the University of Miami on a football scholarship instead of taking 1 of the many wrestling scholarships being offered. Southwest dual meet record under Coach Husk was 98-22-1; they were state team runner-up 1X and 3rd 3X's.
In the spring of 1976 Miami Southridge was about to open and Mr. Teckerman knew that he wanted to win state championships and have the premier wrestling program in the state, so he contacted Husk. When Jim arrived to meet Mr. Teckerman, he was told that he would be Physical Education Department Head, and Head Wrestling Coach.
Mr. Teckerman had already put in the paperwork for Jim to be transferred to the Ridge. From that moment on Coach Husk really shined and proved Mr. Teckerman to be right. In his 2nd season the Spartan's won their 1st State Wrestling Title in 1978 without an individual state champion. In all, while at Southridge the Spartans under the only head wrestling coach in the history of the school they have a dual meet record of 458-38-3, they have won 7 big class state wrestling titles. Also they have been team runner-ups 4X'S. The Spartan's also under the direction of Coach Husk have won 14 Regional titles, 17 District titles, 18 GMAC Conference championships, 22 Christmas Invitational Championships, and multiple invitational tournaments.
Coach James Albert Husk has a lifetime dual meet record of 609-67-3; he is also the National Record holder for tournament victories with 129 not including dual meet tourneys. Jim has been chosen Coach of the Year 11X's. In 1983 Campbell's Soup chose Coach Husk National Coach of the Year. From 1985 through 1989 Jim served on the National Rule Committee for Wrestling. Coach Husk was the National Wrestling Coaches Association Regional Coach of the Year 2X'S, he was also chosen Coach of the Year for the Dairy Farmers in the years of 2000 and 2001. Coach Husk has been inducted in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, Oklahoma. During 2002 Jim was inducted to the Florida High School Activities Association Hall of Fame, and was Wrestling USA Magazines National Runner-up for Coach of the Year.
In 2003 Jim was given 1 of his most prestigious awards when he was chosen to coach the 7th Annual Wrestling USA Magazine/ Cliff Keen Dream Team Classic Coach for the USA against the Iowa Individual State Champions.
Coach Husk's career has spanned over 5 Decades starting in the 1960's
And now coming to an end in 2004. Jim is the only Coach to coach at every Florida State Wrestling Championship that has been held since the school year of 1964-1965. He has given his life to the youth of South Florida and the Wrestling Community and he will be greatly missed.

SOUTHRIDGE DREAM TEAM LINE-UP

103 EDDIE BLUE 2X SC
112 DONNIE GLENN 2X SC
119 CORTEZ JONES SC
125 J.P. PORTWOOD 3X SC
130 KEVIN STEWART SC
135 ORAEFO BROWN SC
140 DAVID PALMORE SC
145 MIKE RIO 2X SC
152 RALPH EVERETT 3X SC
160 ELIJAH DUKES SC
171 CARLOS WEST 2X SC
189 CHARLES ANDERSON 2X SC
215 CORY WOODBERRY SC
275 TOM FEACHER 2X SC

Written by Stuart Mahler
Asst. Coach Spartan Express Wrestling Clu

Southridge Coach Husk Honored last Night in the South Dade Gym.

Wednesday night in the South Dade Gym, Athletic Director Joel Furnari, and Head Coach Victor Balmeceda showed Coach Jim Husk all the personal and professional respect that could be asked for by honoring retiring Coach Jim Husk in their home. Before the featured event of the 2 State and National powerhouses were scheduled to start, they brought Coach Husk to the center of the mat for an outstanding presentation honoring a great individual. Coach Furnari called Dr. Dwight Witty the father of Florida wrestling, but stated that Coach Jim Husk was the architect of Florida wrestling. Among the many nice things that he had to say this one stood out, we have a great coach in Victor Balmeceda last years National Coach of the Year, but Coach Jim Husk is the benchmark for all to follow.
The match was all it was expected to be, coming down to the last match of the night with Southridge coming out on top 37-30. Coach Balmeceda stated, " For us to be a good dual meet team we have to play games with our line-up, example cut weight move up weight classes." Last night he did all of these things, by moving his studs up and down to match up with the best wrestlers that Southridge had to offer.
It turned out that the three key matches of the night, 112, 125, and 160 all went to Southridge and were decided in the last seconds of each match. At 112 pounds Alex Perez defeated Ray Stephens in a great wrestled match by both with a takedown in overtime to win 12-10.
In the 125-pound class Tramaine Franklin moved up to 125 to wrestle undefeated Rudy Galarza and lost 4-2. At the 160 pound match when Victor Aldo moved up to wrestle Damaso Munoz and lost 11-9, last night the Ridge best wrestlers beat the Bucs best wrestlers. Coach Balmeceda stated " tonight the line-up I put out there was our best chance to win, if we wrestled 10 times we would each win 5. This was the 1st of the 5 times that Southridge and South Dade will battle toward the road for the State Team Championships. The next time will be this Friday and Saturday in the GMAC tournament to be held at Braddock High School. They also have to go against each other and the many other strong Dade County teams during District Regional and State.
When new Head Coach Kenny Johnson was asked how does it feel to get your biggest win of your life he stated " I don't know yet, ask me tomorrow." Coach Johnson is no stranger to big matches having been the assistant to Coach Husk for the last 20 years, he was an outstanding wrestler at South Dade High School, and he wrestled Division 1 for Florida International University before coming a coach. When asked about the outcome of the match Coach Balmeceda said, "it was a good when for them with us honoring their retiring Coach, they went out and wrestled well for him." After the match was over and finally getting to ask Coach Husk what he thought about the match, Jim said "it was a great honor to have the kids dedicate the match to me and all of the pre-match festivities it was like being on cloud nine and made it a night to remember forever."
Individual Match Results
SOUTHRIDGE 37- SOUTH DADE 30
105 Jon Rojas SD WBF :55 Over Dennis Smith SR
114 Alex Perez SR Dec. 12-10 OT Over Ray Stephens SD
121 Curt Glassmer SD Dec. 9-2 Over Daniel Smith SR
127 Rudy Galarza SR Dec. 4-2 Over Tramaine Franklin SD
132 Kevin Cruz WBF 1:37 Over Tamaka Bully SD
137 David Gonzalez SD WBF 1:57 Over Carlos Molina SR
142 Jonathan Shoemaker SR WBF :39 Over Anthony Norman SD
147 Danny Anguiano SD WBF 2:30 Over Johnny Silva SR
154 Darrin Baldwin SD WBF :30 Over William Silva SR
162 Damaso Munoz SR Dec. 9-2 Over Aldo Victor SD
173 Robert Orta SD Dec. 7-6 Over Ronald Chunga SR
191 Dominic Desir SR WMDec. 16-3 Over Alfonso Hernandez SD
217 Laron Mack SR WBF 3:36 Over Robert Moehling SD
275 Phillip Simpson SR WBForfeit

This was a great match in the 29 year history matches between Southridge and South Dade, and everyone in attendance should be thanked for the respect and honor that they showed retiring Wrestling Legend Coach Jim Husk, especially the South Dade administration and coaching staff.

Florida Team Rankings

1-18-04
By Stuart Mahler
State Editor USA Wrestling Magazine

1. Brandon
2.
Countryside
3.
Oviedo
4.
South Dade
5.
Venice
5.
Southridge
7. Cardinal Gibbons
8. Braddock
9.
Miami Southwest
10.
Clay
10. Krop

Wrestling USA Magazine Florida State High School Team Rankings No. 2

FLORIDA RANKINGS 1-11-04
By Stuart Mahler
State Editor USA Wrestling Magazine

1. Brandon
2.
Countryside
3.
Oviedo
4.
South Dade
5.
Venice
5.
Southridge
7. Cardinal Gibbons
8. Clay
9.
Southwest
10.
Krop

Southridge Shoemaker beats Soderholm in convincing fashion

Southridge wrestling team continues to show its strength after beating Palmetto Wednesday night in the P anther's gym.
The Spartans led by 3 undefeated wrestlers Rudy Galarza, Jonathan Shoemaker, Damaso Munoz and a great team effort were able to show why the Ridge are always hard to beat.
Palmetto could have easily broken the match open when their 140-pound wrestler who was winning got caught in a back-jack Peterson and was pinned. Then Shoemaker beat Soderholm convincingly to remain undefeated. Palmetto never gave up and with a pin at 152, and a win at 160 they were back in the lead. When undefeated Damaso Munoz put the Ridge back on track with a win at 171 pounds. Southridge also won at 189, and 215. With the ridge leading 27-21 going into the last 2 matches of the night Palmetto's Harold Webster hit a beautiful headlock and scored a pin to tie the match at 27-27. The deciding match of the night at 103 pounds was won by freshman Dennis Smith who caught his Palmetto opponent with a headlock and scored the fall for Southridge to come away with a hard fought victory 33-27.

Written by Stuart Mahler

Ralph Everett and Mike Rio of Miami Southridge Shine at 41stMidlands Wrestling Championships.


Ralph Everett 3X state Champion from Miami Southridge High School loses in 6TH period of Overtime, 2-1 in the finals of the 41st Midlands Championships. Ralph wrestling for Hofstra University won matches over Sean Earley from George Mason University 10-2, over Chris Ressa, Rutgers 8-1, over # 5 seed Zacharirah Doll, Pitt University 7-2 and over # 8 seed Heston Johnson, N. Iowa 3-2 to reach the finals. In the finals Everett lost to # 2 seed David Bolyard, Central Michigan 2-1.

Mike Rio 2X State Champion from Miami Southridge High School broke a 41-year Midlands Wrestling Tournament record with his 15-second pin of Craig Wright from Pennsylvania University. Hall of Fame Coach James Husk and Miami Southridge High School were very proud of the accomplishments of their former wrestlers.

Written by Stuart Mahler
State Editor Wrestling USA Magazine

WRESTLING USA Magazine Florida State High School Team Ramkings

FLORIDA RANKINGS 12-23-03

By Stuart Mahler
State Editor - Wrestling USA Magazine

1. Brandon
2.
Countryside
3.
Oviedo
4.
Cardinal Gibbons
5.
South Dade
6.
Venice
6. Southridge
8.
Green Cove Springs Clay
9.
Dr. Krop
10.
Brooksville

Husk wins no.600
Coach Jim Husk of Miami Southridge High School wins his 600th dual meet
And continues to move up the win ladder. He is now no. 5 of all active coaches and no. 8 over-all in the sport of High School Wrestling. His overall
Record is 600-63-4, congratulations to Coach Husk on this milestone.

Written by Stuart Mahler
Florida State Editor

Florida's Top Wrestlers - All-Classes; December 5, 2003
By John Lawton, Florida State Wrestling Editor

103 - Shane Rouhan, Venice;
112 - Joey Pospisil, New Port Richey Gulf;
119 - Jeff Wimberley, Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas;
125 - Cesar Grajales, Brandon;
130 - Jason Machado, Miami Belen Jesuit;
135 - Jason Robbins, Oviedo;
140 - Dominic DeNunzio, Clearwater Countryside;
145 - Justin Fraga, Oviedo;
152 - Wesley Walker, Clearwater Countryside;
160 - Rocky Cozart, Brandon;
171 - David Craig, Brandon;
189 - Nick Davis, Gainesville;
215 - Javier Estopiñan, South Miami;
275 - Cyrus Wainright, Green Cove Springs Clay.

Florida's Top 10 Wrestling Teams - All Classes

1. Brandon;
2. Oviedo;
3. Clearwater Countryside;
4. Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons;
5. Homestead South Dade;
6. Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas;
7. Green Cove Springs Clay;
8. Venice;
9. Brooksville Hernando;
10. Southwest Miami.

By John Lawton 727-938-7908 - JOHNLAWTON@aol.com

Husk and Balmeceda Receive National Awards. Schultz and Rouse Co-State Men Of The Year

Coach Jim Husk was recognized for being the National Dream Team Coach and Coach Victor Balmeceda was recognized for being the National Coach of the Year, Ron Schulz of Nova High School and John Rouse of UCF were recognized as State Men of the Year at the 29th Seahorse Open. The Seahorse is one of the toughest USA Wrestling scholastic tournaments held in Florida each year. The Seahorse was held at Dr. Krop High School over the Thanksgiving weekend. The tournament is wrestled over 2 days because of the great number of participants, and is actually 2 different tournaments. On the first day the Kids division, the Midget division, the Novice division, the Schoolboy division and the Cadets division are all wrestled. The age of those divisions ranges from 6years old through 16 years old. On the 1st day of competition South Dade High School Wrestling Team representing the Real McCoy Wrestling Club in honor of Coach Mike McCoy won the team Championships, and had a team member win the fastest fall of the day, Nicole Olivera wrestling at 103 lbs. in the boys cadet division had a pin in 10 seconds. On the second day of the tournament The Real McCoy Wrestling Club was successful again claiming the Team Title in the High School Division over all comers. They also came away with the fastest fall again with Raymond Stephens scoring a pin in 9 seconds. Coach Balmeceda was quite pleased with the performance of his wrestling club at this time of the year.

The Seahorse is the last tournament of the year before the official High School season begins. South Dade looks to be the team from the South Florida area to contend with, while Miami Southridge H.S., Miami Southwest H.S., South Miami H.S. and Dr. Krop all look to be very strong this season as well. Region 4 3A is without a doubt the toughest region in the State of Florida bar none when it comes to Wrestling. If you are a regional individual champion you have an outstanding chance at being a state champion. But because this region is so tough it makes it very difficult for South Dade and Southridge to continue to win State Titles, but don't tell that to Coach Husk or Coach Balmeceda as they both have 7 State titles. This is because only 4 wrestlers per weight class get to go State, in most classes kids that we leave home who placed 5th or 6th in this region could have scored points at state and maybe even had placed in the top 6. Miami H.S. wrestling is very good and the work of all of the coaches and student athletes is why major colleges come to South Florida to recruit.

The Tournament staff of the Seahorse coach Ron Schulz of Nova High School, and the wrestling club High Voltage coached by Eric Phillips of Dr. Krop H.S., his coaches and Parents are all to be commended. They did an outstanding job putting on this event.

Written by
Stuart Mahler

Olympian Kenny Monday comes to South Florida

Kenny Monday Olympic Freestyle Gold Medal winner Put on an outstanding wrestling clinic on Saturday October 25th at the St. John Neumann H.S. in S.W. Naples. The Spartan Express Wrestling Club Coached by Miami Southridge H.S., Hall of Fame coach Jim Husk and 10 of his team members were in attendance. 3X National Champion J.J. Johnson, the newly appointed Naples H.S. coach, sponsored this event. The wrestling that was being taught by Coach Monday and Coach Johnson was outstanding. Everyone in attendance received a great learning experience, and had the opportunity to receive individual attention from these 2 outstanding coaches. The team members of the Spartan Express were extremely appreciable, since they received scholarships from Coach Johnson to attend.

State Record Holder in Florida for most Champions are Miami Coral Park H.S. and Brandon H.S.

Miami Coral Park H.S. coached by Dr. Dwight Witty in the school year of 1966-67 records can never be broken. Dr. Witty had five 1st, one 2nd, and one 3rd, the reason this record can never be broken is because he set this record when we only had 12 weight classes. His Champions were:
98 lbs. Neil Paskiwitz
127 lbs. Larry Sokol
138 lbs. Joey Parker
154 lbs. Leon Hall
165 lbs. Paul Blanchard
at 105 lbs. Donnie Brisson was 2nd losing in OT 5-5 after regulation time was 5-5 to a defending State Champion- back when they used to bring out 2 more individuals, As judges and they voted on who won.
At 112 lbs. Johnny Jacobs was 3rd.

So any new records have to be just that, we now have 14 weight classes and scoring is completely different. Points are awarded for pins, major decisions, 5th and 6th place, and so forth.

Brandon H.S. coached by Mr. Russ Cozart had an outstanding showing at last years State Tournament with 9 in the finals and having six Champions. Brandon's Champions were:
119 lbs. Cesar Grajales
130 lbs. Ryan Joyce
145 lbs. David Craig
152 lbs. Rocky Cozart
189 lbs. Matt Juncal
215 lbs. Rashad Goff
2nd 103 lbs. Alejandro Figueroa
2nd 140 lbs. Tommy Hutchinson
2nd 275 lbs. Keith Simmons
3rd 135 lbs Eddie Hutchinson

Both programs and coaches deserve a great deal of credit and should be commended.

Submitted by State Editor Stuart Mahler

2003-2004 PRESEASON HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING RANKINGS
By Ira Fleckman & John Lawton

These rankings are base on the results of the FHSAA 2003 State Tournament alone.

3A* 2A A

1. Oviedo 1. Brandon 1. Cardinal Gibbons
(Ft. Lauderdale)

2. Southwest Miami 2. Countryside 2. Hernando
(Clearwater) (Brooksville)

3. Osceola 3. Riverdale
(Kissimmee) (Ft. Myers) 3. Clay
(Green Cove Springs)

4. Riverview 4. St. Thomas Aquinas 5. University Christian
(Hillsborough) (Ft. Lauderdale) (Jacksonville)

5. South Miami 5. Naples 5. Southeast
(Bradenton)

6. Coral Springs 6. Niceville 5. Archbishop McCarthy
(Ft. Lauderdale)

7. Cooper City 6. Gainesville 5. Cocoa Beach

8. Wellington 8. Ridgeview 9. Sebring

9. Coral Gables 10. Jesuit
(Tampa)

10. Pine Ridge 9. Bayside 10. Monsignor Pace
(Deltona) (Palm Bay) (Miami)

9. Flagler Palm Coast 10. The Bolles School
(Jacksonville)

*South Dade(Homestead), Miami-Southridge, Miami-Palmetto, Dr. Krop(Miami),
Edgewater(Orlando), Palm Beach Gardens, Coconut Creek, Sarasota and St. Cloud
don't have enough returning points but have a proven track record of developing
outstanding wrestlers and teams each year and should always be respected.

The best teams in the State of Florida next year are:

2A BRANDON the holder of the nations longest winning streak, THE STREAK, by any high
school team in any sport and the wrestling team with the most State Titles will defend its Florida
title and will attempt to take on national powers this year. Coached by Hall of Famer Russ Cozart Brandon is without a doubt one of the best high school wrestling teams in the USA.

3A OVIEDO coached by Tom Coffman represents the new kid on the block Oviedo has
a very talented team and an excellent coaching staff but the pressure to win the State
Championship over the traditional powerhouse Miami teams will be tough. St. Cloud did it in
2002 but it won't be easy.

A Division defending State Champion CARDINAL GIBBONS coached by Frank
Pettineo and 2A COUNTRYSIDE coached Hall of Fame David Frayer are clearly in
the second rank.

RANKING BY DIVISION

3A

OVIEDO coached by Tom Coffman is a very tough high school team. They could be a
great team.In any case the Oviedo Lions will roar! Led by undefeated 2X State Champion,
Jason Robbins,who along with Brandon's Cesar Grajales, are probably Florida's best
wrestlers, Oviedo has a strong team.Jason's brother, Jesse, who won the Division A 125
title as an 8th grader wrestling for A DivisionCocoa Beach, is expected to be a ninth grader
at Oviedo next year. Where he will fit in the Oviedo line-up is a nice problem for Coach
Coffman to have to solve. Kyle Coffman, who has placed at the USA Wrestling Junior
Nationals, has to force himself to wrestle the scholastic style and he could be dominant.
Justin Fraga lost a very close match in the State finals last year and that willnot happen again.
Kenny Lester, the intellectual giant heavyweight is still growing and his technique and
strength only need to be matched by confidence for him to excel in a state rich in great big man.
Then there is Seve Hewitt, who after placing fifth in 2002 and looking great early
in the season became ill. If Seve returns, it could be just the key to team dept