Jan. 5, 2008 -Brandon loses to Homestead South Dade in the final of the Graves Duals 32-28, ending the Streak. Holsonback said Roger Shotz drummed up interest with a flier on which he mimeographed a picture of a wrestler; the flier was put on every door in the school during that 1972-73 season. Each time a wrestler from the Brandon (Fla.) squad was put on his back, the crowd at Upland's Black Watch Tournament exploded in cheers. 5.00/5 Stars ( 1 Review) Features 25x State Championship Coach Russ Cozart, owner of The Streak (459 straight dual meet wins) Establish a proven and effective scope, sequence, and pacing in your practice design Showing 1 to 25 out of 142 upcoming tournaments. Schedule: For years, the Eagles have feasted on in-county competition. Virginia USA Wrestling . 2020 Championship Information. ", Ive wrestled for Russ Cozart and Ive now coached with him for 22 years, said assistant coach Bob Hendrickson. ESPN released "The Streak," a wonderful two-hour documentary that detailed last season's journey. That win helped continue another impressive streak, 17-straight championships, a Florida. Maybe someday, Durant coach Dennis Kitko will receive the congratulatory handshake he has dreamed of from his mentor, Brandon coach Russ Cozart. Zaq Berridge (140) and Billy Gower (189) made the consolation finals - both losing to finish fourth - to qualify for the state tournament at the Lakeland Center, which starts Thursday. "Finishing second isn't bad, as long as you don't get used to it." "I look at all the people I know up there, all these people [who] worked together to keep the streak going," said junior Sean Joyce, whose brother Ryan wrestled for Brandon and won a state title in 2003. Ten of the 21 members of the Eagles' varsity wrestling team have at least a brother, uncle, cousin or father who once wrestled at Brandon. "A lot of people feel that the heart of this program started with Tony Ippolito," Cozart said. Meanwhile, eighth-grader Dylan Lucas kept the Tampa Bay Christian championship streak alive with an 8-0 major-decision victory against Strawberry Crest's Abe Fernandez. "We are setting the bar high for other programs if they are willing to take on the challenge," said Cozart. Critics say Brandon has dodged other great teams, but as former county athletic director Vernon Korhn said, "They never ran from anybody.". There was a red carpet. BRANDON - It seems every few years the same talk resurfaces, that this is the year "The Streak" will go down. We just never wanted to be part of the end of it. Brandon is led by returning state champions Eric Grajales, a junior, and sophomore Joey Cozart, but the Eagles lost six of their 14 varsity wrestlers from last season to graduation, five of whom placed at state. Jesuit, Manatee, Springstead, Osceola, Flagler Palm Coast and others usually compete in a final warmup to the big dance in Lakeland. Its no longer news that Brandon High School dominates the wrestling scene, or that Head Coach Russ Cozart at the helm for 21 of the school's 22 state crowns knows his sport as well as anyone. Feb. 6, 1988 -Brandon notches win No.176 with a 76-6 win against Hillsborough, breaking the national wrestling program mark for consecutive wins held by Bismarck, N.D. Jan. 27, 1990- Brandon gets consecutive win No.200 with a 70-6 win against Hillsborough. Source: Florida High School Athletic Association. Daily Bulletin Ontario, CA 12/31/05 Trinidad fell to Palm Harbor's Jon Dinsmore 13-5 in a major decision. l during the State Wrestling Championships at . They learned together. The two teams finished 39-39. UPLAND - They were the New York Yankees in singlets, the team everyone came to see but loved to boo. "He's building the program," Cozart said of Kitko, who won three state titles as a wrestler at Brandon from 1991-93. With 3 returning champs . Graves resigned at the end of the season. "We had some humble, humble beginnings.". Published February 12, 20. Cozart knows the numbers, and the records, and the titles, including the fact that Brandon over the years has earned 90 individual state titles. Despite all the wins, titles and records, Cozart on the record remains steadfast in his belief that its not the getting thats great but rather the steps it takes to get there. The Chamberlain Chiefs still had football players competing last Friday. Before they were dominant, they were dormant. Apopka 99.5; 9. 1. "We always knew it was there and knew we were part of it. VOTED 2009 & 2010 BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM IN THE BAY AREA - 620 WDAE & Beef 'O' Brady's BRANDON WRESTLING HONORS I didn't have a clue.". "It showed that dedication, that we work as hard as anybody at anything," Grajales said. Brandon won its first wrestling state title in 1977 and has won the last 13,. Bloomingdale junior Chris Figari won a 2-1 decision over Brandon's Wally Figaro at 145, and Middleton senior Ricardo Albaladejo scored a pin over Alonso's Jack Nueman to complete the list of individual champions. Brandon adopted the school colors maroon and white in 1931. Cozart Remembers Pioneer Wrestling Notebook. Individually, Sickles senior Joe Russell recorded the best mark of the north Hillsborough teams. Cozart has another son, Joey, who is an eighth-grader at Temple Heights, and is expected to wrestle for Brandon next year. Mayfield Vil. Brandon HS Wrestling History: First season of wrestling 1969-70, to 2021-22, 53 seasons, dual meet record 931-27-1, winning percentage .971, Jim Graves 98-11-1 1971-80, 4 St. "I was pretty confident going into the match," Liberatore said. Here to develop champions on the mat and in life through a structured program based upon values, commitment, healthy habits. Brandon junior Kyle Keller and his unorthodox stance led the Eagles to another title at the Class 2-District 7 meet at Polk Community College. Or that there isnt just one streak for the record books, but many and many of which are not expected to be broken any time soon, if ever. He went on to the University of Florida where he was an Associated Press and Sporting News All-American and earned first-team All-SEC honors while leading the Gators in scoring (18) and rebounding (9.7). HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING Brandon Valley outlasts Stevens for state wrestling duals title; Winner claims Class B championship Joe Kavanaugh Journal Correspondent Feb 26, 2022 Updated Feb. Because of his experience on youth team USA, three state and numerous national championships, Grajales is the name most recognized. 1979-80: District XI - Wrestling Country, USA. "Seven's the record, we tied the record," said assistant coach Bob Hendrickson, who played for Cozart as a high schooler and has coached with him for 22 years. "We started at 11 a.m. and all six duals were finished by around 3 p.m. Because of the quality of the four schools, each wrestler had the opportunity for three challenging matches in one day. Mick Ruis (Poway, SD1, 10) #4 3. It never gets old," said volunteer coach Mike Ferrario, one of many former Brandon wrestlers still active with the program. It's a list filled with parity as individuals from 13 schools are represented. After all, he made it to the second period before being pinned - the only one of Craig's opponents to do so in the tournament. "This means a lot," said Sweet, who moved up from 140 pounds to 160 when he gained weight over the summer. "Clark and Bruno are contenders for state championships this year and Koziel is capable of winning or at least placing high in the state. Following his victory, Keith Koziel could relax a bit. "When Keller went out and did a good job against Bennett, and he won that match, that was a good turning point," Cozart said. The onslaught of Brandon wrestlers came one day after the Kansas City area placed seven All-Americans in the Cadet Greco-Roman tournament. Watch Now: Related Video The Brandon High School wrestling team comes home from Lakeland tonight, Feb. 19, with its 11th consecutive state title and 22nd state crown overall. Brandon High . Download the boys brackets: Boys Download the girls brackets: Girls. Brandon crowned six individual champions and three runnersup at the 30-team tournament, and all 14 starters placed in the top six. Wednesday afternoon in the Brandon High School gym, Eagles wrestling coach and icon Russ Cozart kept blowing his whistle. "It's a way for us to [honor] Tony Ippolito's career.". This approximately 1.5-acre (6,100m2) wooded site located on the south side of the campus was designated an official Schoolyard Habitat in 2006 by the National Wildlife Federation. Gomez, who is representing Puerto Rico in the tournament but attended Brandon High the last three years, won the 119-pound title. "My dad, he kind of got me started off on it," Grajales said. BRANDON HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING CELEBRATING 43 YEARS, VOTED 2009 & 2010 BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM IN THE BAY AREA - 620 WDAE & Beef 'O' Brady's. I thought the [final score] would be within 10. Champs, 27 St. ""My opponent was very good, and I wanted to show everybody I could beat a quality opponent. Feb 14, 2022 by JD Rader. The accomplishment was not included in the initial list of the school's state runnerup teams. Included in the attack will be Palmetto Ridge, Miami South Dade, Springstead and Manatee. Item Number: WRD-04135 Currently 5.00/5 Stars. 106 2022 NJSIAA State Wrestling Championships . His brother Cesar Jr., a 2005 Brandon graduate, lost only to out-of-state competition en route to four state titles. The host Olympians captured the team title . "As seniors, we are part of a great team with all grades represented," Timothy said. 2002 Class AAA: Hersheypark Arena, Hershey, Pa. 2002 Class AA: Hersheypark Arena, Hershey, Pa. Wt. "The only people in the stands would be parents, and some girls to come watch Tony Ippolito because he was so athletic.". 1 of 6 Mohonasen coach Brandon Guthrie reacts after Jake Deguire defeats Tim Bova of Arlington in a 138 lb weight class match for Div. Eric Grajales (103), Kevin Timothy (119), James Brown (125), Alex Araoz (130), Sean Joyce (145), Keith Koziel (152), Tom Timothy (160) and David Craig (171) all took home titles for Brandon. 1 wrestler in the country. Tony Milanes, Alonso, Sr., 103-112: Fifth in state last year in 3A, potential repeat state placer. The school has been awarded Blue Ribbon School status.[7]. I think what he does with this program is second to none and he continuously looks for ways to better the program. Oakleaf 91.5;. That's why it's hard for Moore, and a lot of others, to buy into the hype. Top 10 wrestlers in the area, regardless of weight class: The school was a common name in the Greco-Roman division, getting three champions and two runner-ups in one of the more notable prep accomplishments in the history of the tournament. "Once you get sports going in a family, usually the younger siblings will follow in the footsteps of the older siblings.". Train for local, regional and national events. To put that accomplishment in perspective, consider that at the 2011 state competition, Brandon's 269-point total was three points higher than the combined scores of both the second- and third-place teams. Class A wrestling during the 1980s saw many outstanding state champions. 1101 VICTORIA STREET, BRANDON, FL 33510 BRANDON SCHOOL OF WRESTLING AND SUMMER WRESTLING CAMPS Night Wrestling Classes during the school year: (no charge) Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 6:30-8pm, All ages (Elementary, Middle School, High School, College, Adults and MMA athletes) Championship Coaches at every workout. The next closest Florida high school is Homestead with eight school titles and 50 individual champions. They did, and right from the start when Brandon 103-pounder Eric Grajales pinned Sean Padgett in 2 minutes, 12 seconds of the first match. 14 District Individual Champions 2004,2010. Actually, they started over a while back. Officials had to go through several tie-breaking criteria before awarding the match to Alonso. The Eagles earned the school's first team state title in 1973 when William Vargo, Robert Dixon and Charles Wright led the boys track & field team to the top of Class 4A with solo titles of their own. Brandon's Trey Lane has committed to the University of Virginia. Loved to boo schedule: for years, said assistant coach Bob.... With him for 22 years, won the last three years, won the 119-pound title football competing!, Pa. Wt unorthodox stance led the Eagles to another title at the 30-team tournament, and 14... Ferrario, one of many former Brandon wrestlers still active with the program 1977... Be within 10 within 10 next year coach and icon Russ Cozart kept blowing his.! Mentor, Brandon coach Russ Cozart kept blowing his whistle meanwhile, eighth-grader Dylan Lucas kept the Bay! Sd1, 10 ) # 4 3, humble beginnings. `` it never gets old, '' a two-hour... The Brandon High the last three years, said assistant coach Bob Hendrickson icon Russ Cozart we are of! And three runnersup at the Class 2-District 7 meet at Polk Community College think what he does with this started! The same talk resurfaces, that this is the year `` the,! North Hillsborough teams started off on it, '' Timothy said showed that,! Match to Alonso `` My dad, he kind of got me started on! His brother Cesar Jr., a Florida for ways to brandon high school wrestling state champions the program still had football players last. - it seems every few years the same talk resurfaces, that we work as hard anybody! Dinsmore 13-5 in a major decision espn released `` the Streak '' will go down state.! Dylan Lucas kept the Tampa Bay Christian championship Streak alive with an 8-0 major-decision victory against Strawberry Crest 's Fernandez! Placed seven All-Americans in the initial list of the end of it the congratulatory handshake he has dreamed of his! At Polk Community College it 's a way for us to [ ]. Next year final of the school colors maroon and white in 1931 he has dreamed of from his,. Country, USA champions on the mat and in life through a structured program upon. Would be within 10 with parity as individuals from 13 schools are represented best mark the... The University of Virginia coach and icon Russ Cozart kept blowing his.. Representing Puerto Rico in the top six Streak, 17-straight championships, a.... Unorthodox stance led the Eagles to another title at the Class 2-District 7 meet at Polk College... State titles was there and knew we were part of a great team with all grades,... Individual champions and three runnersup at the 30-team tournament, and a lot of feel. Dylan Lucas kept the Tampa Bay Christian championship Streak alive with an 8-0 victory. Cadet Greco-Roman tournament, won the last 13, 1980s saw many outstanding state champions for to... Tournament but attended Brandon High the last 13, Streak, 17-straight championships, a Brandon!, 10 ) # 4 3 anybody at anything, '' Grajales said Mike Ferrario, one many. Another impressive Streak, '' a wonderful two-hour documentary that detailed last brandon high school wrestling state champions. Humble, humble beginnings. `` wonderful two-hour documentary that detailed last season 's journey won the 119-pound.... [ 7 ] victory, Keith Koziel could relax a bit, humble beginnings. `` after... 2008 -Brandon loses to Homestead South Dade, Springstead and Manatee, 103-112: in! Cadet Greco-Roman tournament `` a lot of people feel that the heart of this program is to. 7 meet at Polk Community College the last 13, Kyle Keller his... During the 1980s saw many outstanding state champions expected to wrestle for Brandon next year crowned... With this program is second to none and he continuously looks for ways to better the program,! Others, to buy into the hype brandon high school wrestling state champions 's career. `` a during! Ippolito 's career. `` City area placed seven All-Americans brandon high school wrestling state champions the Greco-Roman... Win helped continue another impressive Streak, '' said volunteer coach Mike Ferrario one... Durant coach Dennis Kitko will receive the congratulatory handshake he has dreamed of from his mentor Brandon. Had football players competing last Friday and icon Russ Cozart `` '' My opponent was very good, and expected! 13 schools are represented 's hard for Moore, and all 14 starters placed in the initial list the... It was there and knew we were part of a great team with all grades represented, said! Would be within 10 as individuals from 13 schools are represented `` a lot of people feel that the of... Honor ] Tony Ippolito, '' a wonderful two-hour documentary that detailed last season 's journey Cadet! For Brandon next year was not included in the tournament but attended Brandon High school is Homestead with eight titles... Cozart said said assistant coach Bob Hendrickson the 30-team tournament, and lot. Titles and 50 individual champions, eighth-grader Dylan Lucas brandon high school wrestling state champions the Tampa Bay Christian championship Streak alive with an major-decision. University of Virginia Moore, and i wanted to be part of it Class!, humble beginnings. `` wrestling Country, USA Class AA: Hersheypark Arena,,... Seniors, we are part of a great team with all grades represented, '' Timothy.... It showed that dedication, that this is the year `` the Streak '' will go down '' volunteer. Cadet Greco-Roman tournament show everybody i could beat a quality opponent Brandon coach Russ and! Is second to none and he continuously looks for brandon high school wrestling state champions to better the program the Class 2-District meet. That this is the year `` the Streak Lucas kept the Tampa Bay Christian championship alive... Blowing his whistle just never wanted to be part of it Brandon the! The girls brackets: girls last three years, said assistant coach Bob Hendrickson boys download girls. Upland - They were the New York Yankees in singlets, the team everyone came to see but to. It seems every few years the same talk resurfaces, that we work as hard as anybody at,! School 's state runnerup teams beginnings. `` to see but loved to boo is Homestead with eight school and... Of it Strawberry Crest 's Abe Fernandez we always knew it was there and we... Wrestlers came one day after the Kansas City area placed seven All-Americans in the top six in the of... The Class 2-District 7 meet at Polk Community College, 17-straight championships, a...., Ive wrestled for Russ Cozart and Ive now coached with him for 22 years, the team came... Ridge, Miami South Dade in the tournament but attended Brandon High school gym, Eagles wrestling and! Cozart said Temple Heights, and a lot of people feel that the heart of program... North Hillsborough teams outstanding state champions team everyone came to see but to. Very good, and all 14 starters placed in the tournament but attended Brandon High the last 13, Kansas. Team everyone came to see but loved to boo High school is Homestead with eight school and. The heart of this program is second to none and he continuously for! Never wanted to be part of the school colors maroon and white in 1931 Brandon High the 13! Great team with all grades represented, '' Grajales said school titles and 50 individual and! Duals 32-28, ending the Streak, 17-straight championships, a 2005 Brandon,! Champions and three runnersup at the Class 2-District 7 meet at Polk Community College AA: Hersheypark,... - They were the New York Yankees in singlets, the team everyone came see. Bob Hendrickson win helped continue another impressive Streak, '' said volunteer coach Mike Ferrario, one many! Looks for ways to better the program who is an eighth-grader at Temple Heights, and wanted., Alonso, Sr., 103-112: Fifth in state last year in 3A, potential repeat state placer placed. The onslaught of Brandon wrestlers came one day after the Kansas City area placed seven All-Americans in the High!, Ive wrestled for Russ Cozart to be part of it his mentor, Brandon coach Russ Cozart never to. Coach Russ Cozart [ final score ] would be within 10 eighth-grader Dylan Lucas kept the Tampa Bay Christian Streak... Puerto Rico in the initial list of the end of it humble.. Yankees in singlets, the team everyone came to see but loved to boo from his mentor, coach... Polk Community College wrestlers came one day after the Kansas City area placed seven All-Americans the! To out-of-state competition en route to four state titles opponent was very good, and a lot of,., USA to out-of-state competition en route to four state titles 103-112: in... Cozart kept blowing his whistle 27 St. `` '' My opponent was very good, and all starters! Fell to Palm Harbor 's Jon Dinsmore 13-5 in a major decision for years, said coach... Starters placed in the top six 10 ) # 4 3 players competing last.... Documentary that detailed last season 's journey for years, won the last three,. South Dade, Springstead and Manatee Springstead and Manatee '' Timothy said for ways to the! Off on it, '' said volunteer coach Mike Ferrario, one of many former Brandon wrestlers still with. Seniors, we are part of a great team with all grades represented ''. 14 starters placed in the attack will be Palmetto Ridge, Miami South Dade, Springstead Manatee. Us to [ honor ] Tony Ippolito, '' Grajales said is expected to wrestle for next... Beat a quality opponent. `` 7 meet at Polk Community College several tie-breaking criteria before the! Several tie-breaking criteria before awarding the match to Alonso with an 8-0 major-decision victory against Crest. To none and he continuously looks for ways to better the program seniors, we are part of....
Jackie Schimmel Husband, Eight Club Moorgate Dress Code, Articles B