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Orlando Sentinel "In The Zone Wrestling" Article, 12-1-05 |
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IN THE ZONE WRESTLING Competition heats up this month Andrew Carter | Sentinel Staff Writer Posted December 1, 2005 If you want to get technical, wrestling season began two weeks ago. There's been scattered dual meets here and there, some early season intensity. But the season doesn't really get started until December, a month full of competitive tournaments for area teams. Oviedo, the two-time defending Class 3A state champion, is one team that hasn't yet competed officially. The Lions, who have set scoring records in the state finals the last two years, get it going in the Cobra Duals in Fort Pierce this weekend. Then it's off next weekend to the Walsh Jesuit Ironman Invitational in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, which features a field that has been billed by some followers as the strongest in high school wrestling history. "No fluff," Oviedo Coach Tom Coffman said. "Every weight class looks tough and deep. Seven kids ranked No. 1 in the nation are entered." By the time Oviedo hosts the Zac Jarzynka Ironman Tournament at the end of the month, the Lions will have played in three out-of-state tournaments, including two in Georgia after their stay in Ohio. "They face the toughest competition at the national level," Coffman said. Oviedo certainly isn't the only area program with a challenging December, nor the only one competing among an elite field. One of the most prestigious area tournaments will be held next weekend at Osceola High. The Kowboy Kup Classic features local powers St. Cloud, Osceola and Olympia. Those teams finished 1-2-3 respectively in the event last season. St. Cloud will also be competing in the Zac Jarzynka at Oviedo later in the month. |
