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2008-09 Wrestling preview 11-16-08 |
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A special thanks to every coach who helped me compile this information on high school wrestling in Central Florida. Rankings 1-12 are based on our preseason Super Six that appeared in the November 17 newspaper. If you notice any corrections or changes, please do not hesitate to contact me at bparsons@orlandosentinel.com. 1. Osceola Head coach/record: Jim Bird Graduates/Key losses: Niko Brown (3A-171 state champion), Tim Eggers (2x state qualifier), Israel Camacho, John Salvatore Top returners: Pete Baldwin, Soph., 3A-119 state champion; Gabriel Bird, Jr., 3A-140 fifth place; Levi Clemmons, Jr., 3A-160 sixth; Alex Eggers, Sr., 3A-152 runner-up, 2007 state champion; Matt Jones, Sr., 3A-125 sixth; Robert Strader, Sr., State qualifier Newcomers to watch: Tim Locksmith, Fr.; EJ Jimenez, Soph.; Joe Locksmith, Jr., 2x state qualifier; Corey Webb, Sr. Outlook for 2008-09: The Kowboys have finished 2nd (2008) and 3rd (2007) in the last two state finals and return a deep team poised to compete for a state title. What they're saying: Coach Bird on the team's success the past two years: "Once you start winning, your whole program starts believing." ...on wrestling against the best competition you can find: "You gotta find someone out there to put you back in your place. You always want to learn from your mistakes and those losses during the season help you get ready for when the count at the end." ...on heading into the season: "Our guys are pretty hungry and excited about the season." ...on the role of the team's veterans: "We've set time aside for older wrestlers to work with the younger guys this year and we've expanded it. It's a great atmosphere with the older guys helping the younger ones." 2. Oviedo Head coach/record: Rafael Valle (first season) Graduates/Key losses: Ty Zarbo, Josh Keebler, Thrasher Porcher, John Christiansen, Brendan Bobek, Jake Schalles, Dustin Meloche, Brett Leatherman. Top returners: Kurt Keebler, Soph., 103, 34-11, region qualifier; Michael Alpert, Soph., 119, 34-12, state qualifier; Stephon Jenkins, Sr., 125, 31-15, state qualifier; Chase Gordon, Jr., 140, 35-7, state qualifier; Lee Wildes, Soph., 152, JV state champ; Erin O'Dell, Jr., 160, 35-9, state qualifier; Davin Morris, Sr., 40-12, fifth state. Newcomers to watch: Joe Hefley, Soph, 112; Jay Taylor, Soph., 189; Justin Maziarz, Soph., 135. Outlook for 2008-09: After having four-year state title winning streak snapped last season, the Lions return a young experienced team with sights set on a top three finish in Class 3A. 3. Timber Creek Head coach/record: Mike Weems (128-34, at Timber Creek seven years) Graduates/Key losses: Ray Meadows, Argenis Rodriguez, Anthony Linaja Top returners: Mike Ciambriello, 103, state qualifier; Corey Wingo, 112, 26 wins last season; Juan Pantojas, 160, 26 wins last season; Leroy Richards, 171, region qualifier; Danny Sammons, 189, 28 wins; Donovan Green, 285, state qualifier, 8th at Greco Nationals in Fargo. Newcomers to watch: Jeff Raef, 135; Josh Swestyn, 103; Andrew Moravek, 215; Joe Haas, 171; Kyle Brown, 145; Nick Echeverri, 152; Billy Peabody, 125; Grant Veve, 160. Outlook for 2008-09: Solid dual meet team will be looking for its fifth consecutive district title. What they're saying: Coach Weems on winning the Metro: "It's the ultimate team competition, you need to have 14 kids who can score points if you expect to win." ...on what will determine his team's success: "We have two state qualifiers returning and know what they will give us. The key is going to be the six or seven kids ready to take the next step and I'm still waiting to see what to expect from them. Our season will be based on those kids." ...on the two goals he sets each season: "To win district and win the Metro Conference. The Metro is a pride thing. Plus if we're wrestling well at that time of the year, than everything else will fall into place. 4. St. Cloud Head coach/record: Matt Milton (22-4/ one year) Graduates/Key losses: TJ Fertic, Joe Gibson, Brett Walls, Donald Ackerman, Kevin Conlon, Tom Oswald Top returners: Frank Cousins, Jr., 160, Cadet National All-American, fifth in state; Omar Harris, Sr., 140, state qualifier; Alan Moore, Sr. Outlook for 2008-09: Last year's seventh place finish in Class 2A may be tough to match with only four varsity wrestlers returning. There is some talent coming up from the freshman and JV ranks, but it's very inexperienced entering the season. What they're saying: Coach Milton on season outlook: "We always have high expectations here and it's going to be a little more difficult this season with only four kids returning that were on varsity last year." ...on the role of the team's veterans: "Those guys are not just great wrestlers but great students and kids. They have an excellent work ethic and the younger kids see that with hard work, you do get success." 5. Dr. Phillips Head coach/record: Lenin Vazquez (51-25/five years) Graduates/Key losses: Jorge Benzaquen Top returners: Michael Ducre, Sr., 189, fifth at state; PJ Fronsdahl, Jr., 125, USA wrestling national qualifier; John Hellinger, Sr., 119, 2007 district champ; Vincent Ramcharan, Sr., 152, Metro champ Newcomers to watch: Zach Whitmire, Soph., 103; Jared Watkins, Soph., 112 Outlook for 2008-09: The defending district champs are looking for first Metro title. What they're saying: Coach Vazquez on his wrestlers still playing football: "Football helps because guys will come in with a winning attitude. Some of the younger football guys are out still and that will certainly help their confidence. ...on what it will take to win first Metro title: "We'll be in the hunt this year. If we can stay healthy, we have the team to do it and hopefully we can peak at the right time. 6. Cypress Creek Head coach/record: Doug Hennighan (13 years) Graduates/Key losses: Eddie Cruz, won 113 career matches Top returners: Billy Ortiz, Sr., 135, 51-8, State qualifier; Luis Alba, Jr., 171, 47-12, State qualifier; Kyle Copeland, Sr., 140, 44-11, District champion; Nic Hajner, Sr., 145, Returns from broken leg 7. Winter Springs Head coach/record: Scott Gomrad (111-34/seven years, two at Winter Springs) Graduates/Key losses: Greg Gaught, Morgan Beveridge Top returners: Matthew Nereim, Jr., 130/135, state runner-up; George Mills, Sr., 285, state qualifier; Alex Curley, Sr., 119/125, SAC champion; Alex Backer, Sr., 112/119, 2-time district champ; Brent Basich, Jr., 145/152; Ryan Petro, Soph., 189. Newcomers to watch: Nick Benante, Sr., 152/160; Cody Hall, Sr., 215; David Hanley, Jr., 171/189; Robert O'Neil, Soph., 171/189; Mike Riccard, Frosh., 103/112. Outlook for 2008-09: Looking for a repeat of top 5 in region and top 10 in state. 8. Olympia Head coach/record: Jeremy Bourst (26-9/ two years) Graduates/Key losses: Dustin Heiser, Justin Coocen, Chris Cox, Mike Wallace, Kevin Potts, Joey Cofrancesco, Dylan Ykimoff Top returners: Jeremy Strickland, 112/119, third in region; Peter Fasano, Sr., 152, second in district; Dylan Heroian, 103; Bryan Pacheco, 171 Newcomers to watch: Josh Fletcher, Sr., 135; Mike Mark, Sr., 160; Kelvin Freeman, 215 Outlook for 2008-09: Nobody in the Metro Conference graduated more talent than the Titans. 9. Lake Mary Head coach/record: Jamie Foley (50-37, six years) Graduates/Key losses: Andrew Sifakis, Mike Nieves, Bianca Frisaura, Rikki Miller, Luke Stevens, Kurt Squier, Jake Olivos, Edwin Rosado Top returners: Jordan Hanna, Sr., 119/125, 2007 state qualifier; Darin Spencer, Jr., 171/189, district champion; Grant Woodruff, Sr., 130/135, state qualifier; Lucas Melo, Sr., 215/285, second in SAC Newcomers to watch: Spencer Hazen, Fr.; Caleb Brown, Luis Carasas Outlook for 2008-09: Young group of additions will look to improve on the success of last season. 10. Edgewater Head coach/record: Jonathan Cone (27-21/two years) Top returners: Hugo Espinoza, Sr., 135, 19-8, State qualifier and district champ; Guignol Joseph, Jr., 125, 37-14 State qualifier, metro, district and region champ; Terry Tran, Jr., 103/112, 34-12, State qualifier, district and Metro champ. Outlook for 2008-09: The Eagles will be strong in the lower weight classes, any improvement will mean a competitive season. 11. DeLand Head coach/record: Jason Baker Graduates/Key losses: Gavin Shoemo, 5-Star champion Top returners: Dany Guzman, Sr., 119/125, Top 8 in state; Camden Grimes, Sr., 140/145, third in region; Andrew Mesnard, Jr., 152, conference champion; Sina Eslami, Jr., 130, third in conference Newcomers to watch: Valentine Sotomayer, 135; Stuard Maddox, 189 Outlook for 2008-09: Will try to build off strength in middle weight classes 12. University Head coach/record: Randy Jessee (575-57-1/33 years) Graduates/Key losses: Brandon Tressler, Alex Backer Top returners: TJ Sturgeon, Sr., 189, Metro and district champ; Eugene Scott, Sr., 275, fifth in state. Newcomers to watch: Eddie Laureano, Jr.; Joe Marrero, Jr. Rest of Central Florida - Apopka Head coach/record: Todd Hauser (10-10/one year) Graduates/Key losses: None Top returners: Keith Polson, Sr., 145, 2nd in district; Tommy Leslie, Jr., 152, 4th in district; Tim Te, Soph., 112, 3rd in district; Dominic Montillus, Sr., 215, 4th in district. Newcomers to watch: Caleb Calicott, Sr., 145 Outlook for 2008-09: A middle of the pack Metro Conference team with strength in the middle weight classes. Atlantic Head coach/record: Kris Blasko (0-0/first season) Graduates/Key losses: Will Fisher, Jonathan Hether, Brian Moore, Jay Pressley Top returners: Robert Louis, Jr., 189, 3rd in district; David Louis, Jr., 285, 06-07 regional qualifier; Jeremy Mockelfresh, Jr., 160 Newcomers to watch: Jesse Bruner, Fr.; Kyle Snyder, Fr. Outlook for 2008-09: A young team hoping to build for the future. Bishop Moore Head coach/record: David Manchon (113-52/nine years) Graduates/Key losses: David Lynch, Sylvan Larson Top returners: Michael Garcia, Soph., 189; Corey Ciaciola, Sr., 103; Brian Santiago, Soph., 112; Eddie Isola, Soph., 160 Boone Head coach/record: Frank Nunez (0-0/first season) Top returners: Alan Hansen, Sr., 145, captain; Jonathan Difo, Sr., 135, captain; Lucas Lopez, Sr., 152; Rohandre Facey, Sr., 130; Khaled Otmane, Jr., 160. Newcomers to watch: Dequan Barnes, Soph.; Hunter Hagood-James, Soph.; Jesus Ortiz, Sr.; Nick Olmeda, Soph; Gary Cason, Jr.; Chris Madden, Sr. Outlook for 2008-09: A brand new coaching staff is starting from scratch in the hopes of building the Braves into a Metro contender. Celebration Head coach/record: Richard Wiggins (five years) Graduates/Key losses: Tom Crowell, Jamie Valencia (knee injury) Top returners: Sterling Henderson, Sr., 152, district champ; Jorge Bracho, Jr., 135, district runner-up; Justin Temple, Soph., 160, Regional qualifier; Travis Temple, Sr., 189, returning from injury Newcomers to watch: Curtis Temple, Soph.; Harold Ramirez, Fr. Outlook for 2008-09: Temple brothers anchor one of the best Storm squads ever. Colonial Head coach/record: David Aubrey Did not return form Deltona Head coach/record: Kevin Wallace (6-6/two years) Graduates/Key losses: Matt Gillespie, 2x state placer; Jackson Lickens, Pierce Acosta Top returners: Grant Wood, Sr., 145/152; Josh Curry, Sr., 119/125; Patrick Lopez, Sr., 112/119 Newcomers to watch: Jorge Delgado Outlook for 2008-09: Three seniors will determine how successful young team is this season. Evans Head coach/record: Tracy Lomberk (17 years) Graduates/Key losses: Tramaine Grey, Chad Black Top returners: Luis Mercado, Sr., 275, region qualifier; Lloyd Mickens, Sr., 112, region qualifier; Tony Smith, Sr., 152, region qualifier; Donald Woodall, Sr., 215, region qualifier. Newcomers to watch: Eddy Cezalien, Sr., 130; Eloy Brown, Jr., 171; Tavaris Kirkland, Soph., 189; Lovensgod Mirilus, 135. Outlook for 2008-09: Trojans have depth with experienced wrestlers at 10 of the 14 positions but will be starting wrestlers at four weight classes with no experience. Freedom Head coach/record: Albert Hutchinson Did not return form Gateway Head coach/record: Adam D. Hopman Did not return form Hagerty Head coach/record: Isiah Cabal (39-42/fourth year at Hagerty) Graduates/Key losses: None Top returners: Gavin Reilly, Sr., 125, region runner-up; Joseph Wagstaff, Jr., 103, third in SAC; David Hamilla, Sr., 189, region qualifier; Stephen Perry, Sr., 160, 2007 district champ Outlook for 2008-09: The first senior class in school history hopes to build on last year's fourth place finish in the SAC. Harmony Head coach/record: Chris Todd (76-67/four years) Graduates/Key losses: Mike Amadeo, state runner-up; Steven Rodriguez, state qualifier Top returners: Chris Valdez, Soph., 119, district champ; Chris Grillo, Jr., 145, district champ; Kevin Alexander, Sr., 130, district runner-up; Matt Vaughn, Soph., 125, region qualifier Newcomers to watch: Chris Jordan, Christian Jacobson Outlook for 2008-09: This is a young team hoping to build off the success from last season. Kiss. Christian Head coach/record: Chris Kelly (first year) Graduates/Key losses: Onix Salgado (moved to Celebration), Mike Tjon (moved to Life Academy) Top returners: Ryan Snow, Soph., 285; Nick Savage, Soph., 135/140 Newcomers to watch: Fox Baldwin, 6th, 103; Chase Krutzky, 8th, 112/119; David Sykes, 8th, 130/135 Outlook for 2008-09: The youngest team in the area will work on continuing to build program. Lake Brantley Head coach/record: Kevin Carpenger (272-200-4, 31 years) Graduates/Key losses: Ryan Vanvalkenburg, Ben Abbott Top returners: Ben Berland, Jr., 125, region qualifier; Brett McCall, Sr., 152, region qualifier; Alex Dorr, Jr., 135; Richard Dorr, Sr., 140; Nick Giaimo, Sr., 160; Alex Elkin, Jr., 130 Newcomers to watch: Corey Manuel, 189; Andrew Gouldbourn, 103 Outlook for 2008-09: Experienced wrestling team looking to build toward region success. Lake Highland Head coach/record: Mike Palazzo (1-4, second season) Graduates/Key losses: Kyle Johnson (Lyman transfer) Top returners: Colt Blodgett, Sr., 130-135, state qualifier. Newcomers to watch: Will Irwin, Sr., 285, Hunter White, 8th; Ryan Johnson, 8th; Cole Mears, Soph.; Travis Laska, Soph. Outlook for 2008-09: Very young program has 32 middle school wrestlers learning the sport with some possibly making their mark this season. Lake Howell Head coach/record: Robert Fusco (first season) Graduates/Key losses: Alex Cooper, Randall Schrenk, Manuel Rivera (knee injury). Top returners: John Reinemund, Sr., 135/140; Mike Iaccarino, Sr., 160/152; Kyle Sirota, Jr., 119; Zach Gotay, Soph., 140/145; Josiah Welch, Soph., 145; Patrick McPherson, Soph., 171; Austin Ford, Soph., 103; Eric Gotay, Jr., 285. Newcomers to watch: Derek Gotay, Soph., 112; Tim Brown, 171. Outlook for 2008-09: Team of young wrestlers looking for strong district finish. Liberty Head coach/record: Vic Lorenzano (311-61-1, 26 years, first at Liberty) Top returners: Felix Betancourt, Soph., 135; Jorge Gavillan, Jr., 140; Zach Schroeder, Sr., 152 Outlook for 2008-09: First season under new coach. Lyman Head coach/record: JJ Semrad (first season at Lyman) Top returners: Matt Muniz, Jr. Newcomers to watch: Kyle Johnson, Jr. Outlook for 2008-09: First season under new coach. N Smyrna Bch Head coach/record: Mike Strouse Did not return form Pine Ridge Head coach/record: Moise Moliere Did not return form Poinciana Head coach/record: Emil Wells and Eric Wells Did not return form Seabreeze Head coach/record: Greg Schwartz (95-63/ 10 years) Graduates/Key losses: Blake Neitzke, Lauren Hall Top returners: Chris Ferritto, Sr., 189, second in state; Nick Siedelhofer, Sr., 215, district champ; Josh Ciulla, Sr., 119/125, 2nd at Lyman. Outlook for 2008-09: Plenty of varsity experience in this team, which is very strong from 171 to heavyweight. Seminole Head coach/record: Kevin Dever (110-68) Graduates/Key losses: None Top returners: Shawn King, Sr., 160; Michael King, Sr., 145; Billy Dickson, Sr., 152; Eric Winsor, 215. Newcomers to watch: Andrew Agoo, Jordan Lyons South Lake Head coach/record: Michael Cain (33-36) Graduates/Key losses: Will Allen, Brian Allen, James Wery Top returners: Daniel Yancey, Soph., 103, third in district; Vinnie Campasano, Sr., 140; Billy Wery, Jr., 125; Jason Bombardo, 130. Newcomers to watch: Josh Dale, Jr., 160; Jonathan Harrison, Sr. Outlook for 2008-09: Team should be strong in lighter weight classes. Taylor Head coach/record: John Friend (10 years) Graduates/Key losses: Mitch Taulbee, Brian Northcutt Top returners: Brandon Jackson, Jr., 112/119, region qualifier; Drew Cohen, Jr., 125/130, region qualifier; Trevor White, Sr., 135, region qualifier. Outlook for 2008-09: Small team has strong individuals. The Villages Head coach/record: Jason Poplaski (first year) Graduates/Key losses: None Top returners: Jonah Wulff, Soph., 152; Sean Carver, Sr., 171; Cody Goff, Jr., 145. Newcomers to watch: Andrew Timon, Leonard Vasquez Outlook for 2008-09: Large numbers mean that weight classes will be filled. Wekiva Head coach/record: Steve Cumbie (8-25/one year) Graduates/Key losses: None Top returners: Trinidad Wilson, Sr., 189, region qualifier; Briar Woodham, Sr., 215/285, region qualifier; Carlos Wilkins, Sr., 130-135; Harold Tittle, Sr., 171. Newcomers to watch: Adam Ogden, Dakota Leeder, Colton Bourcier. Outlook for 2008-09: Second year school should start seeing the benefit of experience in the upper weight classes. West Orange Head coach/record: Kirsten Iannuzzi (first year) Graduates/Key losses: None Top returners: Zach Hammock, Jr., 171; Jaycious Gording, Soph., 152; Kyle Keoppen, Jr., 160; Garrett Meduck, Jr., 145. Newcomers to watch: Chris Rooseboom, Jr., 125 Winter Park Head coach/record: Tony Serianni (14-46/ four years) Graduates/Key losses: Brandon Griffin Top returners: Marc Rosenberg, Jr., 119, 3rd district; Airam Dato-on, Sr., 130, 3rd district; Jeff Terry, Sr., 160, 3rd district; Victor Smith, Sr., 171, 4th district; Ben Rogers, Sr., 285. Newcomers to watch: Ben Snyder, Soph., Tylor Strachen, Frosh. Copyright © 2008, Orlando Sentinel |
