'Survival of the fittest'

Last weekend's Class 2A, District 7 Wrestling Tournament in Lecanto was billed as the 'Clash of the Titans.'
That's what happens when Citrus High went in attempting to earn its school-record fifth straight district title. F.W. Springstead, however, collected its sixth consecutive district championship and the North Suncoast's 24th overall by 71 points, 255-184.
But last weekend's affair in Citrus County is a jayvee event compared to Feb. 12-13, 29-team, Class 2A, Region II Meet hosted by Lakeland-Lake Gibson High School.
Imagine, the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 ranked teams all meeting under one roof in a high stakes poker match. That's what 2A-II is about.
Oviedo High, which defeated Springstead in own backyard by 24 points during Zac Jarzynka Memorial Ironman VIII Tournament in Seminole County, comes in ranked No. 1.
The Eagles, who have collected seven tournament wins in nine meets, are ranked No. 2.
SHS hasn't captured a regional crown in 10 years or since Hall-of-Fame Head Coach Bob Levija paced the sidelines.
The host Braves are no slouch. They come in ranked No. 3.
So what will transpire?
"Our region as a whole is hands down the toughest in the state," admitted Lake Gibson's 10th-year Head Coach Danny Walker. "Wrestlebacks will be a dog fight. On our best day, we hope to push 10 guys to states. On our worst, maybe five."
How is Coach Walker selling this meat grinder event to his team?
"Our boys get to sleep in their own beds and that's big deal," noted Walker. "But we're telling the kids they've got to wrestle one match at a time. You can't win the tournament, if you don't reach the finals.
"To me, this region is like backing a cat into a corner and trying to eat their food," smiled Walker. "They're gonna scratch and claw to keep it to themselves."
How critical are the first-round matches?
"If you don't eat right or don't come in mentally prepared," Walker said. "There's plenty of No. 4 kids with good records that can beat you."
How would Walker label this field?
"It's survival of the fittest," he said. "We feel pretty good because of our depth. We don't necessarily have guys that can win it. But we've got guys who can fight back and get thirds and fourths."
Who is the favorite?
"To me, the 100 percent favorite is Springstead," replied Coach Walker. "Because Coach Swensen has so many big-point producers with Cox, Landgraff, Ross, Soto and Bliss. The semifinal round will decide the whole outcome."
How critical is winning this meet?
"Our goal is to win states," emphasized Coach Walker. "But you've got to go through the region first. For us, everything has to fall perfectly. To me, if you win here you're the front runner next week to wins states unless you receive horrible draws. As a whole, everyone who comes here will have their work cut out for them."
Wrestling begins at noon Friday and runs through approximately 9 p.m.
On Saturday, the semifinals are slated to begin at 10 a.m. followed immediately by wrestle backs.
Consolation finals are set for 5:30 p.m. followed by finals at 7:30 p.m.
Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to Feb. 19-20 46th annual Class 2A State Championship Tournament at The Lakeland Center.
 
Springstead 101
 
The Eagles, who have finished second the past two years in regionals to Brandon, enter Polk County seeking its first regional crown since Levija's 2000-01 squad scored 192 points at Central High to win it. That squad sent eight qualifiers to states. Five eventually placed as SHS finished third overall with 101.5 points.
But Coach Swensen aspires for more, much more, in his sixth career regional.
For one, his team comes in healthy, which was one pivotal preseason requirements for success.
"Knock on wood, we're healthy," explained Coach Swensen, who is attempting to tie the 1996-97 Springstead squad that won eight tournaments that season. "No jinx. We're entering with the same lineup as last weekend."
What did SHS learn from districts at Lecanto?
"We took a lot for granted," recalled Coach Swensen. "Some of our guys had trouble getting motivated. It'll be a different attitude this weekend."
What's Coach Swensen's prediction?
"I like our draws, but we've still got to go out there and beat people," Swensen said. "If we have two incredible days, we could send 12 to states. If we don't have a good tournament, we should send at least 10."
SHS is led by sophomore Cody Ross' county-best 42-1 won-lost slate at 135 pounds.
Ross is one of nine returning regional grapplers from last winter at Poinciana High.
Ross, and juniors Richie Bliss at 103, Nick Soto at 130, Colton Zimmermann at 140 and Shawn Landgraff at 152 all placed third in regions last year while senior Kenny Cox at 215 finished fourth.
Only Scott Wern, who graduated, captured a regional crown last winter.
  
Central 101
 
Like Springstead, Central High enters the Polk County meet with 14 grapplers after finishing third at Lecanto.
Fourth-year CHS mentor Roy Reyes hedged on how many of his grapplers may advance to states.
"Ask me that question after our first round on Friday," said Reyes. "We'd love to have the same results, but it's a brand new tournament."
What is Coach Reyes stressing?
"We've told the boys no matter what happens, leave it all on the mats," he recalled. "Have no regrets. "At this point, it's a game of inches. If you're not mentally prepared to compete for an instant against a quality wrestler, the game is over."
What does he emphasize?
"Half the guys in regionals are looking for a vacation, the other half is hungry for a shot at states," said Reyes. "I asked our boys which side do you want to be?'"
What about the first-round matches?
"You have to wrestle that first match like its your last," he said. "If you drop that first one then it's like you're on death row. Then you've gotta win five times to keep your pulse.
"We told the boys to take care of all the little things before you step on the mats," he recalled. "Have no distractions once you get to Lake Gibson," added Coach Reyes.
Three Bears return from last winter's regional squad that finished 20th out of 35 teams: featuring junior Robbie Monsegur at 119, sophomore Josh Cleveland at 130 and senior Zach Martin at 171. The trio posted a combined 1-6 slate.
Monsegur enters Polk County with a team-best 35-4 slate while freshman Josh Marquez at 103 is 32-5 with a team-best 21 pins.
CHS' last state qualifiers were in 2008 behind Danny May at 215 and Kenny Supple at 125.
 
AT A GLANCE
WHAT - The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2A, Region II Wrestling Tournament.
WHO - Twenty-nine teams including 2009 regional runner-up Spring Hill-Springstead, Lakeland-Lake Gibson, St. Cloud, Inverness-Citrus, Central and Dunedin featuring an individually bracketed double-elimination tourney format.
WHERE - Lakeland-Lake Gibson gym, 7007 N. Socrum Loop, Lakeland, FL 33809.
WHEN - Today from 12 p.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday's action expected to begin at 10 a.m. with the semifinals followed by wrestle backs at 12:30 p.m. Consolation finals set for 5:30 p.m. followed by finals at 7:30 p.m.
AT STAKE - Top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to Feb. 19-20 46th annual Class 2A State Championship Tournament at The Lakeland Center.
 
2009 Final Class 2A, Region II Team Standings
PL Team PTS
1. Brandon (BDN) 284.0
2. Springstead (SPG) 175.5
3. Lake Gibson (LG) 129.0
4. Dunedin (DUN) 115.0
5. St. Cloud (SC) 64.0
6. Lakeland-George Jenkins (GJ) 63.5
7. New Smyrna Beach (NSB) 60.0
8. NPR-River Ridge (RR) 56.0
9. Auburndale (AUB) 55.0
10. Tampa-Wharton (WHA) 48.5
11. Lithia-Newsome (NEW) 43.5
12. Daytona Beach-Seabreeze (SEB) 40.0
13. Kissimmee-Poinciana (POI) 36.5
14. Winter Haven (WH) 33.0
15. Tampa-Jefferson (JEF) 32.5
16. Kissimmee-Liberty (LIB) 32.0
17. Seffner-Armwood (ARM) 29.0
18. Tampa-Middleton (MID) 27.0
19. Celebration (CEL) 23.5
20. Central (CEN) 22.5
21. Lake Howell (LH) 20.5
22. Lake Region (LR) 18.5
23. Tampa-Chamberlain (CHA) 18.0
24. Hillsborough (HIL) 15.0
24. Land O' Lakes (LOL) 15.0
26. Tampa-Plant (PLA) 14.0
27. Tampa-Leto (LET) 9.0
28. Wesley Chapel (WC) 4.0
29. Tampa-Freedom (FRE) 3.0
29. Tampa-King (KIN) 3.0
31. Tampa-Blake (BLA) 0.0
31. NPR-Ridgewood (RW) 0.0
31. South Lake (SL) 0.0
31. Tampa Bay Tech (TBT) 0.0
31. Tarpon Springs (TS) 0.0
 
Class 2A, Region II Individual Finals Results
103 - Jorge (LG) dec. Smith (GJ), 8-3
112 - Renkey (BDN) maj. dec. Gray (ARM), 12-1
119 - Bruno (BDN) pin Brown (LR), 3:59
125 - Liberatore (BDN) tech. fall Betancourt (LIB), 17-1
130 - Glass (BDN) maj. dec. Sermons (WH), 11-3
135 - Grajales (BDN) pin Dobler (NEW), 4:54
140 - Timothy (BDN) dec. Jorge (LG), 5-3
145 - Cozart (BDN) dec. Rex (LG), 3-1
152 - Figaro (BDN) maj. dec. Davidson (AUB), 12-4
160 - Cousins (SC) dec. Klenovich (SPG), 7-2
171 - Talley (DUN) dec. Berridge (BDN), 7-4
189 - Wern (SPG) maj. dec. Brown (GJ), 16-5
215 - Rislin (POI) dec. Newman (GJ), 8-6
285 - Bell (NSB) dec. Agrmonte (DUN), 6-3
 
Class 2A, Region II Individual Consolation Finals Results
103 - Bliss (SPG) maj. dec. LeFevre (BDN), 16-4
112 - Phillips (LG) dec. McKay (LOL), 5-3
119 - Ross (SPG) dec. Nesvacil (LG), 3-1
125 - Soto (SPG) dec. Goodloe (DUN), 8-7
130 - Cotrell (LG) dec. Rodriguez (WHA), 7-1
135 - Zimmerman (SPG) dec. Smith (WH), 5-2
140 - Hitchcock (RR) inj. default Drake (NEW)
145 - Landgraff (SPG) pin Lane (AUB), 4:31
152 - Vannata (RR) dec. Enamait (NSB), 4-2
160 - Koziel (BDN) dec. Temple (CEL), 4-0
171 - Lorentsen (SPG) pin Kuell (LG), 1:38
189 - Ettore (BDN) dec. Zeedyk (DUN), 4-0
215 - Siedelofer (SEB) dec. Cox (SPG), 3-2
285 - Garret (AUB) dec. Chattin (SC), 6-5
 
2009 Springstead's Class 2A, Region II Individual Results @ Poinciana
WGT  Name    W L Pins PL
103  Bliss, Richie   4  1  3  3rd
112  Redman, Sean   3  2  2  -
119  Ross, Cody   4  1  2  3rd
125  Soto, Nick   4  1  1  3rd
130  Huff, Devean   0  2  0  -
135  Zimmerman, Colton  5  1  1  3rd
140  Colon, Sam   2  2  0  -
145  Landgraff, Shawn  5  1  4  3rd
152  Ellerbee, Thomas  2  2  1  -
160  Klenovich, Thad  3  1  0  2nd
171  Lorentsen, Jessey  4  1  3  3rd
189  Wern, Scott   4  0  1  1st
215  Cox, Ken   4  2  1  4th
285  Oquendo, Charles  1  2  1  -
TOTALS 45 19 20
 
2009 Central's Class 2A, Region II Individual Results @ Poinciana
WGT  Name    W L Pins  PL
119  Monsegur, Robbie  1  2  0  -
125  Snell, Wayne   3  2  0  -
130  Supple, Kenny   3  2  0  -
140  Cleveland, Josh  0  2  0  -
145  Cadoret, Shaun   3  2  0  -
171  Martin, Zach   0  2  0  -
215  May, Danny   2  2  1  -
TOTALS     12  14  1
 
2008 Final Class 2A, Region II Team Standings
PL  TEAM    PTS
1.  Brandon (BDN)    282.0
2.  Springstead (SPG)   150.5
3.  St. Cloud (SC)    131.5
4.  Dunedin (DUN)    87.5
5.  Seffner-Armwood (ARM)   75.0
6.  NPR-River Ridge (RR)   72.5
7.  Kissimmee-Poinciana (POI)  52.0
7.  Lakeland-Lake Gibson (LG)  52.0
9.  Tampa-Wharton (WHA)   50.5
10.  New Smyrna Beach (NSB)   47.5
10.  Tampa-Chamberlain (CHA)  47.5
12.  Central (CEN)    47.0
13.  Lakeland-George Jenkins (GJ)  46.5
14.  Tampa-King (KIN)   42.0
15.  Winter Haven (WH)   41.0
16.  Tampa-Jefferson (JEF)   40.0
17.  NPR-Ridgewood (RW)   36.5
18.  Lithia-Newsome (NEW)   34.0
19.  Daytona Beach-Seabreeze (SEB)  31.0
19.  Tampa-Middleton (MID)   31.0
21.  Hillsborough (HIL)   25.0
22.  Tampa-Plant (PLA)   17.0
23.  Land O' Lakes (LOL)   14.0
24.  Lake Region (LR)   13.0
25.  Auburndale (AUB)   10.5
26.  Kissimmee-Liberty (LIB)  10.0
27.  Lake Howell (LH)   9.0
28.  Celebration (CEL)   8.0
29.  Tampa-Freedom (FRE)   7.0
30.  Groveland-South Lake (SL)  6.0
31.  Tampa-Leto (LET)   5.0
32.  Daytona Beach-Mainland (MNL)  3.0
32.  Tampa-Blake (BLA)   3.0
34.  Wesley Chapel (WC)   1.0
 
2008 Class 2A, Region II Individual Finals Results
103 - Padget (BDN) pin Gray (ARM), 3:59
112 - Swanton (SPG) dec. Dawson (BDN), 8-3
119 - Fleming (RR) dec. Huff (SPG), 8-3
125 - Cook (SPG) dec. Cousins (SC), 8-2
130 - Grajales (BDN) pin Minley (ARM), 5:30
135 - Timothy (BDN) dec. Fertic (SC), 6-2
140 - Cozart (BDN) pin Calvin (WH), 1:30
145 - Figaro (BDN) dec. Graham (DUN), 6-4
152 - Oswald (SC) dec. Moody (KIN), 8-3
160 - Berridge (BDN) pin Snow (NSB), 1:32
171 - Miller (DUN) pin Witte (ARM), 1:43
189 - Ferrito (SEB) dec. May (CEN), 7-3
215 - Uno (BDN) maj. dec. McMahon (JEF), 19-6
285 - McCray (HIL) dec. Fullenwider (BDN), 5-0
 
2008 Class 2A, Region II Individual Consolation Finals Results
103 - Soto (SPG) pin Cruz (WHA), 0:32
112 - Stupar (RW) dec. Biondo (RR), 8-2
119 - Sermons (WH) dec. Perez (ARM), 5-3 (3 OTs)
125 - Hutchinson (BDN) pin K. Supple (CEN), 0:53
130 - Borelli (LG) dec. Harris (SC), 3-1
135 - Williamson (RW) dec. Chisholm (CHA), 4-2
140 - Gibson (SC) dec. Rex (LG), 8-5
145 - Wood (NEW) dec. Chapman (GJ), 5-3
152 - Klenovich (SPG) dec. Ettore (BDN), 9-5
160 - Talley (DUN) pin Ackerman (SC), 2:35
171 - Wern (SPG) pin Austin (BDN), 4:09
189 - Acosta (SPG) dec. Pierre (POI), 6-5
215 - Hadley (GJ) dec. Rislin (POI), 9-5
285 - Coleman (MID) dec. Hernandez (KIN), 5:28
 
2008 Springstead's Class 2A, Region II Individual Results
WGT NAME   W L Pins PL
103  Soto, Dustin   4  1  3  3rd
112  Swanton, Schuyler  4  0  2  1st
119  Huff, Skylar   3  1  1  2nd
125  Cook, C.J.   4  0  1  1st
130  Bliss, Steve   3  2  2  -
140  Hughes, Sean   1  2 0  -
145  Ellerbee, Thomas  1  2  1  -
152  Klenovich, Thad  4  1  1  3rd
160  Herr, Andrew   1  2  0  -
171  Wern, Scott   4  1  2  3rd
189  Acosta, Cesar   4  1  2  3rd
215  Delgado, Luis   1  2  0  -
285  Ramirez, Carlos*  0  4  0  -
TOTALS    34  19  15
* Disqualified from tournament for flagrant misconduct, forfeits all matches
 
2008 Central's Class 2A, Region II Individual Results
WGT NAME   W L Pins PL
103  Vega, Antohomar  0  2  0  -
119  Snell, Wayne   2  2  1  -
125  Supple, Ken   3  2  1  4th 
130  Zayas, Antonio   0  2  0  -
135  Ramirez, Vince   0  2  0  -
145  Cadoret, Shaun   2  2  0  -
152  Miller, Mike   0  2  0  -
189  May, Daniel   3  1  1  2nd 
215  Brazeau, Nathan  2  2  1  -
TOTALS     12  17  4