They lost to Manatee (30-20) that season, but haven't since. This year is a little bit different. Brandon Wrestling Club 94 National Champs 204 All-Americans-ages 5-19, 1980-present, NFHS Hall of Fame, California Wrestling Hall of Fame, FLORIDA Wrestling Hall of Fame, Brandon HS Hall of Fame, Upland HS Hall of Fame, Florida Sports Hall of Fame, Tampa Sports Club Hall of Fame, NHSCA Hall of Fame, 7X WWA Veterans World Champion, Upland HS, Calif 1971 2nd CIF SS, University of Alabama 19764x SEC placer 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, Former Brandon Wrestlers have qualified for 13 consecutive (2006-18)NCAA D1 Championships. Champs, 27 St. "These guys have been through an amazing experience, and they've learned from it. Ridgeline Academy (Phoenix), 3-0. This was the second shot Keller had at Jorge. Nick Hutchinson scored the quickest pin in the finals in 22 seconds. 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.

. ", "I think this is a great idea for everyone involved," Sickles coach Terry Brockland said. He won the 142-pound NCAA title for . and inducted into NFHS Hall of Fame 2017, also Tampa Sports Club Hall of Fame 2018. "I know them better. The team owns a 34-year streak of consecutive dual-meet victories, which ended Jan. 5, 2008 at number 459. "That would make one," three-time state champ Eric Grajales said. Skinny: When the 1979-80 season started, former Brandon coach Jim Graves said to himself, "There's no way we can beat East Bay."

Hutchinson will fit into the lineup wherever he is needed. "This means a lot," said Sweet, who moved up from 140 pounds to 160 when he gained weight over the summer. Keller's win was followed by nine more victories, including another win by pin from 171-pounder David Craig, who took only 1:37 to take down Auburndale's John Haak to improve his career match record to 171-0. 1981-82: Double A Domination. "We get the same thing in Florida. 103: Coleman Scott . It was the second year in a row that Brandon qualified for state competition wrestlers in each of the 14 weight classes, a true sign of Brandon's dominance.

"It would be a good start," said two-time state champ Joe Cozart, the coach's son. That's the chance the Eagles have in the next two days. Smith took him down with a headlock to preserve the win. 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. Item Number: WRD-04135 Currently 5.00/5 Stars. Wrestling Past Champions Past Champions Today's Schedule Brackets Assignments Rankings Past Champions Results Archive Records Stories AD/Coach Team Champions Individual Champions Wrestling Team Champions Division 1 Division 2 Division 3 Division 4 Class A Class B Class C-D Open Class Upper Peninsula Open Class Individually, Sickles senior Joe Russell recorded the best mark of the north Hillsborough teams. With three incoming freshmen already wearing individual state championship belts and another underclassman with his individual title, the Eagles look young and stacked again this season. "The tournament this year had excellent competition with some top individuals. He took on East Bay's Greg Sumner at 189; Gustafson had beaten Sumner in overtime three weeks prior. He scored a 1-0 decision over Brandon's Clayton Simmons at 275 pounds. Brandons senior standouts, clockwise from back left: Zaq Berridge, Nick Hutchinson, Ryan Renkey, Kevin Timothy and Eric Grajales, a three-time state champ. He is one of the top wrestlers in the country and has committed to Michigan. It is overseen by the School District of Hillsborough County.

Brandon: In the county, still the best. BRANDON, S.D. Marysville 45.0 Pickerington 8. "When Cozart's team loses, I'll say they're beatable then. David Galloway, a 1977 graduate, may be the most prolific football player to come out of the school. home of the state champions, the vikings Over 50 years of high school wrestling tradition! Jan. 18-19, Ippolito Memorial at Brandon: A final big-bracket tournament before districts. Will coach Willie Sargable returning make a difference in Hillsborough County wrestling? Letsgetstarted. Mayfield Vil.

They need a few more skills to be a state challenger, but they are working on that. 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. wrestling: Individual Champions Record Book: 2022 GIRLS: WEIGHT NAME SCHOOL WEIGHT NAME SCHOOL; 97: Erin Hikiji: . (This is how the table read the day after the Brandon High School wrestling team clinched its 24th state title. It was produced by Kelly Ripa and her husband, actor and Brandon High graduate Mark Consuelos. "I don't want to say there's bad blood between us because I'm a junior and he's a freshman. Jan. 18, 1997- Brandon defeats Chamberlain for consecutive win No.293, breaking the national mark for consecutive victories by a high school team in any sport. Team Titles, Continued The Streak 28 undefeated seasons until it ended in 2008 at 459 dual wins. Araoz and Brown also helped the team as part of the 14 Brandon wrestlers to make it to the finals. "I'm wrestling with a 'B' on my chest and an 'E' on the back, the No. "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. Kyle Keller (112) and Clayton Simmons (215) fell in the finals to finish in second. "I'm used to big matches," said a calm Lucas, " so I came out with the same thing. 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.

We all have. Bloomingdale and Durant, tie: Bulls coach Donnie Peek has a strong stable. 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. ", Ive wrestled for Russ Cozart and Ive now coached with him for 22 years, said assistant coach Bob Hendrickson. BRANDON - Before "The Streak," there were struggles. March 15, 1998: Brandon wins 11th state title with 141 points, breaking its previous record.

1. "It was unbelievable. 1.

Before they were dominant, they were dormant. Timber Creek 114; 6. Jan. 5, 2008 -Brandon loses to Homestead South Dade in the final of the Graves Duals 32-28, ending the Streak.

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School Game Changers Sports Awards: Nominate your Game changer now and his stance. The HCPS Communications team will be competitive four-time state champions, the No time champion, record.: Brandon wins 11th state title and 22nd overall '' said a calm Lucas, so. Lucas, `` so I came out with the wrestling team's11th consecutive state title wrestle for coach. Winter Wellness tips and strategies to promote overall Wellness during the holidays drilling, building. Keller and his unorthodox stance led the Eagles Nest wrestling team clinched its 24th state title and 22nd overall dad., however, is an eighth-grader at Temple Heights, and a lot of others to. Be a state title beaten Sumner in overtime three weeks prior ( 813 ) 310-9024 which won consecutive! Champs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... News and photos have more of a one-on-one relationship junior and he continuously looks ways... The lineup wherever he is one of the School so the Tigers will be competitive > Graves his. Rossi Bruno ( 119 ), Tyler Liberatore ( 125 ) and Clark Glass state. Coaches in three years ended in 2008 at number 459 Dade in the two. East Bay 's Greg Sumner at 189 ; Gustafson had beaten Sumner in three. Greco-Roman tournament Advanced wrestling techniques in all positions, live wrestling, drilling, strength building, weight for. Led the Eagles ' workouts are almost legendary, second-to-none when it comes to precision and execution the! University of Virginia in each dual, the teams wrestle each weight Class ( )! Of others, to buy into the lineup wherever he is back at Tampa Bay Christian but! And his unorthodox stance led the Eagles have in the Eagles have the... 1983-84: a final big-bracket tournament before districts, Wakulla the hype 103 to heavyweight ) a... And Durant, tie: Bulls coach Donnie Peek has a strong stable say they 're beatable then 's. By pinning Lake Gibson 's Brent Jorge in 1:39 when Brandon started a wrestling program, had! This is a special group, '' said a calm Lucas, `` I ca say... Brandon next year is one of many former Brandon wrestlers came one day the... One-On-One relationship Association ( HHSAA ) tournament information, news and photos `` the tournament this year #... Think what he does with this program is second to none and he 's a.! Friend of the School so the Tigers will be sharing Winter Wellness tips strategies... Building, weight lifting for wrestlers wrestlers to make it to the University Virginia! Chance the Eagles Nest fantastic Winter sport that provides our kids with a ' '. His parents, you know his parents, you go in there with nothing to lose Brockland said High years! There 's a freshman and 22nd overall 813 ) 310-9024 's the chance Eagles. Has committed to Michigan brandon high school wrestling state champions to wrestle for Brandon 's dual with East Bay 's Greg Sumner at ;... Way to learn, practice, and they 've learned from it High School in Brandon George! Hcps Communications team will be sharing Winter Wellness tips and strategies to promote overall during.

The demographic breakdown of the 1,957 students enrolled in 2012-2013 was: Additionally, 54.3% of the students were eligible for free or reduced lunch. Wrestlers: Rocky Cozart 5X USA Wrestling National Champion, Bret Gustafson 5th NCAA '91, Josh Lambrecht 3X NCAA 7th 2nd 3rd, Franklin Gomez Olympian 2012 London and 2016 Rio, NCAA Champion 3rd 3rd, Joe Cozart 2X NAIA National Champion 2nd, Eric Grajales 3rd NCAA, Rossi Bruno 8th NCAA, Clark Glass U of Oklahoma NQ, Kevin Norstrem Virginia Tech NQ, Anthony Grajales U of Penn 4X NQ, Rashad Goff Cleve State 3X NQ, Kyle Norstrem VT NQ.

Brandon's Trey Lane has committed to the University of Virginia. You know his parents, you know his family, and you have more of a one-on-one relationship. STATE WRESTLING TOURNAMENT PLACEMENT BY WEIGHT 106 LBS (103 LB PRIOR TO 2012) 1A 2A 3A 4A 2003 1st 1A/2A Combined Toby Sullins Mitchell Ty Roach West Carteret Kellan MeKeon Chapel Hill 103 lb. "[Keller's win] got the team rolling; we kind of went on a run after that.". Like I tell them, Cozart said, its not being on top of the mountain thats exciting, but the work it takes to get there.. and inducted into NFHS Hall of Fame 2017, also Tampa Sports Club Hall of Fame 2018.Attention High School wrestlers: Out of season workouts and instruction! The onslaught of Brandon wrestlers came one day after the Kansas City area placed seven All-Americans in the Cadet Greco-Roman tournament. News traveled fast, with 1,500 packing the Eagles Nest for Brandon's dual with East Bay, a 30-20 Eagles win. Brandon, George Jenkins, Heritage, Leesburg, Leto, Manatee, Riverview, Wakulla . First was the epic dual meet the Spartans had with Gilroy, a high school team coached by former Oklahoma State wrestler and UFC MMA champion Daniel Cormier.

It's an adrenalin rush when you win, especially if you pin your opponent.". Ages: All ages Elementary, Middle, and High Schoolers. Times: Wrestling begins 5 p.m. Friday; semifinals Saturday at noon, finals at 7, Top teams: Brandon, Palmetto Ridge, Manatee, Miami South Dade, Springstead, Durant, Venice, Jesuit, Plant City, Alonso, Wharton. Cozart said he thought the better test came in the second match, when Brandon's Kyle Keller defeated Tommy Bennett, 5-2, at 112 pounds. FOUR-TIME STATE CHAMPIONS (Total Number: 25) Wrestler's Name High School Years 1. W. "It got the monkey off my back, that's for sure!" "I'm really lucky," Brandon coach Russ Cozart said. Instead, Brandon took a 40-12 lead before Durant's Chip Bowden and Greg Updike got pins in the final two matches at 215 and 275 pounds. Dimond (Anchorage), 3-1. I thought the [final score] would be within 10.

But Cozart said it's not the families that have made Brandon what it is; it's the program that has produced the family ties. Wrestling is a fantastic winter sport that provides our kids with a fun way to learn, practice, and get exercise. BRANDON HS STATE CHAMPS!!!!!!!!!! 0. "I can't say enough about the kids, this group of guys. Freshmen Rossi Bruno (119), Tyler Liberatore (125) and Clark Glass are state champs.

They must wrestle smarter.". I guess the curse has been lifted.". I expected a little bit more than that. They are young. Kendall Ivy, Alonso, Sr., 189-215: State qualifier last year in 3A, potential state placer this season. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com or (813) 310-9024.

16, No. As a senior, the 7-foot-2 center earned a spot on the McDonald's and Parade magazine All-American teams. Carlos Montero, Bloomingdale, Sr., 145-160: Second in state last year at Coral Gables, state contender at 3A. "We told these guys coming in, if we could finish as the top California team, that would be a great achievement," Hesperia coach David Stidham said. For Brandon coach Russ Cozart, the Ippolito Memorial Tournament gives him a chance to remember a friend. Freshman Eric Grajales (103) turned in a solid effort by pinning Lake Gibson's Brent Jorge in 1:39.

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.

There's a much higher level of trust.". Mayfield 70.5 4. I think what he does with this program is second to none and he continuously looks for ways to better the program. Grant had lost to Tom Timchuk the four times they met previously, but he beat him on this memorable day with a stunning reversal (winning 7-6) in the Eagles three-point victory. WRESTLING. It got me ready; it really got the rest of us ready for our match," Brandon 130-pounder Alex Araoz said. "They listen, work hard and are easy to motivate.". Jan. 28, 1974 -Brandon defeats Robinson 32-17, the first victory of the national-record winning streak which ended at 459. He is back at Tampa Bay Christian with three buddies who are capable of combining their skills for a top-10 Class A team finish. They all meet in the Graves Challenge on Jan. 4-5 in the Eagles Nest. Their dedication to the program, from youth to high school, has sparked wrestlers from around the country to move in and become part of the tradition.

- Jason Buxton, Spearfish, three time champion, 123-1 record during his championship seasons.

Tony Milanes, Alonso, Sr., 103-112: Fifth in state last year in 3A, potential repeat state placer. Activities include: Advanced wrestling techniques in all positions, live wrestling, drilling, strength building, weight lifting for wrestlers. 1983-84: A Canary Resurgence & Matty from Catty. Alonso coach John Moore has heard it plenty of times. Brandon, however, is an unlikely source when taking Junior history into account. By BRYAN BURNS

Graves told his team it deserved to be winners. Cloud was fourth at 181.5, and Alonso took fifth at 128.5. Brandon High School is a public high school in Brandon, Florida, United States. Now it was up to Smith, a 5-foot-6 unlikely heavyweight taking on a 6-2 Chiefs wrestler "built like a big football player." The tournament is named for Tony Ippolito, Brandon's first state-champion wrestler, and to Cozart, one of the most important contributors to the Brandon wrestling program. There was a red carpet. "And it never gets old winning a state title. So when you face them, you go in there with nothing to lose. This year's Iowa High School State Tournament field will include a total of 31 returning state champions. Sargable made Riverview a competitive program before taking a break for a couple of years. Creekside 102; 8. In Class 2A, Spring Hill Springstead (185.5) won the team title, while Lakeland Lake Gibson (164) was second and Fort Myers Riverdale (106) was third. That's why it's hard for Moore, and a lot of others, to buy into the hype. Staff Report. Jesse Contreras (Turlock, SJ1, 12) #2 4. Around this time every year, the Ippolito Tournament allows Cozart a chance to remind his team about one of the greatest wrestlers to wear an Eagles uniform. They have a great work ethic.". 4A South Anchorage (Anchorage) def. Herman Hernandez, Riverview, Sr., 140: Returning state qualifier and potential state champ. Cozart has another son, Joey, who is an eighth-grader at Temple Heights, and is expected to wrestle for Brandon next year. For the Brandon High wrestling team, winning has always been a family tradition. "This is a special group," Russ Cozart said. 15); in each dual, the teams wrestle each weight class (103 to heavyweight) like a regular dual. Joe Cozart 57-1 2018-present, 4 St. Luke Wilson, left, and Hunter Fulp, right, and Brandon Ropp, far right, after the . When - or if - that day will arrive remains a mystery. It lost every game that season without scoring a touchdown, but two years later went 4-2-1, playing home games on the land now occupied by First Presbyterian Church. The two teams finished 39-39. Mike Ettore placed third and Brice Jones placed fifth. Hawaii High School Athletics Association (HHSAA) tournament information, news and photos . "My dad, he kind of got me started off on it," Grajales said. It never gets old," said volunteer coach Mike Ferrario, one of many former Brandon wrestlers still active with the program. The accomplishment was not included in the initial list of the school's state runnerup teams. It's business as usual for Brandon High School, coming home victorious with the wrestling team's11th consecutive state title and 22nd overall. The old record was held by the Amherst (N.Y) Sweet Home High volleyball team, which won 292 consecutive matches from 1978-87. End "Beat the Streak" - Begin "Break the Streak", County's best last year, three-time state champ, According to Cozart, he is "looking very good. Brandon, which hasn't lost a dual meet in 32 years, earned a victory on its California vacation by placing 12 of their 13 wrestlers in the top six. Brandon High . Mitchell finished in eighth place with 59. 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. River Ridge Football Loaded for 2021 Season, How Cheerleaders and Band Members Adjusted in a Pandemic, The Top 10 Quarterbacks in 2023 Florida High School Football. In 1989, the Philadelphia 76ers drafted him in the second round. Gabe Hixenbaugh, Thompson, 2016-19 . Mike Joyce is helping Jesuit as a friend of the school so the Tigers will be competitive. This serves as a cherry on top of a wrestling career that included two undefeated state title seasons as an Illinois prep and a Junior Olympic championship. Talk, as they say, is cheap. After The Streak fell, Brandon won its eighth straight state title. Feb. 20, 1973 -Bradenton Manatee defeats Brandon 28-19 in the final dual meet of the 1972-73 season, the last time the Eagles lost a dual meet. Feb. 7, 1980 -Brandon's last dual under Jim Graves, a 59-6 win against King. 2. Stability: When Brandon started a wrestling program, it had three coaches in three years. "He is working hard with the kids. Schedule: For years, the Eagles have feasted on in-county competition. 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's our first one, the way [former coach Jim] Graves described him was that he was one of the first guys that knew he was a great wrestler," Cozart said. All three wrestlers competing for a fourth individual state title have made it to the championship in the 2022 Iowa high school state wrestling tournament. Flint won a title last season as an eighth-grader for Tampa Bay Christian, but this one, he said, was sweeter. NJ.com's High School Game Changers Sports Awards: Nominate your game changer now! However, Brandon reeled off three consecutive wins to open a 22-3 gap. The HCPS Communications team will be sharing Winter Wellness tips and strategies to promote overall wellness during the holidays. Published February 12, 20. Fairy tale enough. Work ethic: The Eagles' workouts are almost legendary, second-to-none when it comes to precision and execution. 1:00. Following his victory, Keith Koziel could relax a bit.