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Brandon fined for weigh-in violation

TAMPA -- Brandon's wrestling program violated weigh-in rules during the 2001-02 season, and the school was fined $300 and given a warning.

Brandon athletic director Mike Burnett said the Florida High School Activities Association applied the fine and warning at the end of last week.

During district competition in February, coaches questioned the weight class of the Eagles' 130-pound entry, Eddie Hutchinson. At an invitational meet earlier in the season, Hutchinson competed in the 140-pound weight class. The National Federation of High Schools prohibits a wrestler from dropping more than one class after January weight certification, which would have kept Hutchinson from dropping below the 135-pound class.

"Th wrestler did not meet NFHS and FHSAA weigh-in standards," Burnett said. "We thought he did, but we missed this one."

When Hutchinson's weight class came into question prior to the region match, Brandon coach Russ Cozart withdrew Hutchinson from postseason competition and Hutchinson's district points were disqualified. Because the Eagles won their district by 89 points, they did not forfeit their title.

The Eagles went on to win their region and the Class 2A state title.

Burnett said Brandon will not appeal the fine or the warning. If Brandon's program commits a violation next season, it will be ineligible for postseason competition.

"We always try to follow the rules, but we'll be very careful in the future," Burnett said. "It's a situation that could become very serious."

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