The Cougars win the conference for the 19th time and set a school record for points in the meet.
By BOB PUTNAM
Published January 18, 2004
GULFPORT - Over the past two decades, the Pinellas County Athletic Conference wrestling tournament has become as repetitive as those airport P.A. announcements reminding travelers that the white zone is for loading and unloading only.
Front-runner status is for Countryside only.
Season after season, the powerhouse, which has won 18 previous conference titles, is installed as the favorite.
This year was no different.
Despite graduating three state champions from last season's team and wrestling without state runner-up Vince Scholl, who turned his ankle last week, the Cougars continued to dominate. Countryside set a school record for points (296) and had eight champions to its 19th title.
"We really thought that point total was a possibility," said Cougars coach Dave Frayer, whose team broke the school record of 2721/2 points set last season. "The kids showed what they were capable of doing."
Countryside had 13 in the semifinals and 12 in the finals. The Cougars' champions were: Kent Costell (103 pounds), Greg Vernon (112), Mike Talhouk (125), Casey Schreiber (135), Dominic DeNunzio (140), A. Jay Hixon (145), Wes Walker (152) and Ben Rzymek (171).
With Countryside wrapping up the title after the semifinals, the competition was for second place. Pinellas Park claimed that with 195 points and four champions: Jeremie Dobie (119), Mike Falgoust (130), Greg Anderson (215) and Travis Youngs (275).
The other conference champions were Tarpon Springs' Zack Landis (160) and Dixie Hollins' Robert Hartline (189).
In other news, Osceola coach Ron Spataro and an assistant were ejected during the consolations for using profanity while arguing a call with a referee. The two could face a fine and suspension by the Florida High School Athletic Association.
