Eagles event provides choice competition

By DOUG KATES
Published December 1, 2005

TARPON SPRINGS - Each year, East Lake hosts a competitive wrestling tournament.

But thanks to the 2005 hurricane season, and damage to the Miami area, East Lake's individual tournament just got better.

Nineteen teams participated in last year's tournament. There will be 24 in this weekend's event. Among the new teams is Brandon, which has been in the national spotlight more than 30 years.

"I'm thrilled because of the level of competition they bring in," tournament director Pete Collins said. "They are going to bring in a lot of people. A lot of people follow Brandon because of its national reputation."

Brandon, among other schools, planned to compete this weekend at a tournament in the Miami area, but when hurricane damage canceled the event, East Lake organizers decided to take in two more schools. Joining Brandon will be Homestead South Dade County High.

"It's definitely going to improve the caliber (of the tournament)," Collins said. "It's going to be really crowded."

Brandon has been nationally recognized since the 1970s. From 1973 to the present, the program has won 418 consecutive dual meets.

Coach Russ Cozart said the latest poll has his team ranked 15th in the nation. In early November, Wrestling USA magazine had two Brandon wrestlers ranked nationally - senior David Craig No.1 at 171 pounds and freshman Eric Grajales No.8 at 103 pounds. Craig is 5-0.

Cozart is looking forward to this weekend and said Homestead also will bring in a lot of talent.

"They are a powerful team," Cozart said. "It's an opportunity for different schools from different classifications to challenge each other."

So how do the host Eagles feel about opening their tournament to two powerhouses?

Collins said "they were excited about it."

He added that a tournament like this will prepare East Lake for future tournaments, including the postseason.

[Last modified December 1, 2005, 01:08:09]