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All eyes on Eagles, Leopards

Springstead vs. Hernando should dominate the Kiwanis Tournament spotlight.

By DEREK LaRIVIERE
Published December 9, 2005

The first showdown of the wrestling season between Hernando and Springstead is certainly the selling point of this weekend's Kiwanis Tournament at Hernando High. But there are a couple of subplots concerning the main attraction.

Springstead's Jason Booker, fresh off a second-place finish in Seminole's Hooters Tournament on Saturday, no longer is with the team, according to coach Eric Swensen. Swensen would not give details, and he isn't the only coach who could be without a wrestler. Hernando's Brandyn Kuhn is injured and questionable for the tournament. Booker and Kuhn have been wrestling at 145 pounds.

Though Springstead has won this tournament 10 times, Hernando's victory in 2003 marks the last time a county team won.

With a rejuvenated Springstead squad and always-strong Hernando, a showdown of large proportions seems to be in the works.

Springstead is coming off a surprising third-place finish at the Hooters Tournament. With Winter Springs (first), Osceola-Kissimmee (second) and Charlotte (fourth) all expected to finish higher than Springstead, Swensen's squad upset Charlotte behind first-place finishes from Andy Leavine (275) and Walter Acosta (171).

Of the 13 grapplers to make the trip to Seminole for Springstead, 11 placed in the top three in their weight classes. Finishing second for the Eagles were Seth Metz (160), Booker (145) and C.J. Cook (119). Schuyler Swanton (103), Steve Bliss (112), Steve Leon (130), Cesar Acosta (152), Michael Heagney (189) and Keith Hansen (140) all returned home with third-place showings.

Hernando, meanwhile, is coming off Saturday's fifth-place finish at Sebastian River. Hernando's Michael Combs finished as the most outstanding wrestler for the second tournament in a row. Combs also took that honor at the Nov. 19 Berkeley Prep Invitational. Combs (160), David Pritz (189) and Kuhn (145) took individual top honors for coach Matt Smith's squad.

One of the most anticipated local matches this weekend is between Combs and Metz, who placed fourth at state last season.

In the 2004 tournament, Combs took home the individual title. He could conclude a rare feat by winning a third consecutive time this year.

Another top match is Cook against Lake Gibson's Anthony George at 119 pounds. Cook is a sophomore state qualifier from last season while George is fresh off of a state championship.

Crystal River's Joe Bertine should make waves in the watered-down 145 division.

Springstead and Hernando are not the only teams with realistic chances of taking home top honors at the tournament.

Citrus is a legitimate contender, coming off a runnerup finish at the Colt Invitational Tournament at North Marion. Other team favorites should include Lake Gibson and Gainesville.

In past years, this tournament has seen many different champions. Hernando came in a close second in 2004 to champion Flagler Palm Coast while attempting to defend its title. The Bulldogs are not returning to the field this time around.

WHERE: Hernando High

TIME: Today - Weigh-ins, 12:30 p.m.; first round, 3. Saturday - Restart, 10 a.m.; finals, 6 p.m.

TEAMS: Springstead, Hernando, Nature Coast Tech, Central, Citrus, Crystal River, Lecanto, River Ridge, Pasco, Zephyrhills, Wesley Chapel, Chamberlain, Sickles, Belleview, Dunnellon, Gainesville, Lake Weir, Ocala-Vanguard, Ocala-West Port, The Villages, Lake Gibson, Hudson, Mitchell.

[Last modified December 9, 2005, 01:18:14]