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Breaking down regionals

By DEREK LARIVIERE
Published February 9, 2007

Outlook

After advancing 12 wrestlers out of the 14 weight classes and winning the Class A, District 5 title, Citrus is a serious contender to take the region crown. Standing in the Hurricanes' way is a rejuvenated program from Gulf (District 6). Cocoa Beach (District 7) and Lake Wales (District 8) also won their first-round tournaments, but neither is expected to put up as much of a fight as the stacked teams from Gulf and Citrus.

Hernando is a sleeper pick this weekend. Jesse Graham (140) and Nick Pauliot (189) are under-the-radar contenders for region titles to go with their district championships. If the supporting cast can win some matches, then Hernando could be a force in the team standings.

Hernando

Through all the turmoil and changes the Hernando program has gone through this season, the Leopards were still the district runnerups and advanced nine to the region tournament, including a district-high five champions.

The one to watch has to be state favorite Brandyn Kuhn (160). While Graham (140), Pauliot (189) and Taylor Rotunda (215) are all serious contenders to place at state, Kuhn is considered the consensus No. 1 160-pounder in Class A, and his first true postseason tests should come this weekend with Tony Germano of Hudson awaiting him.

Nature Coast

The Sharks are another team many thought might have been cursed coming into this postseason. Between Preston Williams, a former region qualifier, coming back to the team, then being suspended, and all the troubles the rest of the lineup had staying on the mat, coach Mike Lastra was not sure what to expect at the district tournament. He was pleasantly surprised.

Taequan Griffin, who had only wrestled for one full week in the regular season, won Nature Coast's first district title in school history as a fourth seed. Lee Lehman (215) and J.J. Baker (275) also had appearances in the championship finals as Nature Coast advanced five.

Outlook

No one is expected to challenge Brandon in its hunt for yet another region crown. But after coming in second last season to the perennial state powers, Springstead is looking to repeat in that spot. The road will not be easy with St. Cloud and Lake Gibson expected to lay down a serious challenge.

Coach Eric Swensen has dealt with some late-season obstacles in the forms of injuries and weight issues, but his program cruised for a 21st district title last weekend.

The Eagles had five Class 2A, District 5 champions and four others in the finals. After advancing all 14 members of its lineup in 2006, Springstead followed this season by moving on 12.

Springstead

Swensen made a last-minute decision to shift two-time state qualifier Steven Bliss from 112 pounds to 130, and the move paid off at districts. Bliss made it all the way to the finals before falling to Dunnellon's Derek Herring. Dustin Soto, his replacement at 112, took third last weekend and is a threat to advance to state.

Michael Heagney (189) and Keith Hansen (145), dealing with ankle and knee issues, respectively, got through the district with Heagney winning his weight class and Hansen getting dealt a loss in the finals. Hansen's injury could have kept him out, so his performance was all the more impressive.

Central

Vince Ramirez (135) and Miguel Molina (145) each made the championship finals last week for the Bears, with Ramirez almost winning his match over Land O'Lakes' Josh Kweller. The Gators favorite ended up taking a 10-9 decision. Central finished with a surprising total of seven wrestlers advancing.

Even more surprising was the absence of team leader and top grappler Gilbert Perez (140). After winning all-conference honors two weeks ago, Perez was expected to be a shoe-in for a spot at the region tournament. A last-minute ankle injury kept him out of the district tournament.

If you go

When: Today-Saturday

Where: South Florida Community College, Avon Park

Admission: $6 per session.

Schedule: Today - Weigh-ins, 10 a.m.; first round, noon. Saturday - Weigh-ins, 8 a.m.; semifinals, 10 a.m.; consolation finals, 6 p.m.; championship finals, 7:30 p.m.

Top contenders: Citrus, Crystal River, Hernando, Gulf, Pasco, Cocoa Beach, Astronaut, Lake Wales, Avon Park

When: Today-Saturday

Where: Polk Community College, Winter Haven

Admission: $6 per session.

Schedule: Today - Weigh-ins, 10 a.m.; first round, noon. Saturday - Weigh-ins, 8 a.m.; semifinals, 10 a.m.; consolation finals, 6 p.m.; championship finals, 7:30 p.m.

Top contenders: Brandon, Springstead, Lake Gibson, St. Cloud, Chamberlain

[Last modified February 8, 2007, 22:31:09]