Countryside leads county contingent

One Cougar can win a title, as can a Falcon, and a slew of others are in line to medal.

By DOUG KATES
Published February 17, 2007

LAKELAND - Not only can Countryside capture a state individual title in Lakeland today, but six can bring home a medal.

"Six for six," is how coach Greg Chapman described Thursday's action. He brought six kids and they are all alive. Sophomore Kyle Grueninger leads the parade with a shot at the 3A 112-pound championship today.

"The kids just came through," Chapman said. "This is phenomenal."

Grueninger (43-7) didn't make it out of regionals last year. So far in Lakeland he has two major decisions and a 4-3 decision.

"I can get excited, but when it comes down to it, I have to get focused and prepare for my next match," he said.

The Cougars had two in the semifinals. Shawn Sprentall (38-5) lost to Gabe Chandler (16-1) of Miami at 103, but still has a shot at third place. Grueninger will face twin Eric Chandler (37-0) for his title shot.

Countryside's Tyler Parry (125), Eric Deupree (130), Brandon Lopez (140) and Dan Hepburn (285) are all 2-1 and they are four of 12 Pinellas County wrestlers alive. Fourteen were eliminated.

Overall, the county has two shots at state titles. Joining Grueninger in the finals will be Dante Graham of Dunedin, who is 3-0. Graham (38-4) defeated Tom Oswald of St. Cloud in a semifinal overtime rideout. Oswald entered with 48 wins. The Falcons have only had one state champion and that was in the 1970s.

Also in the quest for medals are Adam Gibson of Largo, Travis Williams of Dixie Hollins, Devontay Harrington and Dylan Mundella of Northeast, and Danny Miller of Dunedin. All are 2-1.

[Last modified February 16, 2007, 23:15:28]