Familiar face among Countryside finalists

Dave Frayer, the county's winningest wrestling coach, is a finalist to return to Countryside.

By JOE SMITH
Published April 5, 2007

Dave Frayer, the county's winningest wrestling coach, is a finalist to return to Countryside, a program he led to two state titles.

Frayer, who retired in 2004 after 24 seasons, joins assistant Mark Prince and former Tarpon Springs coach Russ Schenk as the top three candidates, assistant principal Liz Collins said.

Collins said a decision could come as soon as Friday on who will replace the retired Greg Chapman. Frayer said he had no idea he was a finalist. He told the Times a month ago he expressed an interest in coming back with the thought of handing over the reins to his son Jared in a few years.

Collins said once the wrestling job is decided, the school will move on to its other openings - boys basketball and baseball.

CRABB A GATOR: Lakewood senior Ali Crabb will run cross country for the University of Florida next season.

Crabb said she will receive a partial scholarship and spot on the team, but likely will have to "work my way up" to the top seven "in the next year or two."

Crabb, who finished sixth in last season's Class 3A race, turned down more scholarship money and a chance to contribute right away at the University of South Carolina and Florida Atlantic.

As Lakewood's valedictorian, Crabb (3.97 grade point average, 1260 SAT) is close to qualifying for a Bright Futures scholarship.

"I'm really excited," Crabb said. "It's a great program with a lot of talented runners. I'm looking forward to trying to work my way up and contribute."

MONCOL TO JACKSONVILLE: Clearwater defensive lineman Kirk Moncol committed to Jacksonville University on Tuesday evening. The 6-foot-1, 270-pound senior racked up 59 tackles and earned second-team all-conference and Times all-county honorable mention. Moncol chose Jacksonville, coached by former Gators quarterback Kerwin Bell, over offers from West Virginia Wesleyan and John Carroll University.

CCC COMMITMENTS: Clearwater Central Catholic receivers Jordan Becker (UCF) and Chris Campbell (Mount Union College in Ohio) will play college football next year. Becker will be a preferred walk-on, likely playing defensive back for the Golden Knights. Campbell, who had more than 1,000 career receiving yards, will play wideout for the D-III program. CCC defensive lineman Jarrett Fisher signed with Quincy University, a D-II school in Illinois.

CCC RALLIES: Clearwater Central Catholic started Wednesday night with a 6-0 deficit and a pitcher without of focus. The host Marauders finished the night with a 10-8 victory over Ridgewood and the starting pitcher getting the win.

"We didn't need a six-spot," CCC baseball coach Todd Vaughan said. "We just needed to keep pecking away."

Down 6-4 in the fourth inning, Zach Upton smacked a three-run home run for the lead. The Marauders never trailed again.

Dante Roberts picked up the win on the mound. He pitched into the sixth inning before Trevor Campbell and Ryan Acosta finished. Nick Leone went 3-for-4 for the Marauders (13-4). Ryan Acosta had a big three-run double in the fifth inning.

Times staff writer Bob Putnam and correspondent Doug Kates contributed to this report.

[Last modified April 5, 2007, 00:03:10]