Wildcats test strength against noncounty foes

By KELLIE DIXON
Published July 1, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - Kamran Joyer struggled for grip in the sand pit as he tried to crawl forward with the tug-of-war rope wrapped around his waist.

Joyer anchored the Wesley Chapel team that labored fiercely against the competition in the tug-of-war contest, one of six events during Friday's toughman competition at Nature Coast.

Wesley Chapel won that match, but was eliminated later after losing to Nature Coast and Countryside. Though Wesley Chapel only brought five people - mostly offensive linemen - the squad dominated the 185-pound bench press and finished fifth overall among 10 teams when the day concluded. Five schools - Wesley Chapel, Armwood, Countryside, East Lake and Nature Coast - participated.

Joyer, a 6-foot-31/2 320-pound rising junior, will play right guard this season for the Wildcats on an offensive line that averages 6 feet 3 and 280 pounds. He was joined Friday by senior tight end/defensive end Patrick Pate, sophomore guard/tackle RJ Nixon, senior right tackle/defensive lineman Charles Van Zandt and freshman running back/linebacker Hunter Joyer.

Jack Joyer, an assistant coach and father of Kamran and Hunter, was filling in for head coach John Castelamare, who was on vacation. Jack Joyer said the event was just fun, but the team has high hopes for the season.

"They expect to go at least 8-2, " Jack Joyer said. "Their offensive line is really good."

[Last modified June 30, 2007, 22:22:58]