Wrestling: Ready to level playing field

The Kiwanis Invitational is loaded with talent, including defending champion Springstead.

By DEREK J. LaRIVIERE, Times Correspondent
Published December 6, 2007

Hernando assistant Billy Combs has been the one constant in a program that is perennially ranked and has true state title contenders year in and year out. Combs also is the main organizer of the Kiwanis Invitational and has been key to the tournament's success for more than a decade. Combs breaks down this year's tournament to correspondent Derek LaRiviere.

How does the field look at this season's Kiwanis Invitational?

I've been doing this for a while. I wouldn't say this is the toughest I've ever seen, but it is definitely one of the toughest. Last season was a good tournament, but I think this one is shaping up to be a lot better. There are some very good programs that are going to be (at Hernando).

Which weight class will be the most stacked?

I think that 189 (pounds) is going to be a handful. First, you have (Hernando's Nick) Pauliot. Then you have four really talented guys from Jesuit (Chris Kavouklis), Pasco (Ray Perez), Hudson (William Bentley) and Sunlake (Jarret Baker). Four of those guys are state qualifiers (Pauliot, Kavouklis, Bentley and Perez). Then you have (Baker) taking (Bentley) the distance a couple weeks ago.

Four state qualifiers in any one weight class are going to make it difficult, of course.

Then you have 125 pounds. That one might even be harder to deal with. (Brent) Jorge, the kid from Lake Gibson, he's one of the best in the state. Springstead usually dominates in the lower weight classes, too. They have (C.J.) Cook (three-time state qualifier) here. (Daniel) Pritz is going to have his hands full if he is going get anywhere against those guys. Danny doesn't have the same body type that his brothers had, so he has to rely a little more on the technical parts of the sport.

Which programs have a legitimate shot at winning?

Of course, you have Springstead (defending champs) and us (Hernando). I think we have seven guys that we expect to place in their weight classes: (Taylor) Rotunda (215 pounds), Pauliot, Chris Bishop (130), Max Morrell (140), Tim Ball (152), Jesse Graham (145) and Pritz (125). Lake Gibson is always a strong team. Jesuit, Gulf and Crystal River will also be in the mix.

26th annual Kiwanis Invitational

Where: Hernando High, Brooksville

Friday: Weigh-ins, 1 p.m.; first round, 3

Saturday: Restart, 10 a.m.; finals, 6 p.m.

Who: Springstead, Lake Gibson, Tampa Jesuit, Hernando, Zephyrhills, North Marion, Ocala West Port, Central, South Lake, Belleview, Crystal River, Lecanto, Gulf, Mitchell, Sunlake, Lake Weir, Dunnellon, Pasco, River Ridge, Ridgewood, Nature Coast, Tampa Bay Christian, Land O'Lakes, Sickles, Wiregrass Ranch

The favorites

103 pounds: Dustin Soto, Springstead

112 pounds: Schuyler Swanton, Springstead

119 pounds: Anthony Borelli, Lake Gibson

125 pounds: Brent Jorge, Lake Gibson

130 pounds: Jordan Holding, Gulf

135 pounds: Vince Ramirez, Central

140 pounds: Joel Przybysz, Gulf

145 pounds: Jesse Graham, Hernando

152 pounds: Kevin Drawdy, Crystal River

160 pounds: Ryan Kuell, Lake Gibson

171 pounds: Jessey Lorentsen, Mitchell

189 pounds: Ray Perez, Pasco

215 pounds: Taylor Rotunda, Hernando

Heavyweight: Travis Tindell, Hudson

North Suncoast contenders

103 pounds: Jared Carpenter, Gulf

112 pounds: Dean Stupar, Ridgewood; Anthony Biondo, River Ridge

119 pounds: Skylar Huff, Springstead

125 pounds: C.J. Cook, Springstead; Daniel Pritz, Hernando; John Koney, Crystal River; Ken Supple, Central

130 pounds: Steven Bliss, Springstead; Chris Bishop, Hernando; Brian Scalise, Land O'Lakes

135 pounds: Allyn Williamson, Ridgewood

140 pounds: Max Morrill, Hernando

145 pounds: Dustin Panaccione, Crystal River

152 pounds: Tim Ball, Hernando; Thad Klenovich, Springstead

160 pounds: Pete Rauache, Mitchell

171 pounds: Jacob Ritter, Gulf

189 pounds: William Bentley, Hudson; Nick Pauliot, Hernando, Martin Levinson, Gulf; Jarret Baker, Sunlake

215 pounds: Ryan Cassidy, Mitchell; Josh Soto, River Ridge

Heavyweight: Carlos Ramirez, Springstead; Anthony Colello, River Ridge; J.J. Baker, Nature Coast

[Last modified December 5, 2007, 22:07:18]