Keys to The Streak

By JOE SMITH
Published January 3, 2008

Four keys to the streak

Brandon Wrestling Club: In some areas, kids start playing baseball at age 5. In Brandon, they wrestle. The Brandon Wrestling Club, a youth program run by Eagles coach Russ Cozart, has been like a feeder system of champions. In the early years, Cozart said it was like "banging my head against a wall" to get kids out, but now there are routinely 30 to 50. All in all, the kids have compiled more than 150 individual national titles in the past 15 years.

Stability: When Brandon started a wrestling program, it had three coaches in three years. But in the past 35 years it has had two, Jim Graves (8) and Russ Cozart (27). Their dedication to the program, from youth to high school, has sparked wrestlers from around the country to move in and become part of the tradition.

Schedule: For years, the Eagles have feasted on in-county competition. The county has set its schedule, like it does every other school, limiting Brandon's option of facing top-caliber out-of-area teams other than in invitationals, like the Graves Duals. Critics say Brandon has dodged other great teams, but as former county athletic director Vernon Korhn said, "They never ran from anybody."

Work ethic: The Eagles' workouts are almost legendary, second-to-none when it comes to precision and execution. Their administration has supported the program with great facilities, and they've taken advantage.

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

[Last modified January 3, 2008, 01:24:00]