Siblings of the streak

By JOE SMITH
Published January 3, 2008

Siblings of the streak

The Brandon wrestling program has benefited from several standout groups of brothers - and families - who brought the Eagles to new heights. Here are a few:

The Ippolitos

The Ippolito name will forever be etched in county wrestling lore. Tony was Brandon's and Hillsborough County's first state champ in 1974. Alex was third at state in 1975. An invitational tournament in January is now named in honor of Tony Ippolito, who died of cancer in 1990 at age 33.

The Lambrechts

Josh and Zac were the first brothers to win an individual state title in the same season at Brandon (1998). Josh, who went 35-0 with a state-record 28 pins, nearly captured a national title for Oklahoma in 2002; he was up 12 points with 15 seconds to go in the final before getting pinned. Zac is now a minister in Memphis.

The Cozarts

Rocky and Joey, sons of longtime Brandon coach Russ Cozart, were born to wrestle. Each had different styles, with the more physical Rocky winning three state titles (2003-05) while Joey, more of a thinker, is a junior and defending state champ. Rocky is at Michigan State University.

The Grajaleses

In 2000, the Grajales family bought a lot within walking distance of Brandon and built a home so their sons could wrestle for the Eagles. Cesar Jr. became the first Brandon wrestler to win four individual state titles (2002-05). Eric, now a junior, has won back-to-back state titles and is one of the nation's top-ranked wrestlers. Cesar is now at Penn.

The Joyces

Sean Joyce won four state titles (2004-07). In 2007, Joyce finished 48-0 en route to earning Florida Dairy Farmers Wrestler of the Year honors. He now wrestles at West Point. Joyce's older brother, Ryan, won his state title in 2003 and is at Missouri. Their dad, Mike, was on the East Bay team that almost broke the streak. He beat his Brandon opponent.

The Timothys

Tommy (state champ in 2007) and Kevin, a junior and defending state runnerup, both wrestled with the Brandon Wrestling Club as youngsters, then the military family moved to Virginia. Now they are back, with Tommy in college and Kevin soon to follow.

The Hutchinsons

With twins Tommy and Eddiejust out of diapers, Cozart taught them wrestling moves, using Big Bird from Sesame Street as a tool.

Together, Tommy and Eddie each earned All-America honors in age group competition and were four-year state placers (2002-05); younger brother Nick is a two-year placer and a junior.

The Gustafsons

Wrestling was in the Gustafsons' blood and shaped their later careers. Todd (state champ in 1983-84) is a lieutenant colonel in the Army after spending several years as a special forces ranger. Bret (state champ 1986-87) is an international model. Older brother Tony graduated in 1979.

The Hendricksons

Bob was state champ in 1985 and has been an assistant for more than two decades. Mother Pat Hendrickson is team statistician and "team mom" at every match. Her grandsons are Tommy and Eddie Hutchinson.

Compiled by Joe Smith and Terry Jones

[Last modified January 3, 2008, 02:32:46]