Streak timeline

By JOE SMITH
Published January 3, 2008

The 1970s

Feb. 20, 1973: In the final match of the regular season, Bradenton Manatee beats Brandon 28-19, leaving the Eagles 12-1.

Jan. 25, 1974: Manatee and Brandon wrestle to a tie at 24, the last time the Eagles did not win a dual meet.

Jan. 16, 1975: Brandon edges nemesis Manatee 29-23 in a dual meet and goes on to post its first unbeaten dual meet season.

Dec. 11, 1976: The Eagles beat defending state champion Miami Palmetto 30-17. In a conversation about the match, Palmetto coaches mention the win streak, causing Brandon coach Jim Graves to take note. It stands at 31 victories and 40 matches without a loss.

The 1980s

March 1, 1980: The state meet is Graves' final appearance as Brandon coach. He retires with a record of 97-11-1, including 75 consecutive dual meet victories.

Feb. 27, 1982: Coach Russ Cozart leads the Eagles to the first of his eight state titles as Brandon coach.

Feb. 6, 1988: A 76-6 win over Hillsborough gives Brandon 176 dual meet victories in a row, one more than previous national record holder Bismarck, N.D.

The 1990s

Jan. 19, 1997: Brandon defeats Chamberlain 59-14, extending its unbeaten streak to 293, breaking the national record for consecutive victories in any sport.

March 15, 1998: Brandon wins 11th state title with 141 points, breaking its previous record.

Aug. 15, 1998: Cozart wins his fourth consecutive gold medal in as many World Masters Wrestling Championships.

2000 and beyond

Feb. 24, 2001: Brandon wins 12th state title with record 156.5 points.

Feb. 23, 2002: Brandon wins 13th state title with 124 points, 17 ahead of second-place St. Thomas Aquinas.

Compiled by Times staff

[Last modified January 3, 2008, 01:26:53]