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Alonzo High School was lucky Lazaro Valladares transferred just in time for its inaugural season. And this year he hopes to be a bonafide state contender.
By TERRY JONES
© St. Petersburg Times, published December 28, 2001
WESTCHASE -- In two years of wrestling, 16-year-old Westchase resident Lazaro Valladares learned many of the basics of his sport. But he wanted more.
He wants to become a state-champion caliber wrestler.
He transferred to Alonzo High School this year from Jefferson. Knowing he would be part of a new program in a new school was exciting. It was a fresh start, a new coach and an opportunity to help build the Ravens into what he hopes will be a successful program.
To prepare, the Alonzo junior spent the summer working out and training with the Guardian Wrestling Club, directed by Sickles coach Terry Brockland. Several times a week, Valladares drove to Sickles to practice the basics and strengthen his body. He spent weekends competing in tournaments with some of the state's toughest opponents.
His results so far have been exceptional.
After competing in two tournaments and five dual matches, his record is 10-3 at 119 pounds, an intensely competitive weight class. Included in his 10 victories are nine pins.
"Lazaro is a welcome relief for myself and the team in our inaugural season," Ravens coach John Moore said. "We have very little to start with this season as far as experienced wrestlers, and Lazaro is one of our best.
"His tireless work ethic is a good example to the rest of the team.".
Valladares, however, said he continues to struggle in one area. He does well in dual matches, but he has a hard time getting prepared for additional matches, sometimes as many as four in a single day.
Consequently, all three of his losses are in tournaments.
"I don't want to be a second-rate wrestler," Valladares said. "I want to be a state champion, so I have got to work on the mental part of my matches. . . . I know I can do it. I have a 3.9 GPA taking honors courses, so if I can focus in academics, I can do it in wrestling."
His best wrestling so far has been on the mats. He said he does best with pinning combinations, not the takedowns.
In his freshman and sophomore wrestling seasons with the Dragons, he placed in the top four of his weight class and qualified for the regional meets. This season he hopes to place high in the regionals and qualify for his first state tournament. He also wants to win the individual championship for his weight in districts.
Winning the individual championship at 119-pound weight class would make Valladares a bonafide state contender. The 10-team district includes defending state team champion Brandon, plus tough opponents from Durant and Sickles.
Nonetheless, Valladares is confident.
"I have nothing to lose," he said. "I train hard with my team and coaches, then I work hard on my own. . . That is the only way I know to help my team build a good program."