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Brandon Wrestlers Rebound At Ippolito

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By ADAM ADKINS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 19, 2008

BRANDON - So much for a hangover after the program's first loss in more than three decades. Brandon's wrestling team looked very good Friday in the first day of competition at the 24th annual Tony Ippolito Memorial Tournament.

The Eagles, on the mat for the first time since The Streak ended Jan. 5 with a loss to Homestead South Dade in the Graves Duals final, advanced all 14 wrestlers to today's quarterfinals. And most of them advanced quickly.

Sean Padgett (103 pounds), Terry Dawson (112), Eric Grajales (130), Joey Cozart (140), Wally Figaro (145), Zaq Berridge (160), David Austin (171) and heavyweight Aaron Fullenwider each pinned both of their opponents.

That helped the Eagles end the first day of the tournament with 103.5 points, 18.5 ahead of second-place Bradenton Manatee, which advanced 11 of its 14 wrestlers to the quarterfinals.

Alonso had the next-best day among local squads in the 30-team field. The Ravens, third after Day 1 with 67.5 points, advanced seven into the quarterfinals - Tony Milanes (103), Laz Palma (125), Josh Moore (130), Mike Roberts (140), Kurt Ivy (152), Jack Neuman (171) and Kendall Ivy (189).

Chamberlain (sixth), Bloomingdale (eighth), Robinson (ninth) and Jesuit (10th) also stood among the top 10 teams after the first day.

Tampa Prep senior Charles Tkatch picked up career victory No. 114, tying Nate Drummond's school record set in 2003.

Tkatch, who won his opening match before falling in his second to Chamberlain 135-pounder Troy Chisholm, scored the record-tying victory with a decision against Venice's Edgar Montero in the wrestlebacks.

"It feels pretty good. I was disappointed that I lost, but I've still got tomorrow, and then I've got districts, regionals and hopefully the state tournament to keep going," said Tkatch, a fifth-year varsity wrestler who was a state qualifier as a sophomore.

Tkatch, who still has a chance to finish as high as third, will go for the record this morning when wrestling resumes at 10 a.m. The finals are scheduled for 7 p.m.

Reporter Adam Adkins can be reached at (813) 657-4533 or aadkins@tampatrib.com.

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