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East Lake Tops In District

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By LEE DIEKEMPER, Tribune correspondent

Published: January 31, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - Usually Countryside High School's wrestling team winning a district is a mere formality.

In fact, current coach Mark Prince couldn't remember the last time the Cougars did not win a district title.

But he will remember Wednesday night.

The reigning Pinellas County Athletic Conference champion Cougars were upended in the Class 3A-6 districts by rival East Lake. The Eagles nudged the Cougars 189 to Countryside's 187. Sarasota finished third while Mitchell placed fourth with 125.5 and 94.5 points, respectively.

"I don't think we have lost a district where we won the PCAC title," Prince said. "I don't think that has ever happened."

Although East Lake's district title win over Countryside may not have been a complete surprise.

"I was concerned coming in," Prince said. "We don't have the depth for a tournament with eight teams."

"Countryside beat us pretty good in duals this year," East Lake assistant Joe Bedtis said. "I think we came out with a little more heart this time. We are peaking at the right time. I told them all year everything is a steppingstone to this part of the year."

The top four wrestlers in each weight category advanced to region play. Of the 14 wrestlers who competed Wednesday for East Lake, 13 qualified for region competition next week.

The Cougars won five weight classes compared with three weight classes by East Lake. Dalton Dennis 103), Kyle Grueninger (112), Tyler Perry (130), Eric Deupree (135) and, Dustin Incorvia (152) were the Countryside champions while East Lake's Hugh Do (140), Nick Sholley (145) and Alex Dinielli (285) captured eight class titles.

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