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Brandon Hopes To Shatter Mark

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By ADAM ADKINS

aadkins@tampatrib.com

Published: February 19, 2009

The 2008-09 wrestling season appeared on the surface like a typical one for the Brandon High Eagles. They spent the season rolling over the competition, much the way they have done the past two-plus decades under longtime coach Russ Cozart.

This, however, is far from a typical Brandon squad. In fact, Cozart has admitted in recent weeks this could be one of his best groups.

And therein lies the most interesting aspect as the Eagles head to the state tournament this weekend. This season's Eagles squad will have an opportunity to prove that claim, not by merely winning another team title - as they are expected to do - but by accomplishing something no other Brandon squad has done before.

Three times in the program's storied history (2002, 2004 and 2006) Brandon has had six wrestlers win individual state titles, a mark that stands as a state record. With 12 Eagles heading to this year's state tournament, most of whom are considered strong title contenders, Brandon is heading to The Lakeland Center with all intentions of besting that mark.

"It's something we've been thinking about," Cozart said. "When going into the state meet as heavy favorites as we are and the talent we have and the consistency we've shown, you think that we might be able to pull this off. You want to make sure when state comes that you get enough points to win the team title and the kids do their best, you know. We kind of want to put things in perspective here. But we definitely have talent and definitely might be able to pull this off."

To illustrate just how tough the Eagles are this season, consider first that three wrestlers who finished as state runners-up a year ago and still were eligible to compete this season were unable to crack the lineup. Combine that with the fact seven of Brandon's 12 wrestlers who will compete at state this weekend - freshmen Rossi Bruno, Tyler Liberatore and Clark Glass, junior Joe Cozart and seniors Eric Grajales, Kevin Timothy and Ryan Renkey - already have at least one state title on their resume. Grajales, the Eagles' senior standout, also will attempt to become only the eighth wrestler in state history to win four individual titles during his high school career.

"We definitely can put the state on edge and definitely rock it with that type of performance," Coach Cozart said of setting the record. "If we get on a roll we can make this happen. These kids got fire in their eyes. I've seen this all year out of these guys. These guys work hard. Not only do they work hard, but they have determination."

Reporter Adam Adkins can be reached at (813) 259-7616.

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