TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Bloomingdale Makes Opening Statement

ADVERTISEMENT

By ADAM ADKINS

aadkins@tampatrib.com

Published: January 24, 2009

BRANDON - Considering Bloomingdale entered the 25th annual Tony Ippolito Memorial Tournament at Brandon short three starters, Bulls coach Donny Peek was more than happy with where his team stood after the first day of wrestling.
Bloomingdale was fourth in the team standings after Day 1 with 77.5 points and had eight wrestlers advance to today's quarterfinals. Among them were top-seeded 140-pounder Carlos Montero and top-seeded 160-pounder Chris Figari, as well as unseeded 130-pounder Alex Denmon.

"With a full lineup, we were looking at placing in the top three. That would have been our goal," said Peek, who lost two starters to injury and another because he is taking the SAT today. "With what has happened, to make it in the top five, I'll be pleased."

A top-five finish could very well be in the cards for the Bulls, but catching tournament host Brandon is going to be a mighty challenge for everyone in the 32-team field.

The Eagles were perfect on Day 1, advancing all 14 wrestlers to the quarterfinals, and held the top spot in the team standings with 104 points, ahead of Springstead (91) and Bradenton Manatee (90.5). Top-seeded Eagles Ryan Renkey (112), Rossi Bruno (119), Clark Glass (130), Eric Grajales (135) and Joe Cozart (145) each scored pins or technical falls in both of their victories.

Alonso also had a good day Friday and stood in fifth place with 73 points, advancing seven wrestlers to the quarterfinals. Among them was top-seeded 189-pounder Kendall Ivy, who pinned each of his first two opponents.

The Ravens will have their work cut out for them today, however. Three wrestlers - Josh Moore (135) Mike Roberts (152) and Kyle Pielli (285) - have quarterfinal matchups against the top seeds in their weight classes.

"It will show what were made of," Alonso coach John Moore said.

The only other Hillsborough County wrestler to earn a top seed not from Brandon, Bloomingdale or Alonso was Robinson heavyweight Mike Benitez. Benitez also advanced to the quarterfinals, scoring a pin in 44 seconds in the round of 16 after receiving a first-round bye.

Wrestling begins today at 10 a.m. at Brandon. The finals are scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

RENKEY PICKS ARMY: Brandon senior wrestler Ryan Renkey has signed with the United States Military Academy at West Point, Eagles coach Russ Cozart said.

Renkey, who improved to 43-1 on Friday, transferred to Brandon this season. He was a state champion in Arizona and finished third at the North Carolina state tournament before coming to Brandon.

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

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT