Pasco wrestler Eric Stroud found himself in an uncomfortable position. Good friend Ray Perez had just finished his match for a shot at the Class 1A 189-pound state title. ...more

December 25, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - Last summer, when Ray Perez participated in the monthlong J Robinson Wrestling Camp in Minnesota, he got a feel for what life would be like away from home. ...more

August 6, 2008

Midway through the state wrestling tournament at The Lakeland Center in February, Eric Stroud revealed what was then a recent epiphany. ...more

May 28, 2008

The sport of wrestling generally turns people into philosophers, but the beast that is the state tournament can transform your average Joe into a full-fledged Socrates. ...more

February 19, 2008

Standing near the retaining wall inside The Lakeland Center, Pasco High's Eric Stroud and Ray Perez hugged. ...more

February 18, 2008

Things certainly didn't go Brandon's way when the championship finals of the state wrestling tournament began Saturday night at The Lakeland Center. But when everything was done, the Eagles were still exiting the building with the piece of hardware they'd come to claim. ...more

February 17, 2008

When Eric Stroud of Pasco gets on the mat, he has to battle whether he should have fun or be serious. Opponents would rather he be serious. ...more

February 16, 2008

Brandon has not mathematically clinched the Class 2A state wrestling title, but one thing is for certain: The Eagles, eyeing their eighth consecutive team state title and 19th overall, control their own destiny in tonight's championship finals. ...more

February 16, 2008

Bloomingdale coach Donny Peek certainly wasn't complaining about his team's early exit from The Lakeland Center on Thursday, the opening day of the state wrestling tournament. In fact, Peek was smiling about it. ...more

February 15, 2008

LAND O' LAKES - Sitting inside River Ridge Presbyterian Church on Sunday morning, Hudson heavyweight Travis Tindell couldn't shake the thoughts of his regional tournament experience. ...more

February 11, 2008