Gulf Coast wrestling claims third straight district title

Photo by KEN LANE

Elias Rey of Palmetto Ridge, the 119 lb. weight class champion for 1A District 12, with a season record of 47-4.

Of the schools competing in last weekend’s 2A District 12 wrestling competition at Gulf Coast High School, the home team Sharks and Lely Trojans both turned in outstanding performances, with Gulf Coast earning a third straight district championship for its mantle.

The Sharks rode the effort of senior sensation Lee Campbell, who finished yet another tournament without a blemish and or having given up a score. Meanwhile, Jameson Jean-Gilles led the charge for the Trojans’ efforts, as he improved to 24-1 on the season.

“He’s just a very steady kid,” Lely coach Steve Pricer said. “He’s bright and outstanding, and does whatever he needs to do to win.”

Jean-Gilles attributes his success on the mats to his athleticism.

“I’m a three sport guy,” Jean-Gilles said. “I run cross country and track and wrestle, so I’m always in shape.” He continued.

Jean-Gilles is also building off the motivation of his finish last season.

“I take these matches one match at a time,” he said. “But I finished sixth at states last year, and I have to work hard at that.”

Gulf Coast coach Mike DiGrigoli was also appreciative of the effort his best wrestler put forth.

“Lee (Campbell) hasn’t been able to practice much lately,” DiGrigoli said. “But he still finds a way to come out and dominate.”

More impressively, Campbell has not had the chance to work into a comfort zone, as Gulf Coast has participated in many tournaments this season, which invite many out-of-area schools to compete.

“Coach sets us up through different tournaments,” Campbell said. “It’s good to see new, tough competition,” he added.

Photo by KEN LANE

Gulf Coast’s Lee Campbell (Sr.), with a current record of 31-0, looks to contend for a wrestling state title in the 215 lb. weight class. Campbell has accepted a full scholarship to play football at the University of Minnesota.

Campbell, like Jean-Gilles, though very successful, knows not to just go through the motions and expect to win.

“I just don’t take any match for granted,” Campbell said. “Wrestling is probably the toughest sport you can play. It’s mentally and physically tough. I have so much respect for anyone who just competes on a wrestling team,” he added.

Gulf Coast sent seven wrestlers to championship matches, winning three of them.

“The three guys that won for us today were number one seeds, so we’re happy to see them go out and win,” DiGrigoli said. “Sometimes it’s harder to perform when you start out on top like that.”

Though Lely didn’t have as many wrestlers in finals matches, three of Pricer’s competitors won district championships as well.

“Smith Isme wrestled great for us today,” Pricer said. “Junior Desir also did an outstanding job.”

Lely will now send eight of their wrestlers to the regional meet, held at Charlotte High School (Punta Gorda), Feb. 10-11, where they will meet up with Gulf Coast yet again.

With two more strong performances under their belts, both Gulf Coast and Lely can bring some momentum into their next matches.

“Overall, top to bottom, I’m really proud. These guys did their best and that’s all you can ask for,” DiGrigoli said.

The Palmetto Ridge Bears cruised through the 1A District 12 championships crowning seven district champions, Feb. 3, on their home mat. The Bears surpassed second place LaBelle by 98.5 points.

“It felt awesome to take the district championship,” said Bears Head Coach Mark Rosenbalm on the first boys’ district championship in school history. “The team wrestled well and it should be an excellent stepping stone going into the regional tourney.”

The Golden Gate Titans took third with 109.5 team points. Titan individual district champions include Brian Milner (103 lb.) and Juan Gomez (145 lb.). The Titans will host the 1A Region 3 Tournament, Feb. 10-11, which will include Palmetto Ridge.