Florida flocks to Shark Tank for Gulf Coast Summer Duals

There are many quarters of football to be played before the wrestling mats are rolled out for the upcoming high school season, which made the surprisingly strong 14 team turnout at the first annual Gulf Coast Summer Duals, June 17-18, all that more impressive.

Photo by KEN LANE, Collier Citizen

T.G. Gayer (112 lb) of Palmetto Ridge goes up against Lely wrestler, Olen Walker, June 17, at the Gulf Coast Summer Duals.

Tournament organizer, Mike DiGrigoli said the turnout was a clear statement on the quality of wrestling here in Florida.

"It was impressive considering that nearly every one of the teams was able to bring their full roster," said DiGrigoli who is also the head coach for Gulf Coast. "It was an excellent tournament with some great competition and some key weight class matches."

Kissimmee-Osceola made the trip worth their while going undefeated, 8-0, and were crowned tournament champions. All teams wrestled eight dual meets over the two-day event. Host Gulf Coast finished the weekend 4-4, good enough for eighth spot.

Palmetto Ridge finished in the eleventh position with their 3-5 record and the Lely Trojans had a rough weekend finishing in last place with a 0-9 dual meet record.

"It was tough, but a good experience for a lot of our young wrestlers," said Lely Coach Tig Thompson. "This is a great tournament.

It brings the kids together and also brings in a lot of talent that we don't normally see here." Lely was led by seniors Smith Isme, Alan Porcena and Curtis Watson.

Photo by KEN LANE, Collier Citizen

Roosevelt Antoine (112 lb.) of Lely, June 17, at the Gulf Coat Summer Duals.

Senior Doug Nesmith was out of town but will also be a force in the coming season for the Trojans. The remainder of the Lely squad consists of sophomores and freshmen. Approximately 85 percent of the wrestlers are also on the football roster.

For Gulf Coast, DiGrigoli is confident that their incoming group will provide a more than impressive encore following the accomplishments of last year's state champion in the 215 pound weight class, Lee Campbell. Returning state qualifiers for the Sharks include Dustin Menley (171 lb.), Bobby Walker (189 lb.) and Joey Ruger (215 lb.).

Alex Kushman is also expected to be a contender for the Sharks.

"We should fare well next year," DiGrigoli said. "This tournament gave all of the teams a lot of experience and a good foundation going into the upcoming season." Final results for the tournament included Kissimmee-Osceola (8-0), Ft.

Myers (7-1), Deltona (6-2), Lemon Bay (6-2), Land o' Lakes (5-3), De Land (5-3), Charlotte (4-3), Gulf Coast (4-4), Barron Collier (3-5), Columbus (3-5), Palmetto Ridge (3-5), North Port (2-7), Atlantic (1-7) and Lely (0-9).