Spiegel Tourney Signals Crunch Time

SEBRING - Holiday breaks are great for kids, who enjoy the time off from school and homework.
Wrestling coaches, on the other hand, seem to dread this time of year, as it tests each of their athlete's dedication to the sport.

"It's very difficult for us as coaches with the kids not being on a regular schedule," said Avon Park wrestling coach Lee Elder. "I know the kids are eager for competition, and we'll see how they fare on the mat."

Many of the area's best and promising wrestlers will look to shake off the extra helpings of holiday cheer when they converge on Blue Streak gym for the Spiegel Memorial Tournament, which begins at 10 this morning.

"It'll be good to get back into a regular routine," said Red Devil coach Ed Brown. "When the kids are on vacation, they have a lot of free time and that lends itself to a lot of downtime."

Avon Park and the host Blue Streaks will be one of 10 teams in the annual tournament, which kicks off the second half of the season, as many wrestlers start thinking about district tournaments.

Sebring wrestling coach Denny Hayes is using the tourney as a gauge on his team's dedication and commitment.

"I want to see improvement from my guys," Hayes said. "We've missed so many practices due to the vacation, and this will tell me where we're at as a team.

"It's going to be a short year if my guys can't win matches."
Sebring's top wrestler and tournament namesake, Shaanan Spiegel, has taken the obvious leadership role on a very young and depleted Blue Streak squad, but Hayes knows that may not be enough.

"Shaanan can only do so much," Hayes said. "It comes down to each wrestler and how much they want to put into this sport."

Many schools have dropped out the tournament due to lack of wrestlers who are still on vacation or due to injuries.

Avon Park will be missing Kermosi Hatten, who suffered an ankle injury during the break, but Coach Elder is hoping for a good showing at the prestigious meet.

"This meet gives the kids a gauge on how far they've come from the start of the season," Elder said. "The team is coming along fine, and I expect we'll see some surprises - good or bad - from our team.

"I know they can't wait to get rolling."