Hubbard paces Devils

After reaching the second round of last year's Class 1A state wrestling finals, Avon Park's Charles Hubbard is determined to improve on that performance this season.

The Red Devils junior grappler is off to a good start after dominating and winning the 160-pound weight class in Saturday's prestigious Citrus Tournament at Citrus High School.

Hubbard's impressive effort, which included five matches against a stellar field of wrestlers, was highlighted by a pin in the final.

"We have a very young and inexperienced team and Charles showed some veteran leadership," said Avon Park co-coach Lee Elder. "Charles wants to win a state championship and is determined to do whatever it takes to achieve that goal."

Clay High School finished first in the team competition, while Hubbard's first-place effort helped the Red Devils to a ninth-place finish in the talented 18-team field.

Avon Park's young squad wrestled hard and the Red Devils continue to learn every time they take the mat.

"We lost two state champions and two medalists off last year's team and we're working with the kids on the fundamentals of the sport," said Elder. "We're proud of our kids because they competed hard and did the best they could against top competition.

"The kids are eager to learn and we're coaching them up, but the only way they're going to get better is by competing in matches."

Avon Park has six seniors on this year's squad, which includes Raymond Arango, who wrestles at 285, Ricardo Barton competes at 160, Robert Cabrera is at 189, John Chittum at 125, Josh Sala at 130 and Omar Torres competes in the 171-pound weight class.

"These guys, along with Charles, have wrestled before and they know what it takes to succeed," said Elder. "They all work hard and give us good leadership."

Hubbard's outstanding effort was notable because of his smart wrestling.

"Charles really impressed me," said Red Devil co-coach Ed Brown. "He's usually a get-in -your face type wrestler who likes to rumble, but he wrestled smart and executed really well. With this being his first real competition, he did some things I didn't expect and kept his head screwed on straight. He was thoughtful, executed his plan and came out a champion and that's great."

Competing against top teams is the best way for Avon Park to improve.

"For us to finish ninth is pretty good considering the tournament had some very good teams and was a great experience for our kids," Brown said. "There were 30 state qualifiers in the first seven weight classes, which gives you an idea of how tough the competition was. That's why we compete in the tournament because it gives the kids a good measuring stick and shows them what they need to work on."

Avon Park is back on the mat at 6 tonight with its first regular-season home meet against Frostproof.

For the complete story and pictures from the wrestling meet, be sure to check out Thursday's Highlands Today sports section.