Bland, Grimmett Win State Wrestling Titles

SENIORS BECOME FIRST STATE CHAMPIONS IN SCHOOL HISTORY

By MARK PINSON | Highlands Today
Published: February 21, 2009
Updated: February 22, 2009 - 12:12 AM

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LAKELAND --

Avon Park seniors James Bland and Jace Grimmett became the school's first-ever state wrestling champions on Saturday night and the fourth-year program finished in fourth place at the Class 1A state wrestling meet at Lakeland Center.

Bland, a three-time district and regional champion, defeated Tronic Williams of South Fort Myers 14-5 to take the 160-pound weight class, while Red Devil senior Jace Grimmett won the heavyweight division with a 4-3 double-overtime decision over Lemon Bay's David Garlock.

Red Devil Kemosi Hatten took fourth in the 171-pound class, up a spot from his 2008 finish.

See Monday's Highlands Today for complete coverage, including photos and reaction from the state tournament.