Devils, Streaks qualify 12 for regionals

The Avon Park and Sebring wrestlers came through with some impressive performances in their respective district meets over the weekend.

Because of numerous injuries and ailments, the Sebring wrestling team wasn't at full strength for Friday's Class 2A-District 6 wrestling meet.

The Blue Streaks had 10 wrestlers compete in the eight-team tournament, with the top four individuals in each of the 14 different weight classes advancing to Friday and Saturday's regional competition at Lake Gibson High School.

"We were missing a lot of kids," said Sebring coach Josh Miller. "We had some guys that are hurt and banged up, but the guys that competed for us gained a lot of experience."

Lake Gibson dominated the meet and finished first, while Sebring, which finished seventh, had four wrestlers qualify for the regionals.

Sebring freshman Cody Kennedy finished fourth in the 103-pound weight class with a solid effort against tough competition.

"Cody had a pretty good day," Miller said. "He should have finished third, but he lost to a guy he had beaten earlier in the day. Cody continues to learn with each match and he always gives a good effort."

Sophomore Cody Spiegel won the 135-pound weight class with a dominating effort in the finals.

"Cody did great," said the Blue Streak coach. "He beat a Lake Gibson wrestler in the final and finally clamed down and saved his bursts of energy for the right time. He's a great wrestler and he had the Lake Gibson kid drained by the end of the final match."

Blue Streak senior co-captain Michael Polatty placed second in the 140-pound weight class after losing a tough match in the finals against a Lake Gibson grappler.

"Michael wrestled well and battled the best he could," said Miller. "He lost to the same kid last week at the Polk County Invitational, but he was sick this week and wasn't at full strength. We're going to work on his cardiovascular stamina this week in practice and he'll be ready to go for the regional meet."

Junior co-captain Andrew Cooper claimed fourth in the 215-pound division to punch his ticket for the regional meet.

"Andrew wrestled solid," Miller said. "Things are slowing down for him and he's really stepped up and filled a leadership role for us. He's worked his tail off and deserves to move on to regionals."

Sebring had several freshmen on its squad this year and the experience they gained on the mat is invaluable.

"We were a very young and inexperienced team this year," Miller said. "But our guys wrestled hard, put a lot of effort into improving and that's going to pay off in a big way in the next few years for us."

Avon Park had eight wrestlers advance out of Saturday's Class 1A-District 7 meet at McKeel Academy (Lakeland).

The Red Devils finished third in the eight-team meet, which was won by host school McKeel Academy, with Mulberry placing second.

Leading the way for Avon Park were junior Charles Hubbard, who won the 160-pound weight class for the third consecutive year and senior Omar Torres, who dominated the 171-pound weight class.

"Charles and Omar wrestled well and both were district champions last year," said Avon Park co-coach Lee Elder. "They are team leaders, displayed great effort and tenacity in winning their weight classes and showed the other guys what it takes to be a district champion.

"Charles pinned all three of his opponents and has had a solid season for us and Omar overcame some back problems to win his division and they both have a good chance to make it to the state finals if they stay healthy and focused."

Freshman Johnny Baldridge qualified for the regional meet with a second-place finish in the 103-pound division, sophomore Miguel Perkins finished fourth at 112 pounds, senior John Chittum came in third at 119 pounds and sophomore Jessie Guzman came in third at 140 pounds.

Wade O'Conner came in fourth at 152 pounds and junior Cody Schonek finished third at 215 pounds.

"We stressed all week to the guys that the regular season was practice and the district meet is where they had to perform their best," Elder said. "They knew they had to wrestle well or their season was over.

"I'm proud of all the guys because the competition was tough and it's going to be even tougher at the regional meet."

The regional competition will take place on Friday and Saturday at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast.

"Our guys have to be ready for regionals because the other wrestlers want to win just as bad as they do," said Elder. "Every point is important and I know our guys will give their best and we'll see what happens."