District wrestling, 3A-6: Brandon crowns 12 champs, 14 advance to region

PLANT CITY — Brandon needs entire trophy cases dedicated to just its district wrestling trophies.

The storied Eagles program added another 3A-6 district title Saturday, continuing the streak that started in 1975. That was before coach Russ Cozart took over the program. It was also before some of Cozart's assistants were born.

No matter, Brandon placed wrestlers in the finals of all 14 weight classes, winning 12, and had clinched the team title before the championship finals even started.

The Eagles recorded 299.5 points while host and runnerup Durant scored 178.

More important, the top four wrestlers in each class advance to the region tournament, hosted by Brandon, beginningFriday. The finals are scheduled to start at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Eagles junior Kevin Norstrem continued his undefeated season (54-0), posting an 18-4 decision in the 132-pound final. The three-time state champion displays a flamboyant style, at least in comparison to the rest of his teammates. But that is not discouraged by his head coach.

"I don't want everybody to wrestle the same," Cozart said. "I try to take the personality and put a good offensive style with it. He scores points, that's what matters."

Plant City's 120-pounder William Joyce scored the only overtime win in the finals when he executed a takedown at the 7:46 mark.

The Eagles' other champions were: Dylan Lucas (106), James Flint (113), Rossi Bruno (126), Troy Joyce (138), Dakota Greene (145), Travis Berridge (152), Clark Glass (160), Jacob Haydock (170), Kyle Koziel (180), Robert Enmon (195), and John Summit (220).

In the final match of the tournament, Durant fans roared as 285-pound junior Richard Woods pinned Brandon's Darren Lester at 1:56 to record the Cougars' lone victory.

Brandon saw all of its wrestlers qualify for the region tournament next weekend. Durant will be sending 11, while Riverview advanced eight.