Wrestler of the Year
Joe Cozart, Sr., Brandon (60-1)
Throughout his career, Cozart has found a way to step it up when it mattered — in the big matches and at the state tournament.
Most impressive accomplishment: Cozart, son of Brandon's legendary coach, carved his niche by joining one of the sport's most exclusive clubs. Before this season, only eight wrestlers had won four individual state championships. Cozart added his name by defeating Miami Palmetto's Quinn Hoffman 10-3.
Did you know? Ranked No. 4 in the country in his weight class by Amateur Wrestling News, Cozart made an oral commitment to Big 12 powerhouse Iowa State in October.
First team
103 — James Flint, 8th, Tampa Bay Christian, 36-5: The latest in a long line of lightweights to earn gold at Tampa Bay Christian.
112 — Terry Dawson, Sr., Brandon, 37-6: Failed to make weight at state but still was the best in the bay area.
119 — Rossi Bruno, So., Brandon, 61-0: Could become the first in state history with five individual state championships.
125 — Kevin Norstrem, Fr., Brandon, 59-2: One season removed from a state title at Tampa Bay Christian, Norstrem showed no jitters in a Brandon uniform on his way to a second.
130 — Tyler Liberatore, So., Brandon, 59-1: Found himself back atop the podium, just like when he was an eighth-grader at Tampa Prep.
135 — Ty Jones, Sr., Brandon, 51-12: Finally got a chance to shine and went 2-2 at state.
140 — Travis Berridge, Fr., Brandon, 51-14: Faced a brutal schedule in his first season with the Eagles, but he will be better for it in the long run.
145 — Clark Glass, So., Brandon, 57-3: Like Bruno, could win five individual state championships.
152 — T.J. Davis, Sr., Durant, 42-9: He considered the state tournament in his class "wide open" and took advantage by winning gold.
160 — Wes Jarrell, Sr., Tampa Prep, 43-5: After finishing fifth and sixth, respectively, at state the past two seasons, went 4-0 for the title.
171 — Kyle Koziel, So., Brandon, 53-4: Had 50 wins entering state and dominated there — pin, technical fall and major decision — until losing 5-3 in the final.
189 — Mike Ettore, Jr., Brandon, 55-4: Was actually better this season, when he didn't win a state title, than last, when he did.
215 — Zack Baldwin, Sr., Brandon, 56-4: Third place at state capped a tremendous career.
285 — Henry Chirino, Sr., Brandon, 56-1: Proved he was one of the most skilled, agile heavyweights in the nation by cruising through state.
Second team
103: William Joyce, So., Plant City, 43-9
112: Christian Dominguez, So., Jesuit, 23-8
119: Troy Joyce, 7th, Tampa Bay Christian, 35-9
125: Roger Phillips, Jr., Chamberlain, 41-12
130: Thomas LeBarre, Jr., Newsome, 35-15
135: Josh Fulford, Jr., Steinbrenner, 48-7
140: Anthony Cimino, Jr., Jesuit, 29-6
145: Ryan Pickren, So., Berkeley Prep, 32-7
152: Chandler Dobler, Sr., Newsome, 48-9
160: Wally Figaro, Jr., Brandon, 56-6
171: Titus Horner, Sr., Durant, 43-9
189: Connor Gallagly, Sr., Jesuit, 30-13
215: Garrett Fuglaar, Sr., Newsome, 41-9
285: Kyle Pielli, Sr., Alonso, 36-12
Honorable mention
Alonso: Tony Milanes. Brandon: Victor Fugate. Durant: Alex Hamm, Jared Rogers. Hillsborough: Joseph Lugo, Ben Richards, Romarchio Jones. Jefferson: Devin Acosta. Jesuit: Mike Popp, Kevin Nichols, Vince Lombardo, Michael Lamoureux. Lennard: Ian Mills, Kaylab Phillips. Leto: Killian Whitley. Middleton: Wilfredo Sierra, Jason Pierce. Newsome: Jake Drake. Plant City: Cody Chaney. Robinson: Chris Padilla, D.J. Woods. Spoto: Richard Santacruz, Eric White, James Aikman. Strawberry Crest: Abe Fernandez, Mark Livernois. Tampa Prep: Hector Fontanet. Wharton: Basim Saed, Keon Jordan
Coach of the Year
Russ Cozart, Brandon
For the first time in 10 seasons, the juggernaut that is Brandon would not be defending the Class 2A state title. Reclassification put the Eagles in 3A — the state's biggest class — with big-time programs such as Miami Columbus, Hialeah American and Kissimmee Osceola. But by Day 2 of the state tournament, Brandon held its usual comfortable advantage. And the Eagles won by 105 points.
By Derek LaRiviere, Times correspondent
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