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Osceola’s Cooper Haase (left) was one of the three Kowboys state champions last year. PHOTO/J. DANIEL PEARSON
When sophomore Cooper Haase manhandled Venice’s Bryce Taranto in the 120-pound championship final last March, it gave Osceola High School an individual state wrestling champion for a 15th consecutive year. For good measure, Osceola captured two other titles (Jaekus Hines, 138; freshman Gunner Holland, 152) to give them three state champions in 2020-21. It is an impressive streak that head coach Jim Bird says his school both celebrates and strives to extend as each new season approaches.
“It’s not something we shy away from or are afraid that we are going to jinx by talking about it; rather the streak is a tremendous source of pride within our program. We talk about it at the first meeting every year,” Bird said. “We look around the room and ask the wrestlers – who’s going to be the next champion?”
The streak started in 2006-07 with Alex Eggers and has seen 16 Kowboys wrestlers claim 29 individual championships. In coincides with another streak where Osceola has finished in the top six teams in the state for the last 15 years.
This year should be no different. The Kowboys return state champions in Haase (a junior who went 42-1 last season) and Holland (29-5). Sophomore Anderson Heap (35-3) second in the state tournament; as does experienced senior George Duncan (15-6), sophomore Bryan Gari (8-7), and senior Donovan Bohanon (18-15). Duncan was a state qualifier last year, while Gari and Bohannon both made it to the regional tournament.
Several talented newcomers also dot Osceola’s roster, including regional qualifier Sloanne Lail, who transfers from Lakeland George Jenkins, and Melvin Ewen.
“We had an outstanding summer and off-season program, with many wrestlers improving in both strength and technique. Now we need to put it together on the mat,” Bird said.
Harmony, the two-time Orange Belt Conference champions under Vic Lorenzano, moves up from Class 2A to 3A this year and will compete in District 6. That move could actually help the Longhorns as they were trapped in a district and a regional the past couple of years that featured state powers Winter Springs, Brandon, Jesuit, Robinson, Gaither, Tampa Bay Tech and Lake Gibson.
“It’s six of one, half a dozen of the other. Our new district and regional may not be as tough, but it also means our seeding in the regionals and states may be lower,” Lorenzano said. “The fact remains, once to you to regionals there are going to be tough teams and individuals whether you are talking 2A or 3A.” The Longhorns
The Longhorns graduated considerable talent including six state qualifiers but should still be the favorites in their new district as they return four state qualifiers from last year: John McNichols (43-3), Aiden Poe (35-6), Nelson Toro (40-7) and Bryson Holl (23-13). Poe finished third in the Class 2A state tournament last year.
“You can’t lose that six state qualifiers and expect to match last year’s accomplishments.” Lorenzano said of his team that’s also won five consecutive district championships. “But we do return some outstanding wrestlers and have a bunch of young guys who will have a chance to establish their own identities. We’re really excited about the upcoming season.”
County Capsules:
Celebration Storm, District 3-5
Head Coach: Chris Yentzer
Key Returners: Kyler Peraza (32-18), Josh Riddle (30-16), Luis Moreno (31-12), Jeremiah Cirino (32-19), Kaluv Peterson (32-20)
Outlook: First-year coach Yentzer returns nine wrestlers who advanced to the regionals last year, when CHS was the district runner-up.
Gateway Panthers, District 2A-8
Head Coach: Travis Hill
Key Returners: Ariel Molin (5-16), Hector Perez (9-10), Meison Broche (5-6), Elijah Simmons (10-12). Promising Newcomer: transfer Elijah Abreu.
Outlook: Although all four key returners had overall losing records, all four did advance to regional competition. “We’re a young team but we should be competitive. A lot of our younger guys have wrestling experience,” Head Coach Travis Hill said.
Harmony Longhorns, District 3A-9
Head Coach: Vic Lorenzano
Key Returners: John McNichols (43-3, 3rd place in state), Aiden Poe (35-6), Nelson Toro (40-7), Kade Toner (25-9). Promising Newcomers: Carson Estrada (26-10), Maverick Hauser (21-8), and Gage Howard all transfer from St. Cloud High.
Outlook: Entering his 40th season, Lorenzano returns considerable talent and most likely do another outstanding job in developing his younger wrestlers. Poe, McNichols and Toro could all challenge for state titles this year in 3A, and state wrestling expert Brant Parsons of kabrawrestling.com believes the Longhorns will win their district.
Liberty Chargers, District 2A-8
Head Coach: Juan Rodriguez
Key Returners: Justin Soto (10-7), Daniel King (8-5), Brainys Robles (10-7).
Outlook: King finished second in districts last year, will lead a trio of Liberty wrestlers that reached the regional level a season ago.
Poinciana Eagles, District 3A-5
Head Coach: Jerry Bazilme
Key Returner: Landon Trigueros (27-7)
Outlook: The Eagles have several talented and experienced wrestlers returning, including two wrestlers that made it to the regional tournament in 2021.
St. Cloud Bulldogs, District 2A-8
Head Coach: Mike Short
Outlook: Through graduation and transfer, the Bulldogs say goodbye to state qualifiers — Wilfredo Martinez, Galen Drawey, Brandon Garcia, Carson Estrada and Maverick Hauser — leaving Coach Short with a major rebuilding project. “My guess is I am going to have a roomful of football players learning how to wrestle this season,” he said.
Tohopekaliga Tigers, District 3A-9
Coach: Peggy Estevez
Key Returner: Jayson Ortiz (14-9, regional qualifier)
Outlook: The Tigers look to add to the one wrestler who qualified for regional competition last year.
Districts:
3A-5: Celebration, Osceola, Poinciana, Bartow, George Jenkins, Ridge, Winter Haven
3A-9: Harmony, Tohopekaliga, Boone, Colonial, Cypress Creek, Freedom, Lake Nona, Oak Ridge
2A-8: Gateway, Liberty, St. Cloud, East River, Edgewater, Jones, Lake Minneola, South Lake, Winter Springs
