Florida wins first Junior National Dual title
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John Fuller (USA Wrestling)
06/30/2004
Enid, Okla. - The Brandon streak has officially carried over to the national level. The Florida high school that has not lost a dual meet in over 30 years produced six wrestlers on this year's Junior Greco-Roman National Dual Championships team for the state of Florida. Florida defeated the New York Evil Empire on criteria after the two teams battled to a 30-30 tie in the championship dual. Florida was crowned the champion after winning on the first tiebreaking criteria: most individual victories (8-7). It was the first national title for a Florida team at this event, bringing this rising state into the spotlight. Florida needed to win four of the final six matches to force the tie, though it was New York heavyweight Archie Levitan that won 11-0 to tie the dual at the end. And to top it off, Florida star and Junior Greco-Roman national champion Rocky Cozart (160 lbs.) was unable to wrestle after receiving a yellow card for unsportsmanlike conduct in a semifinal dual against California. The dual started just as it began - back and forth. Florida recorded pins at 98 and 112 lbs. New York won by technical superiority at 105 and 119 lbs. to knot the score at 8-8 after the first four matches. At 130 lbs., Cesar Grajales of Florida downed Scott Prutzman 5-1 in the only match to feature two Junior Greco-Roman All-Americans. The win cut New York's lead in the dual to 13-11. Florida then took a 14-13 lead at 135 lbs. with a win by All-American Jason Robbins. But New York battled back, winning the next two matches to take a 20-16 lead in the team score before Florida ended by winning four of the last six matches. Florida's David Craig (171), Nick Davis (189) and David Green (215) sealed the win for Florida by compiling consecutive wins. Davis and Green won especially close matches, with Davis defeating John Jones 7-5 and Green beating Ed Bordas 6-3. Minnesota - Ole Ya, U Betchas defeated California Up In Here 35-22 for third place, Michigan downed Ohio 35-27 for fifth place and the Pennsylvania Pipers defeated Kansas 43-20 for seventh place. Illinois IlGreco defeated Team Washington Rain On Your Parade 40-22 to win the consolation bracket. The Texas Road Kill was presented with the Rollie Hoover Sportsmanship Award by Minnesota coach Ed Kane, who announced that he will retire following this competition. Kane coached Greco-Roman wrestling for 24 years, leading Minnesota teams to 12 Junior National Dual titles. Freestyle competition will begin on Thursday, July 1 at 10:00 a.m. (Central).