Cypress Bay, Mater Lakes, Somerset wrestlers excel at nationals. Huskey new Gibbons track coach
Somerset Academy wrestling of Pembroke Pines, coached by Joe Blassuci, won the AAU Scholastic Duals National Championship for the third consecutive time at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.
Prior to its three national titles, Somerset was runner-up at duals. That’s an impressive run.
Somerset dominated against teams from throughout the country en route to its third duals national championship. The Panthers went 11-0.
Kendrick Hodge was selected Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. He wrestled whatever weight needed. Weighing 158 pounds, he wrestled some hammers that weighed 175 pounds and still went undefeated at 10-0 to earn All-American honors.
Senior Matthew Jimenez (10-1 at 285) and 8th grader Tristan Sainz (11-0 at 126) provided key leadership en route to All-American status, too.
Coaches Ramiro Mosquera, Derick Estevez and Sean Concepcion assisted greatly at the tournament.
After going undefeated at 8-0 in two days, Somerset advanced to the Gold Bracket playoffs.
On Day 1, Somerset went 4-0.
Somerset 57, Jay County (Indiana) 14
Somerset 84, Perry Meridian Silver (Indiana) 0
Somerset 76, Rosewood (North Carolina) 6
Somerset 72, Huntley (Montana) 12
On Day 2, Somerset again went 4-0.
Somerset 59, Shamrock WC (Pennsylvania) 21
Somerset 37, Medina (Ohio) 26
Somerset 76, Eagle Empire II (Florida) 6
Somerset 71, Terre Haute (Indiana) 11
In the Gold Bracket playoffs, Somerset was 3-0 to capture the championship.
Quarterfinals: Somerset 58, Delta (Ohio) 18
Semifinals: Somerset 43, Social Circle (Georgia) 20
Finals: Somerset 49, Rootstown (Ohio) 21
Golden Bears Wrestling
The Golden Bears Wrestling Club (Mater Lakes Academy) with Coach Brandon Neifeld went 10-2.
Despite an injury and being a man down, the Golden Bears won its pool going unbeaten at 8-0. They then went 2-2 in the Gold Bracket playoffs.
Wrestlers from the club who made All-American were:
Anthony Odell (113), Chase Thompson (285), Kalias Nazario (138), Frankie Florio (132), Emmanuel “Manu” Celestin (132), Branden Marrero (195) and Lawrence Rosario (160).
Bad Bay Wrestling
Bad Bay Wrestling (Cypress Bay), coached by Allen Held, placed ninth at 7-6 in the Silver Division.
Gozie B. Mõṣi at 285 went 13-0 to earn All-American honors. Andrew Punzalan at 106 pounds went 12-1 as did Rafa Diniz at 152 to also receive All-American status.
Gil Torres wrestled well at 132, going 9-4.
Huskey to coach track at Gibbons
Longtime Cardinal Gibbons High School track coach Jeremiah Whitfield has resigned his position, and the school has announced Macy Huskey as his replacement.
Huskey, a 2011 Gibbons grad, is the most decorated FHSAA athlete in school history, earning multiple medals in cross country, soccer and track during her high school career.
Huskey then competed in the SEC for the University of Florida in cross country and track. She takes over a program that Coach Whitfield built into a state power.
Cardinal Gibbons High School Athletic Director Michael Morrill said: “Coach Whit brought the program to unprecedented heights and we will miss his dedication to the sport, but we are equally happy about having Macy on campus to lead the team. Macy brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to continue what Coach Whit built.”
