By MATMEN, Tuesday, 11 a.m.
BRADENTON — In a solid tournament field loaded with larger 3A programs and perennial state powerhouses, Suwannee went in and wrecked the plans of the south Florida giants this past weekend at the Kelly Memorial Duals, hosted by Manatee.
The Bulldogs won their first six duals, taking down 3A programs George Jenkins (68-15), Columbus (55-12), the host Mustangs (39-33), Park Vista (48-20) and Strawberry Crest (54-20).
That set up a dual with a potential 1A rival down the road in Somerset Academy, and Suwannee took care of business there, too, with a 36-28 win in which the Bulldogs led most of the way. Matchup problems against final-round opponent Bloomingdale led to a 37-30 loss, but Suwannee had done enough already to claim the team title.
The Bulldogs (6-1) had just one wrestler go undefeated, and he was recognized as the tournament’s outstanding lower-weight wrestler, as Justin Contreras (113) bagged up four pins and three decisions in a 7-0 tournament.
Eli Jolicoeur (2 pins & 2 decisions at 106), Brody Boehm (2 pins & 3 decisions at 132), Austin McKinney (3 pins, tech & 2 decisions at 152) and Austin Howard (6 pins at 160) were all 6-1 for Suwannee, while Topher Pearson (2 pins, 2 majors & decision at 120), Marshall White (2 pins, major & 2 decisions at 145) and Ben Lewis (3 pins at 182/195) were all 5-2. Lewis was recognized as the wrestler with the tournament’s highest individual GPA.
Dustin Wood (2 pins at 170) and Holden Corbin (2 pins at 220/285) each were 4-2, while Ayden Kirby (3 pins & decision at 138) was 4-3.
Suwannee will next compete at Yulee’s two-day duals tournament on Friday and Saturday.
Results for all eight teams in the tournament can be found HERE.
North Florida Matmen 