Schools

Brandon Wrestlers Take Ippolito Tournament Crown

Brandon wrestlers hosted and won the 29th annual Tony Ippoltio Memorial Tournament at Brandon High School this weekend, under hear coach Russ Cozart.

 

Brandon wrestlers again dominated at the Tony Ippolito Memorial Tournament, which this weekend was held for a 29th time at Brandon High School. The wrestlers under Hall of Fame coach Russ Cozart won the tournament for a 27th time.

Including the host Brandon Eagles, who tallied 371 points, six of the top 10 teams in the event were from the Tampa Bay region, according to a Tampa Bay Times report. Springstead (155 points) and Pasco (91) reportedly placed third and ninth, respectively. Jesuit (142.5) took sixth, Lennard (120) seventh and Robinson (85) 10th.

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"It was a very competitive tournament," Cozart told the Tampa Bay Times. "That's what it's all about, getting good matches, being tested."

The Ippolito tournament is named in honor and memory of Tony Ippolito, who died at an early age from cancer and was Brandon High School's first state championship wrestler.  

Find out what's happening in Brandonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Brandon team, under Head Coach Russ Kozart, is celebrated for “The Streak,” which ended in 2007, with the Eagles first loss in 34 years. The streak stands at 459 consecutive victories and 468 matches without defeat, a high school record for any sport.

But there’s another streak of uncommon achievement for the Brandon High School wrestlers: This year the Eagles are competing for the school’s 13th wrestling state championship in a row.

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RELATED COVERAGE:

  • Brandon Wrestlers Decisive With 28th Annual Tony Ippolito Win
  • 27th Annual Ippolito Wrestling Tournament
  • Moments Captured in Photos at the 27th Annual Tony Ippolito Memorial Tournament

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