Alumni News

We want to hear about the contributions our alumni are currently making to wrestling throughout the state and how busy you are.

NCAA I Championships.......Cleveland Rocks!

[caption id="attachment_1230" align="alignleft" width="150"] We're in the FRONT row.[/caption]

The mean streets of Cleveland, Ohio were filled with rabid wrestling fans from all over the USA, March 15, 16 and 17.  The Finals were held on St Patrick's Day.  That night we saw Ohio State Buckeye Green, Penn State Nittany Lion Green and thousands of festive green fans.  Florida fans in attendance included Florida HOF members, Bobby Burns, Andrew Gugliemini and Coach Bob Thomas (see pic). Yes, it was cold and snowy but the 'Green Jackets' kept us warm.  In case you didn't hear, Penn State pulled out a squeaker over the Buckeyes.

Are You Kidding Me?

The crack team of Cecilia Solomon (Newsletter Editor) and board member Pete Collins (2012), have researched their data banks and came up with an amazing list of HOF alumni who are still coaching and here they are:

Fidel Albelo (2017), Victor Balmeceda (2014), Jim Bird (2010), Robert Burns (2007), Russ Cozart (2000), Steve DeAugustino (2004), Glenn Goodman (2011), Andrew Gugliemini Jr (2015), Chris Hayward (2016), Allen Held (2017), Jim Husk (2000), Henry Jackson (2017), Mike Joyce (2010), Dan Kelly (2017), David Laxton (2005), Victor Lorenzano (2007), David Mitchell (2014), Frank Pelegri (2016), Frank Pettineo (2006), Jim Reape (2016), Wili Sargable (2004), Russ Schenk (2013), Ron Schulz (2004), Dave Soderholm (2009), Mike Strouse (2015), Robert Wimberly (2012),



Hall of Famers in the Corner!

The Coach Mike Kelly Duals, hosted by Manatee High, started the New Year on January 5 and 6.  You didn't have to go far to find 3 Hall of Famers in their teams' respective corners.  Andrew Gugliemini (2015), Manatee, Russ Cozart (2000), Brandon, and Jim Husk (2000), Miami Columbus.  The class of 2000 was the first and they are still going strong!  Coach Cozart was heard saying, "There are a lot of wins in that picture".  Coach Gug presented the two legends with an "Outstanding Contributors" award with "Thanks and Honors".  Not surprising, Brandon and Columbus finished the 11 team competition 1 and 2.

Let the Season Begin

This week (11/18/2017) Florida High School Wrestling opened state wide with preseason competition.  Coach Bryan Wilkes and his Palmetto Tigers (Palmetto, Fl) hosted preseason competition. The event found two hall of famers hard at work pairing wrestlers and officiating matches.  2015 alumnus Andrew Gugliemini Jr. was the lead official and 2017 alumnus Bob Thomas paired competitors to aid in the smooth operations.  Andy is still working as a coach and official while Coach Thomas is volunteering in retirement.

[caption id="attachment_886" align="alignleft" width="134"] Hall of Fame Official![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_885" align="alignleft" width="134"] Two Hall of Famers![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_884" align="alignleft" width="134"] Palmetto preseason pairing![/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike Netherclift (2012) writes: "We are concerned about the death of wrestling in our county!"  Read what he has to say in the next HOF Newsletter.



[caption id="attachment_945" align="alignleft" width="114"] Coach Hauser and Stetson Greats[/caption]

John Hauser (2013) says he will be directing the 2018 Metro Conference Tournament at the new Windermere High School in Orlando.  There will be more than 20 teams participating in the event which has been gone for 9 years. A recent Stetson Wrestling Reunion is generating talk at the Sunshine Athletic Conference meetings of establishing wrestling as a D-1 sport.

 



Ira Fleckman (2006) tells us he has made yearly contributions to the University of Central Florida Club team. This past year he gave to his high school alma mater, George O. Robinson School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.  He and his wife Patsy attend events in their area.  Thanks for your support Ira and Patsy.

Still Going Strong!

Monday night, 12/05/17, Coach Bryan Wilkes and his Palmetto Tigers (Palmetto) hosted an outstanding Junior Varsity event.  Keeping a long standing tradition that started at Bradenton Southeast High School, 8 schools brought first and second year wrestlers to the mats where they were paired up by weight class and allowed to wrestle in two matches.  What great experience for young wrestlers because there were no forfeited matches.  Getting mat time ruled the day.  If you were looking, you could find 4 Hall of Famers working hard for the JVs.  Pete Collins (2012), and John Niles (2014) were officiating.  Mike Joyce (2010) was in a familiar place by coaching the young Tampa Jesuit Tigers.  Alum Bob Thomas (2017) was working the pairing table helping to move the event along.  Congrats for staying active in our great sport.

[caption id="attachment_972" align="alignleft" width="106"] Hall of Famers Making JVs Great Again[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_971" align="alignleft" width="104"] We are reminded of great duals...SE vs Jesuit[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_970" align="alignleft" width="102"] John first officiated a SE match in 1982![/caption]

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               Hall of Fame Recognition

Coach Bob Thomas (2017) was recognized on December 3, 2017 by the Franklin College (IN) Athletic Department for his induction into the Florida Chapter of the NWHOF. In a ceremony, 8 Hall of Famers ranging from Golf to Wrestling were introduced. The college honors alumni who have been inducted into Indiana or national sports halls of fame. Bob graduated from FC in 1973.