By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Osceola and Gateway each turned in solid performances at high-profile wrestling tournaments last weekend.

The Kowboys won the Cougar Invitational at Plant City and placed 11 wrestlers, including champions Ariel Dominguez (106), Fox Baldwin (145), Spencer Lacey (160), Jhalen Flanders (182) and Chris Pagan (195).

Baldwin was named the Outstanding Wrestler.

Paul Zupofska (152) was second and John Locksmith (113) was third. Hakeem Butler (120) was fourth, Franklyn Lantigua (285) finished fifth and Max Tilford (170) and Andrew Conners (220) were sixth.

“The guys did a pretty good job over there,” OHS Coach Jim Bird said.

OHS also won its Marvin Haven Turkey Duals Nov. 17 with a 5-0 record.

Osceola will host the Danny Byron Duals Friday (2 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m.) at the Kowboys gym.

The top two teams in Georgia, Archer (No. 1) and Camden County (No. 2) will compete at the 12-team meet along with Fort Pierce Central, St. Cloud and Lakeland George Jenkins.

Gateway finished second behind Brandon at its 16-team Troy Smith Duals.

Alex Velez placed second and broke former Panthers state champion Jose Vazquez’s career record with 130 wins.

Christian Vazquez collected his 100th career victory at the tournament.

Austin Seward, Josh Pizzaro and Woodley Deseme all won six matches.

“We still have a long way to go and hopefully can compete at some of the larger tournaments we are at this year,” Coach Jon Smorin said.

The Panthers travel to Brandon for a tournament this weekend.