By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

Wrestlers from several local high schools qualified for the Florida National Team last weekend at the Florida national team qualifier at Osceola High.

Many of the state’s elite wrestlers, including several state champions, participated.

Celebration’s J.J. Francis, a junior, was unbeaten in the 145-pound Greco-Roman competition and and won six of seven Freestyle matches to earn a berth on the national team in both events. He won 12 matches in a row, including a victory over a reigning state champion.

Josh Douglas won five of six freestyle matches at 130 and joins Francis on the Florida National freestyle team.

Coach Vic Lorenzano said Francis defeated several state-ranked wrestlers at the qualifier.

“He hit several spectacular throws, including five-point reverse lifts against the state runner-up,” Lorenzano said. “Everytime it looked like he might falter, he found a way to win with a big move or a big throw as time was running out. It really is a testament to his great training, hard work and sacrifices.”

Francis and Douglas will compete at the National Duals in Oklahoma in June, and at the Cadet/Junior Greco and Freestyle National tournament at Fargo, N.D.

Those wishing to sponsor the qualifiers may contact Lorenzano at lorenzav@osceola.k12.fl.us.

Host Osceola had a champion in Ben Cruz at 215 cadet in the Greco-Roman competion. He was second in freestyle.

Osceola’s Kenny Martin was third in both events at 160 cadet.

Gateway had two freestyle champions in Alex Velez at junior 112 pounds and Christian Vazquez at cadet 160 pounds, while Austin Seward was third at cadet 140.

Harmony wrestler Ariel Dominguez qualified second at 112 pounds junior freestyle and Zack German was third at 130 pounds freestyle for Coach Eddie Specht’s Hook ‘em Horns wrestling club.

St. Cloud’s Joe McGinley qualified at 119 pounds junior freestyle. Coach Matt Milton said he will compete at 112 pounds at the National Duals.