SPRING HILL — With its victory in the Class 2A, District 7 wrestling tournament Saturday, Springstead maintained its stranglehold with a ninth straight district crown and its 27th overall.
The Eagles amassed 222 points in crowning seven individual champions. For the first time in three years, the team was unable to qualify all 14 in the lineup for region, but 12 wrestlers did advance to next week’s tournament. The top four in each weight class advance to region meets.
“This was a mixed bag for us,” Springstead coach Sal Basile said. “Some of the guys wrestled well, but some could have done better.
Numberswise, I feel like we will still match up well at region.”
In a highly anticipated bout between Springstead sophomore Matt Landgraff and Nature Coast senior Sean Nguyen in the 106-pound final, the Eagle pulled off a 9-7 upset. Both were 2012 state placers, but Nguyen had never lost to Landgraff in five meetings.
“I wanted redemption, and I really want that state title,” Landgraff said. “I am a lot bigger and stronger this year; I know you have to want to it more.”
Still, it was Landgraff’s second straight individual district title. Last season, Nguyen forfeited the final because of injury.
Stephen Pavao (120) and Andrew Smith (126) each won their first district titles for Springstead. Landgraff, Mike McDonald (113), Joe Russo (152), and Conor Ross (170) captured their second crowns. Jordan Rivera (138) won his third title in three varsity seasons.
Nature Coast finished as the runnerup with 165.5 points. The Sharks pushed 10 wrestlers through to region, crowning four individual champions: Anthony Siciliano (285), Shane Reeger (132), Brandon Vovan (160) and Dylan Savoury (182).
A-8: Pasco reasserts itself handily
HOLIDAY — Pasco had a bitter taste in its mouth after last season’s runnerup finish to Fivay at the Class A, District 8 tournament. But the Pirates were the most complete program this year at Anclote, scoring 207.5 points to lead the team standings and advancing 11 wrestlers (six champions) to region.
Niko DeAugustino (132 pounds) won his second straight district title, while Curtis Boas (113), Tyler Bridenstein (126), Skyler White (138), David Payne (160) and Zach Jordan (220) each grabbed their first.
Fivay placed third as a team, just behind runnerup Crystal River (167). The Falcons won five individual titles and advanced nine to the next round. Troy Reed (120), Nicco Lightfoot (170) and Collin Hahn (182) each grabbed their second straight crowns. Cole Manion (106) and Andrew Scherer (145) got their first district golds.
The host team, Anclote, advanced eight to region, with Devin Jones (195) capturing the team’s lone title.
A-10: Gulf dominates
Gulf crowned six champions among the 10 wrestlers it sent to the individual finals at the district meet hosted by Indian Rocks Christian in Largo.
Gulf scored 165 points to outdistance Admiral Farragut (118). Ridgewood was sixth (46).
Gulf’s champs were: Anthony Agazarm (120 pounds), Austin Smith (145), Jacob Newman (152), Spenser Baxter (160), Jarred Kruse (182) and Kenny Hayes (220).
A-9: Wildcats settle for second
Wesley Chapel, on the strength of sending seven wrestlers to individual finals, finished second as a team at the district meet hosted by Robinson High in Tampa.
Robinson (230 points) easily dominated the meet, with six champions, as the Wildcats (154) only had two wrestlers break through. Wesley Chapel’s Jon Galvin (126 pounds) won by pin, and teammate Teddy Johnson scored a 20-12 major decision to win at heavyweight.
3A-6: Brandon wins for 38th straight year
As usual host Brandon dominated, scoring 306 points to win its 38th straight district title. The Eagles placed wrestlers in all 14 finals and claimed 13 individual titles.
The lone North Suncoast team in the district, Wiregrass Ranch, tied for eighth (42 points) with Plant. The Bulls’ Patrick Hill won the consolation final at 145 pounds.
Correspondent Andy Warrener contributed to this report.