Story
Jupiter's Jesse Stephanos caps perfect season with 182-pound 3A wrestling title
Saturday, February 16, 2013
by
Blake Hasenzahl
Heading into the final round of the FHSAA wrestling finals, Palm Beach County had a shot at a team state title with Olympic Heights in Class 2A and an individual champion in Jupiter's Jesse Stephanos in Class 3A.
Stephanos was the only one to survive the two-day gauntlet and emerge with gold around his neck Saturday night at the Lakeland Center.
The senior 182-pounder defeated Corey Ray of East River 6-0 in the championship bout to cap a dazzling 61-0 season.
Stephanos dominated from the get-go, taking down Ray with 50 left in the first periods. Starting on the bottom for the second period, it took him just 26 seconds to land a reversal for a 4-0 lead. He took down Ray one last time just a minute into the final period to seal the victory.
Olympic Heights had two wrestlers in the finals and was tied with Springstead for the team lead with 93 points, coming back from being in third place earlier in the day. Had Laurence Kosoy (132-pounds) or Ronaldo Abrey (195) each won their matches or if one of them one via pin - the Class 2A title would belong to Heights.
Kosoy had possibly the toughest opponent in the 2A finals in two-time state champ Jamarius Jackson from Riverdale. Jackson won the match handily, 27-12.
All of the points Kosoy scored were given to him by Jackson, as Jackson landed takedown after takedown, allowing Kosoy back up after each one. Jackson landed 12 takedowns on Kosoy in only two periods before winning by technical fall (ahead by 15 points) with :10 left in the second period.
Abrey lost on a third-period stalling call to Shane Carpenter of Creekside. Abrey went down 3-0 early into the second period, but scored a takedown with 10 left in the second to cut the deficit to one point heading into the third. He tied the bout just 4 seconds into the final period with an escape after starting on the bottom.
Abrey was called for stalling after evading a Carpenter takedown attempt by going out of bounds.
Olympic Heights finished third as a team. John Cleristor placed fourth in the 106-pound division.
Alex Radli of Jupiter placed sixth in the 106-pound division. Bradley avenged a first-round loss by rattling off three straight wins before falling to the eventual third-place winner in the consolation semifinals. Jupiter's Blake Nikkinen placed fifth at 113 pounds. Wellington 120-pounder Briar MacFarlane placed sixth in Class 3A. Richard Desir of American Heritage placed fourth in the heavyweight class in 1A.
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User Comments:
States commented on February 16, 2013 at 10:30 p.m.: report abuse
Nik Bonadies from Wellington at 126 placed 6th as well.
susie commented on February 17, 2013 at 12:42 a.m.: report abuse
Elijah Cleary of Jupiter Christian made it to the semi-finals and was not included in the article this morning. He finished in 6th place as a 9th grader.
coach B. commented on February 17, 2013 at 6:58 a.m.: report abuse
Congrats to OH on a great season.
Still No Gold commented on February 17, 2013 at 8:43 a.m.: report abuse
I see Coach Boomer is congratulating himself here ^^^. The wrestling program is given everything it wants at OH to the detriment of other programs, both athletic and academic. Still, no state titles EVER at OH, not under Boomer or Coach D, but they act like they've won as many titles as, oh, I don't know...Coach Kelly did with her volleyball team there (7 titles). Yet, she flies under the radar and remains humble.
Derick commented on February 17, 2013 at 9:28 a.m.: report abuse
Jesse, quite an awesome feat, Proud of you Lad you represent both former school and present school with class
congrats commented on February 17, 2013 at 11:56 a.m.: report abuse
Tyler Kochlany From royal palm beach placed 6th
Gus commented on February 17, 2013 at 11:56 a.m.: report abuse
Let me tell you something pal. You better thank God you have coach Boomer, Ladrick, and Johnchuck... Running your program. They are the best wrestling coaches around. They dedicate all they have to Olympic Heights year round. I just cant believe how ignorant some people are. They just took over resently. In time you will see. People in the wrestling community realy know them and have nothing but respect and admiration for those three guys... Keep up the GREAT Work guys... Dont led some haters hurt your feelings. I know the kids and parents love you guys.
ryan commented on February 18, 2013 at 12:12 p.m.: report abuse
just curious, how did royal palm beach do in tourney?
oh 2 wrestlers quakified for states.
and one placed 6th.
why no mention of this school and their athetes?
well congtrats to Chris Zackey for qualifying as a jr.
AND COGRADUATIONS to the senior on the team,TYLER KOCHLAY,for placing 6th in lakeland.
nice job covering the event, these kids worked thier tails off to get there.and should be awarded with at least some sort of recognition for thier dedicationn aqnd hard work.
bocaw commented on February 18, 2013 at 12:32 p.m.: report abuse
boca hvwt.,colton lynn lost a heart breaker to the gold medalist in triple overtime,2 to 1! came back to take fifth place.nice coverage!
Correction commented on February 18, 2013 at 1:08 p.m.: report abuse
Richard Desir of American Heritage placed THIRD in the heavyweight class in 1A.
@Gus commented on February 18, 2013 at 5:16 p.m.: report abuse
Also, Gus, it is possible to be a great coach and also be a decent person. It is also possible to be a great coach and still do your job as a teacher. Neither Boomer or Dannunzio ever figured that out.
sportsfan commented on February 18, 2013 at 9:50 p.m.: report abuse
Seems to me that these athletes would not be overlooked, if the sportswriter had rechecked his info on the FHSAA website, where all the state qualifiers are listed. This isn't the first time this year this has happened
coach B. commented on February 19, 2013 at 4:01 a.m.: report abuse
Olympic heights is up, and coming. Remember OH lost a lot of staff, and population when West Boca was built. Coach "Boomer" puts in a lot of hours. He praises his wrestlers, staff, and school. He is a loyal to OH. I have had many occasions to inter act with him. He is a class act. His wrestlers are some of the best behaved students at OH. Do not cast judgement. Your comments should go to praising the kids who participate. Go Lions.
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