Story by Joe Jiovenetta, photos courtesy of Don Hunsinger
Wrestling is an amazing sport that often goes unnoticed by the majority of people in the community. Unless they’re already involved in wrestling or have relatives who have been wrestlers in their younger athletic pursuits, most kids don’t often make it their first choice as a competitive sport.
The prize sought after by coaches and wrestlers throughout the State is wrestling’s FHSAA showcase event held annually in the Lakeland Center: Florida’s Wrestling State Championships. The two-day event begins, for most wrestlers, as young boys training in their garage and local clubs, and then traveling to camps, clinics and practices all over the country both before and after becoming involved on their high school team. This is a sport that requires a level of training and commitment like no other; from weight control to grueling practice, weight training, and running. It develops a young athlete’s character in so many ways.
Our local talent represented well this year with 3A State Qualifiers from Coral Springs High School: Romario Anderson, Broward County champion. Coral Glades High School: Rami Sadek and Fabien West. Taravella High: Raul Vargas. St. Thomas Aquinas High School: Parkland resident Giovanni Jiovenetta, 3rd place finisher, four time District Champion, three time Regional and two-time Broward County Champion. A four-time State qualifier, he finishes his high school career with a 209-18 record. Also, 1A State Qualifiers from Coral Springs Charter School: Adam Hude and Kenneth Rosa.
The FHSAA State Championship series is a first class showcase of talent. I encourage you to visit their website at www.FHSAA.org where you can follow wrestling and all High School sports and activities. There is a link where you can view and purchase action photos of local athletes, making great gifts for neighbors and customers whose children participate in these activities
If you would like to learn more about wrestling and how to get your children involved, please contact me at JoeJiovenetta@me.com or visit our website www.muttswestling.com. The Mutts are a local wrestling “prep school,” catering to teaching wrestling skills to kids of all ages.