Top wrestlers to compete at Panhandle Championships
By RANDY DICKSON
randyd@nwfdailynews.com
Some of the best wrestlers in the state will be on hand today when Crestview hosts the third annual Florida Panhandle Championships.
Bulldog coach Jeff Fowler expects 20 teams to participate in the tournament that gets started at 9 a.m. with the finals targeted for 6:30 p.m.
“We have Leon and Godby coming from Tallahassee and most of the schools all the way to Escambia County along with all the local teams,” he said. “We have three or four teams that are state ranked with Niceville having to be considered the favorite. But every team will bring somebody ranked in a particular weight class.
“The competition should be very good in the 125, 130, 135, 171 and heavyweight class. Those are really good classes.”
Fowler’s looking for a good showing from Bulldogs Danny Johnson (112), Kyle Miller (130) and Nick Panucci at 171 pounds. Panucci has 34 wins this year and Johnson also has topped the 30-win mark.
The 135-pound class should be very competitive with Mosley’s Dustin Paridon and Arnold’s Nick Moore being in the mix for the title.
Another Panama City product, Bay heavyweight Richard Jenkins, is also expected to make his presence felt.
“I tell you what,” Fowler said, “it gets better every year. The teams are basically the same, but they keep getting better as wrestling in this part of the state continues to improve.”
Niceville coach Morrie Geselter hopes the Eagles can use the Panhandle Championships to prepare them for a bigger prize. Niceville has already won three tournaments this season.
“Saturday will be another stepping stone toward the state tournament,” he said. “That’s the key because we want to do well at state.”
Fort Walton Beach coach Thom Harrison views the tournament in two ways.
“It’s a good tournament for the Panhandle and for the kids to know where they stand locally,” he said. “It will be nice if we can come out with some bragging rights.
“And they have to get in rhythm for knowing how the district and region tournament flows, and this tournament will help them with that too.”
Choctawhatchee and South Walton will also be taking the mat today, and much like the other three local schools, figure to have numerous wrestlers making a run at the finals.
