The American Warriors, Club wrestling tourney comes to Wiregrass Ranch in Pasco County By Steve Lee
In a joint effort, the high school team and Warriors co-hosted the No Bull tournament. More than 130 wrestlers from six organizations, including 13 from the American Warriors, participated. Ages ranged from 5-18.
“This helps. It’s a start,†said Ketler, a former wrestler from Pennsylvania.
Jackson Hudson, who will be a sophomore at Cypress Creek High, said wrestling for the Warriors for a second straight summer helps him at the high school level.
“It’s taught me a lot of new moves,†he said.
Land O’ Lakes High coach Eddie Marley brought two wrestlers, Morgan Ray and Cole Henderson, to give them some club experience.
The club also includes newcomers, such as 8-year-old Rey Gonzalez, who just joined in July and on Saturday wrestled four opponents. His affinity for the sport was readily apparent by the smile that would not go away as he wrestled in each match.
“Little kids love this,†Ketler said.
So does Lacey Hughes, one of two girls on the Warriors who placed second in the bantam division on Saturday.
“She’s just got a can’t quite attitude,†Ketler said.
Other Warriors who wrestled last weekend were: Roman Sanchez, Donavan Eury, Madison Harris, Colby Mercado, Devin Lanier, Sam Payne, Monte Bishop and Devin Smith. Assistant coaches include Gabe and Skip Marshall, Tony Menozy, James Mastrobatista and Chris Guinta.