Frank Pettineo didn’t like the way the 2009-10 wrestling season ended for his Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs last February at the Lakeland Center. It left a bad taste in his mouth.

After years of being among the best 1A programs in the state, that drop-off last year was an eye-opener.

“I don’t want to see this program in this position again,” Pettineo said as the state tournament wrapped up last year.

With that prediction in hand, this team that rolled to the BCAA team title in January, and won districts and regionals, turned it up a notch on day 2 and won its fourth state championship in school history.

The Chiefs rebounded with a mix of returnees, freshmen and transfers. They celebrated a school best four Class 1A state champs (Jamal Morris 112, Andrew Wisdom 125, Mardel Gabriel 152, Josh DaSilveira 189) and one runner-up (Robert Whittaker 285).

By the time the finals began, Cardinal Gibbons already sealed the deal with 141.5 points. Green Cove Springs Clay had 113 and upstart Orlando Lake Highlands Prep 102.5.

In a preview of years and year of top matchups , Morris (43-4, 112), a freshman, came from behind to edge Tampa Bay Christian’s Chase Singletary, the first sixth grader to compete in a state final.

After placing runner-up at state for Naples-Barron Collier in Class 2A last season, DaSilveira (44-1, 189) finished his senior season winning 44 consecutive.

DaSilveira beat defending 1A state champ David Bell (40-2) of Ponte Vedra-Nease 7-3.

GREAT SHOWING!
Douglas seniors Elias Khwaja at 135 and Vinny Jiovenetta at 160 each improved on last season by each taking second. Tyler Liberatore of state champ Brandon remained undefeated at 50-0 by pinning Khwaja (50-2), and Brandon senior Wally Figaro (64-2) handed Jiovenettea his first loss (51-1).

Other 1A action included Cardinal Gibbons freshmen Jamel Morris (103) and Anthony Vasquez (119) finishing fourth.

In 3A, Everglades junior Ryan Kuse (103), St. Thomas Aquinas senior Brandon Pellecer (140) and Douglas junior Arthur O’Neill (215) were fourth.

Monarch senior Rafael Arvelo (103), St. Thomas Aquinas sophomore Alex Uhre (112) and Douglas sophomore Gio Jiovenetta (152) were fifth.

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at Floridakids1@hotmail.com. Blustein is the co-host of the High School Gridiron Show each Wednesday night from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM) or www.wqam.com.

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