The Gulf wrestling squad won the state Class A championship tonight. In addition, Anthony Ayers won the individual state title by a pin and Ladarious Jackson won the individual state title by a 3-2 decision. Both wrestlers are juniors. R. J. O’Connor finished second in his class. First-time wrestler Jeff Kruse took third place. His 5-4 decision over Suwannee’s Jamie Alvarado was critical in giving Gulf the state championship. The wrestling head coach is Travis DeWalt, who 20 years ago won a state title himself, representing Gulf High School. In an email, Mr. Knobl said, “This is great for the kids, Coach Travis DeWalt, and the school. Buccaneer Pride is Alive!” It is the first state championship won by a Pasco County wrestling team, and apparently the first state championship won by a Gulf team in any sport.
