Last month, select members of both boys and girls Steinbrenner Warriors wrestling team competed at their regional tournaments, with four wrestlers qualifying to then compete at the state level.
The girls team placed 4th in the county championship, leading them to compete at districts where three brave girls punched their way to regionals. The boys placed 2nd in the county, with nine wrestlers qualifying for regionals at districts.“All this pressure is off my shoulders, now the next match it didn’t matter what happened” said Danella Rodrigeuz, a first-year wrestler, recounting the feeling of qualifying for the regional tournament.
On February 21st, Osceola High School held the girls tournament in their large gymnasium covered in around six mats, and the boy’s meet was hosted by George W. Jenkins Sr. High School on February 28th. This environment and level of competition was a bit nerve-wracking for some of those on the team, especially first year wrestlers. “There was definitely some pressure, it was huge,” said Danella.
Despite their apprehension, the team pushed forward. “I was just going to go out there and wrestle my best and leave it all on the mat and go for it,” said Danella.
Four of our wrestlers managed to secure their ticket to the state tournament, with Alzider Ortiz who placed 1st in the 106lb weight class, Freddie Pflueger who made 3rd place in 190lbs, Cristian Gilkes who ranked 4th in 157lb, and Luke Palukaitis who placed 4th as well in 175lb.
“It was a big moment for me, I’d been waiting for a while to get there,” said Freddie Pfleuger. The energy was high following their qualifying matches, with celebrations from teammates as well as coaches and parents. “I was jumping all over the place, I was screaming, my coaches were flipping out,” Freddie recounted.
These boys moved on to compete at the state tournament on March 6th through 8th, at Osceola Heritage Park, where they truly gave it their all throughout each of their matches. Alzider Ortiz placed 5th, and Freddie Fleuger placed 7th in the tournament.
Their season ended here, with the team giving their full dedication and discipline throughout the journey. “We are looking forward to another good year,” said Coach Noble, their head coach. The team will be putting in the work this off-season, with hopes that more wrestlers can make it to state and beyond.
