- November 5, 2024
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It’s been almost 20 years since Tom Bartolotta was a state runner-up and member of the 1993 state champion wrestling team for Flagler Palm Coast High School. But his return was a success on Saturday when he led the Bulldogs into preseason action, this time as the head coach.
The Bulldogs hosted a four-team preseason tournament at FPC, and the Bulldogs knocked off Atlantic, 78-6, and St. Cloud, 64-13. FPC begins its season Saturday, Nov. 17, in Orange City. FPC then hosts the Flagler Duals 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21.
Bartolotta has more than 200 career wins coaching at three different high schools — all in Georgia.
But Saturday was all about getting his wrestlers ready for a long season that hopefully will end with many state qualifiers.
“(The goal of the preseason tournament) was to build momentum that will make us a tough team in February,” he said. “We have an excellent mixture of experience and up-and-coming wrestlers.”
Although it’s early, Bartolotta said this time of the year is important for him as a new coach because it allows him to get to know his team, coaching staff and parents.
FPC returns three regional qualifiers and one state qualifier in Collin Lorroco, Zach Ford and Logan Smith (state qualifier). But Bartolotta said some of the team’s weaknesses will be lack of depth and experience in certain weight classes.
FPC’s wrestling program has carried a rich tradition since Steve DeAugustino (now FPC’s athletics director) was the coach. Bobby Bossardet, the previous coach, also wrestled for DeAugustino. Bartolotta said that, in his three previous coaching jobs, he had “little to no support” from the administration. That will be a different story at FPC, which has a high standard for its wrestling program, Bartolotta said.
“Change is something that we always go through as people, and I am confident that this program will do well this year,” Bartolotta said.
FPC VS. ATLANTIC
FPC defeated Atlantic, 78-6
106 pounds: Jeremy Urban, won by forfeit
113: Alfred Shavers, won by fall in 1:45
120: Jake Kosachiner, won by forfeit
126: Darrion Doffney, won by fall in 1:15
132: Colin Lorocco, won by fall in 1:16
138: Zach Ford, won by fall in 1:06
145: Robert St. Pierre, won by fall in 37 seconds
152: Jackson Trivett, won by fall in 2:16
160: Korey Bryl, won by fall in 3:29
170: Justin Boyle, won by fall in 3:06
182: Malik Acton, won by fall in 1:37
195: Jonathan Nunez, won by fall in 1:17
220: Rykel Alexander, won by fall in 24 seconds
285: Mason Maloy, lost by fall in 46 seconds
FPC VS. ST. CLOUD
FPC defeated St. Cloud, 64-13
106 pounds: Jeremy Urban, won by forfeit
113: Alfred Shavers, won by fall in 2:56
120: Jake Kosachiner, won by fall in 48 seconds
126: Michael Devito, lost by decision 6-4 (against No. 2-ranked wrestler in state)
132: Collin Lorocco, won by fall in 1:19
138: Zach Ford, won by major decision 13-3
145: Jackson Trivett, won by fall in 10 seconds
152: Korey Bryl, lost by major decision 12-4
160: Justin Boyle, won by fall in 50 seconds
170: Ramone Hollins, won by fall in 1:18
182: Jonathan Muniz, won by forfeit
195: Rykell Alexander, won by forfeit
220: Mason Maloy, won by forfeit
