- November 27, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
They had escaped their grasps for a while, but senior Matt Kohler and sophomore Braden Buswell have finally laid hold of the District 6-2A 182- and 195- pound championships on Saturday, Feb. 20, in New Smyrna Beach.
Buswell placed second in last year’s tournament, and Kohler finished third, which was his best finish in his four-year career as a Sandcrab. Kohler’s match turner, after he scored from a reversal and a takedown. His opponent, wanting to get back at him, illegally suplexed him, which caused the refs to stop the match.
“That made me and motivated me, and I ended up beating him 12-4,” Kohler said. “I was seeded second, so I knew the other guy had a better record than me. But, it was probably one of the best and most intense matches I’ve wrestled this year.”
Destined for greatness
Buswell, who’s been practicing and training with the Sandcrabs since seventh grade, took district runner-up last year. He pinned his opponent this time around for the sure victory.
“I hope to make it far in the region this year, if I qualify for states,” he said. “Then, I plan to continue to push myself to have a near-undefeated record next season.”
Buswell, inspired by his father, Steve, a former wrestler for the University of Florida, hopes to become the program’s first state title winner, if his buddy Kohler doesn’t get it this year.
While they both reached regionals last season, neither placed, and they failed to advance to the state finals. Kohler and Buswell expect different results this year.
