Brandon’s Cozart commits to Iowa State

Posted Oct 12, 2009 by Adam Adkins

Updated Oct 12, 2009 at 11:38 AM

Hillsborough County’s top high school senior wrestler has decided where he will compete in college.

Brandon senior Joe Cozart has made a verbal commitment to Iowa State, his father, longtime Brandon wrestling coach Russ Cozart, said Monday.

Cozart, who recently was ranked as the nation’s third-best senior 152-pounder by Wrestling USA Magazine, also had been considering Arizona State, North Carolina State and The Citadel.

Cozart has won individual Class 2A state titles each of the past three seasons. As a freshman, Cozart went 46-2 overall and won the 125-pound crown. As a sophomore, he went 58-0 and won the 140-pound crown. Last season, Cozart went 65-1 and won the 145-pound crown. Cozart also helped Brandon win team state titles each season.

Cozart, a three-time Tribune All-Hillsborough County first-team selection, is one of several local wrestlers slated to compete in the prestigious Super 32 Challenge in Greensboro, N.C., later this month.