Brandon’s Cozart reaches 200 wins

Posted Jan 19, 2010 by Adam Adkins

Updated Jan 19, 2010 at 03:49 PM

One hundred career wins has long been the benchmark for high school wrestlers. That makes the accomplishment of Brandon senior Joe Cozart that much more special.

Cozart recently recorded his 200th career victory at Brandon, making him just the second Eagles wrestler to reach the milestone, joining 2009 grad Eric Grajales (219-0 in his career).

“He’s had a great career. He’s always stood up big and tall, always wrestled with a lot of heart. I think it’s just great what he’s done and what he’s been able to accomplish,” said longtime Brandon coach Russ Cozart, who also is Joe’s father. “He’s not only a good wrestler, he’s a great captain, a great leader, and he really helps me out a lot on the mat and in the practice room.”

Cozart, a three-time state champion who in November signed a scholarship with Iowa State, is 38-1 on the season and 207-4 in his career entering this weekend’s 26th annual Tony Ippolito Memorial Tournament at Brandon.

You can find more wrestling notes in the weekly notebook in Wednesday’s Tampa Tribune.