Cozart finds more Fame

Posted Jan 24, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated Jan 24, 2012 at 02:02 PM

Brandon High School wrestling coach Russ Cozart will soon be inducted into his fifth Hall of Fame. The one announced Tuesday was a little different, though, and he’s still a little stunned over the news.

Cozart was part of a 10-person class for the Florida Sports Hall of Fame, which also included former PGA Tour golfer Gary Koch of Tampa, three-time Super Bowl champion Henry Lawrence of the Oakland Raiders, former Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward of Florida State, former Miami Heat NBA All-Star Alonzo Mourning and former Miami Dolphins All-Pro Dick Anderson.

“I just can’t believe I’m in a group like this,’’ said Cozart, 58, who has coached 17 state championship teams and led most of Brandon’s unprecedented unbeaten streak of 459 consecutive dual meets. “I’ve been honored for wrestling in my home state of California and Florida and at my high school. But these are well-known professional athletes I’m with and it’s such an honor.’’

  The Florida Sports Hall of Fame’s 51st annual enshrinement will be held at Tampa’s Mainsail Suites on March 20. Individual seats are available for $125 and 10-seat tables are $1,000. For information, visit http://www.FloridaSportsHallofFame.com.