CRESTVIEW — Crestview High School’s wrestling program is growing in participation.
The program struggled a few years with numerous coaching changes after longtime coach Jeff Fowler moved to Maryland. But things have changed for the better since Andrew Black was named coach before the 2012-13 season.
Crestview High School wrestlting photos>>>
“My first year here, we finished with about eight kids,” Black said. “Last year we had about 15. This year we had almost 70 kids try out and I’ll carry 42 wrestlers on the team.
“From what I’m being told, it’s the largest team Crestview has ever had.
ALL ABOUT THE MAT
Crestview tangled with Gulf Breeze and Niceville — which Fowler, who moved back to Florida, now coaches — in what turned out to be an exhibition match Tuesday.
If the match's results indicate things to come, it should be a good season for the Bulldogs.
“Even though this was an exhibition match, it’s all about mat time and getting the experience,” Black said. “I am so proud of our wrestlers.
"Hats off to Coach Fowler of Niceville and Coach Matt Alt of Gulf Breeze. Both of them run outstanding programs and (Tuesday) was just a class act over all.”
GO-TO GUYS
Saying the Bulldogs will be young this year is probably an understatement, but Black is impressed with what he has seen from them.
“I’ve got over 20 first-year wrestlers and I got almost 15 pins (Tuesday) from first-year wrestlers,” Black said. “I couldn’t be happier as a coach.”
That’s not to say the Bulldogs are a total rebuilding program.
Senior Raheem Anthony, who wrestles in the 145-pound weight class, is a proven winner and undisputed team leader; Black said he can’t think of anyone who works harder.
Anthony just missed going to state last year, but Black expects him to make it this year.
Anthony isn’t the only Bulldog capable of having a big year.
“Other go-to guys are Avery Suarez at 145 — again, he’s a tremendous competitor that works hard,” Black said. “I would say a freshman, Kenny Whaley, at 182 and a freshman, Angel Ortega.
“(Tuesday) was his (Ortega’s) first match ever and he came out and got a pin. Kenny wrestled Ellis from Niceville and got a pin.”
SETTING EXPECTATIONS
D.J. Stewart, another veteran, will help lead the young team.
“D.J. Stewart, obviously, was a senior leader at running back in football,” Black said. “He’s a returning 195. He’s a little banged up from football season, which is to be expected. But he’s a leader and a team captain, and we are looking for a great year from him.”
Black's goals for the team are simple in a tough District 1-2A that includes Niceville, Choctawhatchee and Pace.
“I told the kids this: ‘Fall in love with hard work, or quit,’” he said. “I really believe our kids are going to fall in love with hard work, and that goes for every sports program here at Crestview.
“Our expectations for this year are to just keep getting better week in and week out. We are just on Cloud Nine and everything is going as planned.”
Email News Bulletin Sports Editor Randy Dickson, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview wrestling program on the rise (PHOTOS, VIDEO)