Working The Edge: High School Wrestling in Florida artwork

Working The Edge: High School Wrestling in Florida

42 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratings

Orlando Sentinel wrestling writer Brant Parsons covers high school wrestling in the state of Florida like nobody else. We interview some of the best coaches and wrestlers in the state as well as analyze the top teams throughout the year.

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Episodes

#30 - Jason Fulmore, the man behind the SE Rankings

April 20, 2020 14:25 - 55 minutes - 73.6 MB

You may know him as SEWrestle. His name is Jason Fulmore and he's been involved in wrestling in this state since the 1990s.  Since the end of this past season, Fulmore has started ranking the top 15 wrestlers in the SE region and has a big board coming to his site also. We discussed what goes into our rankings and what made us both start to do them after swearing we would never do rankings. We talk about the growth of the sport through social media and Jason tells the secret of his wre...

#29 - A season following a tragedy with Palmetto Ridge coach Blaine Ison

April 15, 2020 20:06 - 40 minutes - 44.4 MB

On July 6, 2019, the high school wrestling and football world lost Colby Singletary to an auto accident. Palmetto Ridge head wrestling Blaine Ison joins the pod to talk about how the team handled the tragedy and worked to remember Colby this season as best they could. Ison discusses the ups and downs of the season that culminated with Trillyon Fils-Aime winning the 220-pound state title and honored his late friend in the FHSAA state tournament.  It's an emotional story told with grace ...

#28 - Wrestling and the coronavirus with Jake Campbell

April 13, 2020 19:26 - 38 minutes - 41.6 MB

The coronavirus pandemic has impacted sports across the world. Tampa Prep assistant coach Jake Campbell joins the pod to talk about how wrestling has felt its effects. We talk about ways to keep in shape during this time and how he's working with athletes in the Brawlers Wrestling Club in Tampa to keep sharp for when the sport returns. We also discuss how the pandemic has affected national tournaments and camps in the spring and summer which are so critical in the college recruiting proc...

#27 - Building a program with Tenoroc's Anthony Cerullo

August 19, 2019 17:52 - 29 minutes - 34.5 MB

Tenoroc head wrestling coach Anthony Cerullo joins the pod to talk about the challenge of building a program in lower income demographic ares and at schools that traditionally do not have success in athletics. Last year, in his second season at Tenoroc, the wrestling team won district titles in both the state duals and individual tournaments.  On this podcast, we talk with Anthony about how he has built the program and he offers some insight on how it can be done at other schools too.

#26 - Building relationships to help grow your program

August 01, 2019 02:30 - 41 minutes - 47.5 MB

Ponte Vedra head coach Josean Gonzalez joins the pod to talk about his LinkedIn post "For New Wrestling Coaches: Building Relationships with Administration, Other Coaches, Parents, and Athletes." You can read his post here. We talk about how important it is to sell yourself and your program to school administrators and how crucial it can be to build strong relationships with other coaches and teachers at the school. Building off of his successes and failures at his first head coaching...

Building a wrestling program as a head coach - Episode 25

July 03, 2019 16:18 - 41 minutes - 49.7 MB

With so many open coaching jobs across the state, Suncoast head wrestling coach Dan Tria joins the podcast to offer some tips on how to start the process of building a wrestling program. We talk about what he learned as an assistant coach and what has worked - and what hasn't for him at Suncoast.  Dan also recaps his team's trip to J-Rob and how important camps can be in the growing on a program. All of this and more on this episode. 

West Orange wrestling coach Kristen Iannuzzi joins us

June 17, 2019 14:32 - 53 minutes - 59.2 MB

West Orange wrestling coach Kristen Iannuzzi joins the podcast to talk about her experiences as a girl wrestling in the late 90s-early 00s. She also speaks about being a female coach of a boy's team at West Orange and what she has learned in that role. The one-time Orange County teacher of the year also talks about education and how important her role is in helping young men and women in and out of the classroom. We also chat about the future of girls wrestling and so much more. You ...

A wrestling referee answers our questions - Episode 23

February 18, 2019 21:42 - 57 minutes - 64.4 MB

Florida high school wrestling referee Mike Cipriano answers everything you wanted to know about officiating, including: Why he started and continues to love officiating How anticipation is one of the key components of being a successful ref Dealing with angry parents and fans How coaches can be most successful with questions during matches Keeping the emotional side in check and knowing how to officiate around them Stalling - What is it and how does it get interpreted? Why it's ...

Brant and Dan talk wrestling - Episode 22

February 14, 2019 19:17 - 55 minutes - 60.9 MB

Among the topics discussed: The celebration/taunting incidents that are getting a lot of attention. Parents and officials - and what makes an official great State series strategies Top teams he's seen this season The rankings and how Track wrestling can help coaches All of this and more on this episode. 

Girls high school wrestling in Florida - Episode 21

February 13, 2019 18:06 - 16 minutes - 19.3 MB

Kirwyn Adderley, the girls state championship tournament director, joins the podcast to talk about the growth of the sport in Florida and what we can do to help get it officially recognized. 

The podcast returns! An interview with Rick Tribit - Episode 20

February 11, 2019 16:16 - 43 minutes - 47.9 MB

Rick Tribit and I finally get together to do a podcast as Working the Edge returns. We talk about the state tournament in Kissimmee, what goes into making it happen, and what they have planned for this year. We also talk about bringing coaches together through the Florida Wrestling Coaches Association and creating a tighter group to work together to better the sport here in Florida. We touch upon some of his favorite topics in the podcast's return. 

The wrestling season returns

December 03, 2018 04:30 - 1 minute - 1.42 MB

There are three duals to get the season started tonight but before I get to that - If you haven’t checked out my season preview for the entire state of Florida, you can find it at OrlandoSentinel.com/wrestling. It features capsules for all 400 teams in the state of Florida and is jam-packed with information and names in the sport. I hope it’s the perfect way to get everybody ready for the season. On the mats tonight, Eau Gallie visits Rockledge in a meeting of Brevard County teams. ...

#19 - The wrestling season returns

December 03, 2018 04:30 - 1 minute - 1.42 MB

There are three duals to get the season started tonight but before I get to that - If you haven’t checked out my season preview for the entire state of Florida, you can find it at OrlandoSentinel.com/wrestling. It features capsules for all 400 teams in the state of Florida and is jam-packed with information and names in the sport. I hope it’s the perfect way to get everybody ready for the season. On the mats tonight, Eau Gallie visits Rockledge in a meeting of Brevard County teams. ...

An interview with Penn head coach Roger Reina

August 28, 2018 14:37 - 21 minutes - 25.6 MB

Grant Aronoff, Anthony Artalona and Ben Goldin were all part of Penn's highly-regarded 2018 recruiting class. Legendary Penn coach Roger Reina came back to lead the program last year and this is his first big class of recruits for his second stint in charge. He talks about what drew him to the three Florida wrestlers, his experience recruiting the Sunshine State and how the sport - and how he himself - has changed since he was last in charge.

#17 - Wrestling discussion series - Marketing the sport

August 20, 2018 12:30 - 28 minutes - 36.4 MB

Our Wrestling Discussion Series continues with Colonial head coach Andy Pitts joining me to talk about how he tries to market the sport at his high school. We discuss how important it is to also market it to fellow faculty and administration and how every day is a day to sell the sport. We look into the roll of social media in advancing knowledge and interest in the sport and how he tries to build up the numbers in his wrestling room. The sport of wrestling is always looking for ways t...

Wrestling discussion series - Marketing the sport

August 20, 2018 12:30 - 28 minutes - 36.4 MB

Our Wrestling Discussion Series continues with Colonial head coach Andy Pitts joining me to talk about how he tries to market the sport at his high school. We discuss how important it is to also market it to fellow faculty and administration and how every day is a day to sell the sport. We look into the roll of social media in advancing knowledge and interest in the sport and how he tries to build up the numbers in his wrestling room. The sport of wrestling is always looking for ways t...

#16 - Wrestling discussion series - The importance of dual meets

August 14, 2018 18:24 - 30 minutes - 35.1 MB

Dual meets are important to the sport of wrestling, but it's hard to fit them into a demanding and tight schedule. We look at dual meets and how important they are for a wrestling program. Dual meets can grow the sport for fans, wrestlers and for the programs themselves. We also talk about how in-school dual meets have been so successful for his Titan program and tells a story about the best match he can remember taking place during one of them. All of this and more on this version o...

Wrestling discussion series - The importance of dual meets

August 14, 2018 18:24 - 30 minutes - 35.1 MB

Dual meets are important to the sport of wrestling, but it's hard to fit them into a demanding and tight schedule. We look at dual meets and how important they are for a wrestling program. Dual meets can grow the sport for fans, wrestlers and for the programs themselves. We also talk about how in-school dual meets have been so successful for his Titan program and tells a story about the best match he can remember taking place during one of them. All of this and more on this version o...

Talking wrestling transfers - Season 2, Episode 1

June 21, 2018 16:52 - 53 minutes - 60.6 MB

Suncoast head wrestling coach Dan Tria joins the podcast to talk about transfers in the sport of high school wrestling and in general. We talk about how school choice initiatives have opened the playing field for easier movement and the decision making process that student-athletes go through in figuring out if a transfer is the right move. We discuss the difference between public and private schools and look in-depth into limitations placed on magnet programs too.  We also address our...

#15 - Talking wrestling transfers

June 21, 2018 16:52 - 53 minutes - 60.6 MB

Suncoast head wrestling coach Dan Tria joins the podcast to talk about transfers in the sport of high school wrestling and in general. We talk about how school choice initiatives have opened the playing field for easier movement and the decision making process that student-athletes go through in figuring out if a transfer is the right move. We discuss the difference between public and private schools and look in-depth into limitations placed on magnet programs too.  We also address our...

State preview: Lake Highland coach Mike Palazzo

March 01, 2018 12:45 - 41 minutes - 41.3 MB

We talk with Lake Highland Prep coach Mike Palazzo about the team's goals in the postseason, why they upped the challenge for their wrestlers and what perfection means to him. 

An interview with SEU coach Javier Maldonado

February 08, 2018 18:53 - 28 minutes - 47.4 MB

We catch up with SEU coach Javier Maldonado. We look back on the three-year anniversary of his taking the job to lead the first scholarship program in the state in almost three decades. We talk about the influences from his wrestling family at Kissimmee Osceola High School and his collegiate career at UT-Chattanooga.  We also discuss the growth of high school wrestling talent in Florida, the importance of academics and how SEU's success in the sport could encourage other schools to giv...

Wrestling Update - January 29, 2018

January 29, 2018 16:04 - 2 minutes - 2.02 MB

I’m baaack. This is your high school wrestling update from the Orlando Sentinel for Monday, January 29, 2018 – My name is Brant Parsons – and my podcast did not win a Grammy last night. We’ve hit the stretch run of the season and this past weekend gave us a showcase of big I-B-Ts. Take a big inhale – and let’s go. Let’s start with the Tri-County Invitational at Olympic Heights that saw Fleming Island come in and show the “tri-counties” how it’s done. The Golden Eagles outscored runne...

Wrestling update for December 8, 2017

December 08, 2017 16:24 - 1 minute - 1.26 MB

I’ve been obsessed with The Beatles since high school and I’ll never forget hearing about the news on December 8, 1980. Please enjoy my tribute to the great John Lennon while I recap last night’s action on the mat.

Wrestling update for December 7, 2017

December 07, 2017 20:55 - 2 minutes - 2.09 MB

As I continue to try to find the optimum audio settings for my podcast.  We’ll get there.. Good morning, this is your high school wrestling update from the Orlando Sentinel for Thursday, December 7, 2017 – My name is Brant … Read More

Wrestling update for December 7, 2017

December 07, 2017 20:55 - 2 minutes - 2.09 MB

As I continue to try to find the optimum audio settings for my podcast.  We’ll get there.. Good morning, this is your high school wrestling update from the Orlando Sentinel for Thursday, December 7, 2017 – My name is Brant … Read More

Walsh Jesuit Ironman preview – Episode 12

December 05, 2017 17:54 - 26 minutes - 34.4 MB

Corey Haddad, the tournament general manager, joins us to talk about “the toughest high school tournament in the nation.” We chat about the 24th edition that starts this Friday and about Lake Highland Prep and other Florida wrestlers in it.

Wrestling Update for December 1, 2017

December 01, 2017 16:04 - 1 minute - 2.08 MB

Good morning, this is your high school wrestling update from the Orlando Sentinel for Friday, December 1, 2017 – My name is Brant Parsons – And welcome to the first weekend of tournament action.

Season preview: Harmony’s Victor Lorenzano – Episode 11

November 30, 2017 18:20 - 18 minutes - 20.5 MB

As part of our state wrestling preview, we are interviewing coaches across the state. On this podcast, Harmony coach Victor Lorenzano talks about his latest head coaching job and how his Italian upbringing helps make his wrestling team a family. … Read More

Wrestling Update for November 30, 2017

November 30, 2017 15:41 - 2 minutes - 3.01 MB

Good morning, this is your high school wrestling update from the Orlando Sentinel for Thursday, November 30, 2017 – My name is Brant Parsons – And I have a lot of stuff to get to.

Season preview: Timber Creek’s Jon Cone – Episode 10

November 29, 2017 18:24 - 13 minutes - 15.7 MB

As part of our state wrestling preview, we are interviewing coaches across the state. On this podcast, Timber Creek coach Jon Cone talks about how his school always has high participation numbers and how as a strong dual team, they’re … Read More

Wrestling Update for November 29, 2017

November 29, 2017 14:16 - 2 minutes - 2.59 MB

Good morning, this is your high school wrestling update from the Orlando Sentinel for Wednesday, November 29, 2017 – My name is Brant Parsons – And the season… has… begun.

Season Preview: Wellington’s Travis Gray – Episode 9

November 27, 2017 05:17 - 13 minutes - 15.8 MB

As part of our state wrestling preview, we are interviewing coaches across the state. On this podcast, Wellington coach Travis Gray talks about the growth of his program and the untapped talent in Palm Beach County. Please subscribe to the … Read More

Northern Florida preview with Shannon Heaton – Episode 8

November 24, 2017 21:29 - 46 minutes - 50.2 MB

Our season preview series continues with Northeast and Northwest Florida Matmen founder Shannon Heaton joining us to talk about the northern part of the state. Who are the teams to watch and what are the can’t miss events in the … Read More

Season preview: Fort Myers’ Matt Markowski – Episode 7

November 22, 2017 04:23 - 18 minutes - 20.1 MB

As part of our state wrestling preview, we are interviewing coaches across the state. On this podcast, Fort Myers coach Matt Markowski talks about his three returning finalists and the pitfalls of scheduling for different levels of talent in the … Read More

Season preview: Merritt Island’s Graham Smith – Episode 6

November 21, 2017 17:28 - 17 minutes - 22.4 MB

As part of our state wrestling preview, we are interviewing coaches across the state. On this podcast, Merritt Island coach Graham Smith talks about his team’s quest to reach the top of the district and the growing numbers in the … Read More

Season preview: Florida High coach Clay Allen – Episode 5

November 20, 2017 21:13 - 16 minutes - 16.9 MB

As part of our state wrestling preview, we are interviewing coaches across the state. On this podcast, Florida High’s Clay Allen talks about his team’s quest to win the district title and he reveals how the team plans to honor … Read More

Season preview: Palmetto Ridge’s Blaine Ison – Episode 4

November 20, 2017 16:06 - 11 minutes - 12.7 MB

As part of our state wrestling preview, we are interviewing coaches across the state. On this podcast, Palmetto Ridge’s Blaine Ison talks about what his team has coming back, what it’s like to be coaching at his alma mater and … Read More

Season preview: Jensen Beach coach Tom McMath – Episode 3

November 18, 2017 15:48 - 11 minutes - 12.2 MB

Our season preview podcast series continues with Jensen Beach head coach Tom McMath. We talk about the upcoming season and the importance of his youth wrestling program in building sustained success at the school. We’ll be having coaches on leading up … Read More

Season preview: Lake Gibson coach Daniel Walker – Episode 2

November 17, 2017 18:16 - 14 minutes - 16.4 MB

As part of our state wrestling preview, we are interviewing coaches across the state. On this podcast, Lake Gibson’s Daniel Walker joins us to talk about his team this season, the state dual series and how last season’s close loss … Read More

Catching up with Russ Cozart – Episode 1

November 01, 2017 23:25 - 55 minutes - 56.6 MB

The first-ever podcast has legendary coach Russ Cozart as the guest. We talk about what brought him to Brandon, how he’s changed as a coach over the years and what the sport has meant to him. It’s a fascinating interview … Read More

Working The Edge: High School Wrestling in Florida Podcast

August 30, 2017 18:13 - 1 minute - 2.52 MB

Orlando Sentinel wrestling writer Brant Parsons covers high school wrestling in the state of Florida like nobody else. We interview some of the best coaches and wrestlers in the state as well as analyze the top teams throughout the year.