Largo High School Now Among State Wrestling Elite

Few schools in Florida are known as wrestling school.  But Jeremy Frioud wrestling coach, may be changing that.

Frioud and his team made history when the Packers finished sixth in the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2A state tournament.

"I can't explain," Frioud said, at a loss for words at how happy he was for his wrestlers. "This is why we coach for peanuts. I'm still so happy. This is what it is all about."

When thinking of wrestling, schools such as Brandon and Countryside and Springstead spring to mind. Now, Largo could be among that group.

The surprise of the tournament may have been the play of Chris Johnson. Not expected to contend for a state title, Johnson nearly pulled it off in the 152-pound class by advancing to the state championship match. He finished second.

"It was pretty cool," Johnson said about his near-state title run. "I did pretty well. I just went out there and worked hard and gave it everything I had. Yeah, I wanted to win the state title. I am disappointed about that. But I am proud of what I did.  
"I was pretty surprised myself. I wasn't ranked that high to begin with.  So to wrestle for a state title, that was a pretty big goal."

Clarence Longley, wrestling at 135-pounds, was expected to have the best shot at a state championship entering the tournament. He finished third, losing to the eventual state champion in the semifinal round.

"I wrestled pretty good," Longley said, looking back on the state tournament as a whole. "I beat some really good wrestlers."

Cody McKinnon, wrestling at 140 pounds, finished in fifth place. The Packers also has two wrestlers place in sixth in their respective weight classes, Josh Jeffries (145 pounds) and Chris Johnson (171 pounds).

"It's been a really fun year," Frioud said. "It's the best wrestling team Largo has ever had."