ALL-COUNTY BOYS WEIGHTLIFTING

For the fourth straight season and for the fifth time in six campaigns, F.W. Springstead captured the Hernando County Boys Weightlifting Championship Meet.

The Spring Hill club once again set the pace locally behind a perfect 6-0-0 won-lost-tied slate.

The Eagles also sent the most lifters to states (3) and had two state placers to crack the Class 2A Top 10 in team points for the first time in their history (finishing ninth with nine points).

Based on their efforts between the lines and with input from the area coaches and the Hernando Today staff, this year’s All-Hernando County All-Star team was again spearheaded by the Mariner Boulevard crew.

Of this year’s 11 All-Star selections, five were repeat picks.

Springstead led the local circuit with five picks highlighted by seniors Chris Goforth at 154 pounds, David Stevens at 183, Armando Noury at 199, Josh Santana at 219 and Coach of the Year Mike Garofano.

Noury was further honored as Lifter of the Year. Noury and Santana were first-time picks while Garofano was chosen COY for the sixth time and Stevens and Goforth were also on the squad in 2010.

Nature Coast Technical, which finished 6-1-0 overall, had three All-County selections featuring: senior Brandon “B.J.” Cullen at heavyweight, and juniors A.J. Fedor at 119 and Mike Sanders at 129.

Fedor and Sanders were repeat selections from 2010.

Central, which finished 2-2, was represented by senior Mike Bailey at 169 and junior Matt Callaci at 139. Both lifters were first-time picks.

Hernando, which finished 2-7 overall, was represented by senior Thomas Bronson at 238. Bronson was also a first-time All-Star selection.

Garofano: Six titles in eight seasons

With six county crowns in eight seasons – including a county-record four in a row – Coach Garofano was literally a slam dunk as COY. During his tenure Garofano has produced 31 individual county champions, etched 11 sectional/district champs, 24 state qualifiers, eight state placers and one state champion.

County coaches varied on what is the backbone of Garofano’s continued success.

“Just look at his sheer numbers,” explained Hernando Head Coach Shawn Bingham. “Coach Garofano had 60-plus kids on his team this year. The other three programs in the county couldn’t come up with those numbers combined. He does a great job selling the program and keeping guys.”

“He’s built a great program,” added NCT Head Coach Mark Nash. “He knows how to juggle his lineup to get the best results. He’s set the model on how to build a program.”

With a core group of seniors leaving will the Eagles continue to rule the roost?

“We’re gonna try to reload for next year,” said Garofano, who is 30-6-2 lifetime in duel meets.

“This year our role guys were huge. In our sport, it’s not always about the first-place points. For instance, we set a goal at the county meet to get all 15 guys to score. And we wanted all 15 guys in the top three. Was it ambitious? Sure. But that’s what helped us reach our ultimate goal. I think this year we were deeper than we’ve ever been. But that will change next year.”

“We’ve got a good nucleus of young guys coming up,” noted Garofano. “This past year we were senior laden. Hopefully, our young guys will grow up and grow up quickly.”

Noury named LOY

Noury’s rise to Lifter of the Year was remarkable.

As a sophomore, Noury finished second in the Hernando County Championship Meet at 169 pounds to Steven Sullivan. Sullivan was a freak of nature with four county titles, three trips to states and two state medals.

Though Noury was a county runner-up, he understood the need to work harder: He lost by 50 pounds to Sullivan.

Unfortunately, his grades suffered and he was ruled ineligible for his junior season.

After rededicating himself, Noury became eligible. This past spring, Noury competed in seven meets and never lost. In his path, he captured his first-ever county title and his first district championship.

His lone blemish arrived at the 2A State Finals in Kissimmee when Seminole Ridge’s Eric Strickland was successful on his final clean-and-jerk attempt to tie Noury’s career-best 640-pound total.

Since Strickland weighed in 1½ pounds lighter, he won the tiebreaker and walked away with the coveted gold medal while Noury settled for silver.

Maybe Coach Nash summed up the sentiments of the area coaches who all voted for Noury for LOY.

“He’s (Noury) at a level you want all your lifters at,” pointed out Coach Nash. “The kid’s driven. You can see it in his eyes and his approach. He’s focused when he’s out there. He was absolutely at the top of his game.

“You always want your athletes, no matter what the sport is, to take something forward based on their best efforts,” added Nash. “Noury gave it his best and sometimes that’s not good enough. But it’s a life lesson. It’s something to help mold your character.”

“Noury did well in the county and district meets. His selection (as Lifter of the Year) was a no-brainer,” said Coach Bingham. “That kid busted his butt all season long. He had a goal and nearly achieved it.”

Goforth: Terrific season

Unlike Noury, Goforth repeated as Hernando County champion.

Goforth went from a personal high of 445 pounds in 2010 to 510 in 2011. He earned his first trip to states behind a second-place finish in the 2A-4 Meet in Spring Hill.

At states, Goforth went in ranked 17th, but left placing 11th overall.

“His totals went up and Chris wants to be a body builder,” described Coach Garofano. “We had to adjust his workouts and we worked on his technique this year. He really finished up well at states.”

Stevens: Two-time selection

Stevens and Noury formed a solid 1-2 punch at states finishing second and third respectively at 183.

In a year, Stevens’ personal record went from 535 to 620 pounds at states.

In between, Stevens captured the county title at 183 and finished runner-up at districts.

“I still feel guilty from last year,” admitted Coach Garofano. “It was my fault. David should have won the county meet twice. Maybe finishing second helped fuel his rise this year. He’s one of those guys that came in early to lift and had to be chased out of the weight room. Those are gonna be huge shoes to fill next year.”

Santana: Will be missed

In one year, Santana’s personal best went up 50 pounds from 500 to 550.

In the process, Santana also captured his first-ever county title. He scratched out at in districts ending any chance of reaching states.

“What else can I say about Santana?” said Coach Garofano. “He was an exceptional leader. On the football field he was the captain of our defense and led the team in tackles. He was our vocal leader. In the weight room, he was the same way. He lived there religiously. I hope guys follow his blueprint. Santana is another senior we’re gonna sorely miss.”

Fedor: Back-to-back solid campaigns

Across the past two seasons, Fedor has walked away as a county champion. His went from a personal-best 380 pounds at 129 in 2010 to 395 pounds at 119 this year. Fedor was also the county’s lone 1A-6 champion from the meet at Sunlake.

Fedor capped this past season with a fourth-place, bronze-medal finish at states in Osceola County. He improved from his initial trip to states in 2010 (11th overall).

“I realize it’s a cliché, but I couldn’t have asked for anything more from A.J.,” noted Coach Nash. “He literally gave every ounce he had to the sport. He didn’t win states, but that’s OK. He’s got another year and this year’s experience will help him.

“I think A.J. started his high school career thinking lifting was a part-time hobby, but now it has become his passion,” added Nash. “Next year, I see him reaping the benefits of his passion.”

Sanders: Slightly better finish

Sanders, who finished runner-up in the county meet as a freshman in 2009, has captured back-to-back county titles as a member of the NCT Sharks.

Sanders went from a personal-high total of 375 pounds in 2010 to 410 pounds this past season.

The third-year lifter finished as district runner-up in 1A-6, concluding his junior year with an eighth-place finish at states.

“With a full season to refine his technique, Mike could be special,” explained Coach Nash. “You gotta give him credit; he competed hard at states. That effort will pay dividends in the future. With A.J. and Mike, they both have a chance next year not only to make the (state) platform, but to reach the top of the platform.”

Cullen: A lot of heart

Cullen had another quietly effective season.

Cullen finished third in the county meet and placed sixth in the 1A-6 Meet at Sunlake. In the process, he lifted the most amount of weight of any Hernando County heavyweight lifter (570 pounds).

“Brandon is the type of kid that you get a lump in your throat talking about,” described Nash. “He’s not flashy, but he’s a consummate competitor. He’s a team guy through and through. If you need somebody to do something on the football field or in the weight room, Brandon’s your guy.

“He’s the kind of kid who will do anything you ask,” added Nash. “Every team needs guys like Brandon. He’s the type of person you’d like your daughter to bring home.”

Central: Two All-Stars

At CHS, Bailey and Callaci were both county champs.

Bailey went on to garner a first-place blue ribbon at the 2A-4 Meet at Springstead to advance to states for the first time. In Kissimmee, Bailey scratched out on a trio of clean-and-jerk attempts finishing 14th overall.

Callaci did not reach states finishing fourth in the 2A-4 Meet in Spring Hill.

Leopards: Bronson leads

Bronson’s season was highlighted by capturing the county meet at heavyweight. He dropped down to 238 for the 1A-6 Meet at Sunlake, but finished third overall.

Bronson lifted the most amount of weight of any Hernando County competitor at 238 (550 pounds).

“Thomas is a good leader,” shared Coach Bingham. “He’s a funny guy. He always keeps the team spirits up. He came in right after basketball season and fell into a groove in the weight room. It was like he never skipped a beat.”

2011 Hernando Today All-County Boys Weightlifting Team
WGT NAME SCHOOL YR BEN C&J TOT
119 A.J. Fedor$** NCT 11th 220 175 395
129 Mike Sanders=** NCT 11th 210 200 410
139 Matt Callaci Central 11th 240 195 435
154 Chris Goforth=** Springstead 12th 270 240 510
169 Mike Bailey= Central 12th 315 260 575
183 David Stevens$ Springstead 12th 335 285 620
199 Armando Noury$ Springstead 12th 365 265 630
219 Josh Santana Springstead 12th 285 265 550
238 Thomas Bronson Hernando 12th 315 235 550
HWT Brandon “B.J.” Cullen NCT 12th 330 240 570
Lifter of the Year – Armando Noury (Springstead)
Coach of the Year – Mike Garofano (Springstead)
$ Denotes state placer
= Denotes state qualifier
** Denotes two-time Hernando County champion

2010 Hernando Today All-County Boys Weightlifting Team
WGT NAME SCHOOL YR BEN C&J TOT
119 Mike Sanders NCT 10th 205 170 375
129 A.J. Fedor NCT 10th 215 165 380
139 Chris Goforth Springstead 11th 225 220 445
154 Steven Sullivan$^^^ Springstead 12th 325 265 590
169 David Alberts^ Springstead 12th 295 265 560
183 David Stevens Springstead 11th 285 255 540
199 Eric Adams^ NCT 12th 360 240 600
219 Josh Parnell^ Hernando 12th 305 270 575
238 Justin Murray NCT 12th 360 250 610
HWT Robert Huggins**^^ Hernando 12th 380 270 650
Lifter of the Year – Steven Sullivan (Springstead)
Coach of the Year – Mike Garofano (Springstead)
$ Denotes four-time Hernando County champion
*** Denotes three-time Hernando County champion
** Denotes two-time Hernando County champion
* Denotes Hernando County champion
^^^ Denotes three-time state qualifier
^^ Denotes two-time state qualifier
^ Denotes state qualifier

2009 Hernando Today All-County Boys Weightlifting Team
WGT NAME SCHOOL YR BEN C&J TOT
119 Ben Lascurain *^ Central 11th 205 165 370
129 David Morales * Central 9th 175 160 335
139 Geovanny Decene **^ Springstead 11th 245 225 470
154 Steven Sullivan*** ^^ Springstead 11th 280 250 530
169 James Wozniak*^ Springstead 12th 315 255 570
183 Alex Jang Central 11th 335 220 555
199 Daniel Wilson * Springstead 12th 315 240 555
219 Joe Mignoli*^ NCT 12th 340 270 610
238 Nate Schafer**^ Springstead 12th 330 285 615
HWT Robert Huggins* Hernando 11th 345 255 600
HWT Robert Huggins* Hernando 11th 355 245 600
Lifter of the Year – Steven Sullivan (Springstead)
Coach of the Year – Mike Garofano (Springstead)
*** Denotes three-time Hernando County champion
** Denotes two-time Hernando County champion
* Denotes Hernando County champion
^^ Denotes two-time state qualifier
^ Denotes state qualifier

2008 Hernando Today All-County Boys Weightlifting Team
WGT NAME SCHOOL YR BEN C&J TOT
119 Zach Magrini * Springstead 12th 215 160 375
129 Geovanny Decene * Springstead 10th 200 185 385
139 Steven Sullivan **^ Springstead 10th 260 220 480
139 Steven Sullivan **^ Springstead 10th 265 215 480
154 James Wozniak Springstead 11th 255 215 470
169 Bradly Hill *^ Hernando 12th 305 265 570
183 Chad McGee *^^ Hernando 12th 300 300 600
199 Nathan Brazeau ^ Central 12th 300 270 570
219 Luis Delgado *^ Springstead 12th 330 260 590
238 Nate Schafer * Springstead 11th 285 275 560
HWT J.J. Baker * NCT 12th 340 275 615
Lifter of the Year – Steve Sullivan (Springstead)
Coach of the Year – Mike Garofano (Springstead)
** Denotes two-time Hernando County champion
* Denotes Hernando County champion
^^ Denotes two-time state qualifier
^ Denotes state qualifier

2007 Hernando Today All-County Boys Weightlifting Team
WGT NAME SCHOOL YR BEN C&J TOT
119 Keith Green * NCT 11th 160 165 325
129 Donald Linton *^ NCT 12th 215 205 420
139 Josh Magrini *$ Springstead 12th 320 230 550
154 Robert Smith ^ Hernando 12th 285 230 515
169 Randall “Bo” Smith* Hernando 12th 285 200 485
183 DuJuan Harris*^ Central 12th 325 260 585
199 Jesse Hartman *^ Central 12th 340 300 640
219 Matt Cooper Hernando 12th 270 265 535
238 Aaron Bourguignon * Central 12th 340 260 600
HWT Matt Dilts * Springstead 12th 365 250 615
Lifter of the Year – Josh Magrini (Springstead)
Coach of the Year – Joe Nestor (Central)
* Denotes HCAC/County champion
^ Denotes state qualifier
$ Denotes state champion!

2006 Hernando Today All-County Boys Weightlifting Team
WGT NAME SCHOOL YR BEN C&J TOT
119 Zach Magrini *^ Springstead 10th 205 165 370
129 Tony Grossi *^ NCT 12th 235 210 445
139 Josh Magrini *^ Springstead 11th 300 220 520
154 Robert Smith *^ Hernando 11th 295 240 535
169 Mike Brazeau*^ Central 12th 285 255 540
183 Jesse Hartman *^ Central 11th 295 310 605
199 Dan Bourguignon ^ Central 12th 330 285 615
219 Justin Cochran ^ Hernando 12th 315 255 570
238 Chris Ferguson *^ Springstead 12th 350 275 625
HWT Cody Yager * Hernando 12th 380 270 650
Lifter of the Year – Robert Smith (Hernando)
Coach of the Year – Mike Garofano (Springstead)
* Denotes HCAC/county champion
^ Denotes state qualifier

2005 Hernando Today All-County Boys Weightlifting Team
WGT NAME SCHOOL YR BEN C&J TOT
119 Jason Singer *^ Hernando 12th 215 170 385
129 Josh Magrini *^ Springstead 10th 260 200 460
139 Anthony Roberts *# Hernando 12th 315 220 535
154 Jeff Sullivan *^ Springstead 12th 315 235 550
169 Hector DelRio *^ Central 12th 300 260 560
183 Nick Belavilas * Springstead 12th 285 260 545
199 Addison Chipoletti *# Hernando 12th 405 265 670
219 Danny Kratovil * Hernando 12th 330 225 555
238 Eric Steuart * Hernando 12th 310 250 560
HWT Andrew Niederhelman * Hernando 12th 345 245 590
Co-Lifter of the Year – Anthony Roberts (Hernando)
Co-Lifter of the Year – Addison Chipoletti (Hernando)
Coach of the Year – Bill Browning (Hernando)
* Denotes HCAC/county champion
^ Denotes state qualifier
# Denotes state champion

2004 Hernando Today All-County Boys Weightlifting Team
WGT NAME SCHOOL YR BEN C&J TOT
119 Steve Leon *+^ Springstead 10th 215 175 390
129 Mike Singer *=^ Springstead 10th 260 200 460
139 Anthony Roberts *=# Hernando 11th 305 215 520
154 Jeff Sullivan *=^ Springstead 11th 315 240 555
169 Jeff McNair *^ Central 11th 235 240 475
183 Matt Buehler *= Central 12th 295 235 530
199 Addison Chipoletti *=^ Hernando 11th 385 250 635
219 Darnell Craig + Central 12th 285 265 550
238 Andrew Niederhelman *+^ Hernando 11th 350 250 600
HWT Charles Gonyea *+ Springstead 12th 335 300 635
Lifter of the Year – Anthony Roberts (Hernando)
Coach of the Year – Mike Garofano (Springstead)
* Denotes county champion
^ Denotes state qualifier
# Denotes state champion
= GCAC champion
+ GCAC runner-up

2003 Hernando Today All-County Boys Weightlifting Team
WGT NAME SCHOOL YR BEN C&J TOT
119 Steve Leon *+^ Springstead 9th 185 145 330
129 Anthony Roberts *+^ Hernando 10th 235 162.5 397.5
139 Chad Sanders *+^ Hernando 11th 235 205 440
154 Jeff Sullivan *=^ Springstead 11th 295 215 510
169 Robbie Jernigan Hernando 12th 265 215 480
183 Addison Chipoletti * Hernando 10th 315 200 515
199 Travis Malcolm Hernando 12th 270 210 480
219 Tim Gaynor * Central 12th 265 240 505
238 Erik Larson *=^ Springstead 12th 350 250 600
HWT Charles Gonyea *+ Springstead 11th 280 260 540
Lifter of the Year – Erik Larson (Springstead)
Coach of the Year – Bill Browning (Hernando)
* Denotes county champion
^ Denotes state qualifier
# Denotes state champion
= GCAC champion
+ GCAC runner-up

2002 Hernando Today All-County Boys Weightlifting Team
WGT NAME SCHOOL YR BEN C&J TOT
119 Viet Lam +#^ Central 12th 240 185 420
129 Chad Sanders Hernando 9th 205 185 390
139 Warren Hendry *+ Springstead 12th 270 190 460
154 Jeff Sullivan *= Springstead 9th 275 200 475
169 Joe Johnson * Springstead 12th 265 225 490
183 David Fenty *= Springstead 12th 370 250 620
199 Franklin Lewars *+ Springstead 12th 310 250 560
219 Pete Kurman Springstead 12th 340 205 545
238 Steve Cassell *= Hernando 12th 355 265 620
HWT Pat Davis + Springstead 10th 305 255 560
Lifter of the Year – Viet Lam (Central).
Coach of the Year – Jason Wetherington (Springstead).
* Denotes county champion
^ Denotes state qualifier
# Denotes state champion
= GCAC champion
+ GCAC runner-up

Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at 352-544-5278 or [email protected].