Pace's Alex Perez sets school record for 4th wrestling title

After becoming the first wrestler in school history to win four district titles, Pace High School senior Alex Perez finished his high school wrestling career on top by winning the FHSAA 2016 1A 138lb State Wrestling Championship on March 5.

Perez dominated competitors in his matches at the FHSAA State Wrestling Championships, defeating his three quarter and semi-final opponents in just over a minute total before eventually defeating Key West High School’s Caleb Ashe 7-0 in the finals.

Perez’ big victory came just a few hours after his wrestling coach Frank Pelegri was inducted into the Florida High School Wrestling Hall of Fame during a special ceremony at the Championships. Pelegri, who has coached wrestling at Pace for nearly 20 years, was inducted into the Pace Hall of Fame last October and will be inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame this August. Pelegri described having two such important moments so close to each other as “heavenly,” and credits his and Alex’ faith in God for their success.