SPORTS

Manatee's Lukens receives Russ Mauger Mental Attitude Award

Senior, who has won two straight state title, wants to wrestle in college

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Manatee High's Tylynn Lukens celebrates after winning the state title. Prior to the FHSAA Championships. Lukens was announced recently as the winner of the prestigious Russ Mauger Award.

KISSIMMEE — Tylynn Lukens was a winner before stepping onto the mat at the FHSAA Wrestling Championships last Saturday at Silver Spurs Arena.

The Manatee High senior won the prestigious Russell A. “Russ” Mauger Mental Attitude Award via a vote by wrestlers, coaches and officials.

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“I’ve been wrestling since I been a little kid,” Lukens said. “Wrestling has taught me a lot. Getting that award is a big accomplishment.”

Lukens is the third Manatee High wrestler to receive the award named after a wrestling tournament manager in Pinellas County who died in 1996. Andrew Fulk and Marshall Craig of the Hurricanes also were honored in previous years prior to the championship finals at the state meet.

Here is the Russ Mauger Mental Attitude Award plaque which Manatee High's Tylynn Lukens received for winning the award.

“It just tells you a little bit about his character and a little bit about the person he is, the feeling he has and how he treats others,” Manatee High coach Andy Gugliemini said. “It’s more than just wrestler and athlete. It’s the person. We take great pride in that.”

Gugliemini admitted he had a difficult time on who to nominate from his team.

“It was tough this year,” the veteran coach of more than 600 career victories said. “I had amazing individuals.”

Lukens then did his thing on the mat, winning his second consecutive state title with an overtime victory in the Class 3A 182-pound weight class 5-3 over once-beaten Ethan Lopez of Hagerty.

In avenging his only loss of the season, Lukens finished his senior season 57-1.

“It’s sad, man. It’s my last high school match,” Lukens said. “I figure it will further my wrestling career in college. I’m not sure where I’m going yet, but I want to wrestle D-1. That’s the plan. That’s a big deal. Heck yeah.”

Winning the Mauger Award will help Lukens’ chances of finding a suitable college.

“This will be nice to add to his resume,” Gugliemini said. “And winning his second state title can’t hurt.”

Dennis Maffezzoli is the deputy sports editor for the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and chief reporter for Sarasota Herald-Tribune and HTpreps covering Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties. Support local journalism by subscribing.