OVIEDO – In 2017, Oakleaf High’s Ryan Rosano took a two match dousing at the Class 3A championship meet and then vowed to take steps to change that trajectory in 2018.

“I was really disappointed in my performance last year,” said Rosano, now 37-3 after finishing 41-10 last year and losing his two preliminary state matches; 8-1 and 5-3. “Last month, I was just always sick and could never get up to full strength. I was throwing up all the time.”

Rosano won Oakleaf’s first region title with a 3-0 finals’ win over Fleming Island’s Albie Snedaker, last year’s region champion. Rosano also took an 8-4 district 1-3A title from Snedaker a week ago.. At the region 1-3A meet, Rosano won by pin, a 12-0 major and a 7-4 semifinal over Boone High senior Jayden Bradshaw, who was 47-4 with two pins in his two matches prior to facing Rosano.

Rosano noted that a one-point loss to Hagery freshman Dylan Kohn at a tournament was the turning point in his mental approach.

“I went in thinking he was a freshman and he beat me in the final 1-0,” said Rosano. “When I found out he was a freshman, I said that’s not happening again. I have to laser focus.”

Rosano has enjoyed the county rivalry with Snedaker as the two have met numerous times the past two seasons with Snedaker being a thorn. Rosano finished third at districts last year before taking fourth at regions with Snedaker winning the region title.

“Albie has pushed me harder than anyone to get better,” said Rosano. “He’s made me want to get better.”