Pete Collins (Coach) - Pete has been coaching and officiating in Florida for over 30 years! He began his wrestling career at Stranahan High School, where he was a 2x Florida State placewinner. He then moved on to Broward Community College for two years, before finishing his competitive career at Western Michigan University, wrestling on scholarship at both institutions. Upon graduation, Pete took a job as Graduate Assistant at the University of Florida, before taking over at Santa Fe High School in 1976. In 1977 he moved to Pinellas Park, where he built a very successful program from 1977-86, compiling a 105-16 record. Pinellas Park finished as State Runners-up in 1980, and had some of the most successful wrestlers in the area in 4x State Finalist Chris Cramer, Cesar Grajales, Pat and Jesse Smith and others. In 1994, after an eight year layoff, Pete got back into coaching at East Lake High School in Tarpon Springs, where he was head coach from 1994-2001, and 2006-07. He again built a very competitive program, finishing 5th at the 1998 State Championships. Pete's teams would win 5 PCAC Championships, 7 district and 1 region championship, as well as 3 region runner-up finishes. In addition to coaching, Pete has been an FHSAA registered official for 15 years, working the State Championships and several District and Region Championships. Pete also founded the Jerry Mita Christmas Tournament, one of the longest running high school tournaments in the state, as well as the East Lake Invitational. He has also run several Conference, District and Region Championships. Pete is married to wife Debra, and has four daughters, Debra, Delina, Deanie and Denelle.