VENICE, FL (SNN-TV) – SNN’s first Carl Reynolds Law Student-Athlete of the Month of 2023 represents a high school where they tout “Its Just Different Here”.
Venice High School senior Blaine Taranto is the state’s top wrestler and the top pick for Student-Athlete of the Month.
“A phenomenal kid in general. A kid you enjoy being around and you enjoy the opportunity to coach. The success he’s had is obviously phenomenal.” – Patrick Ryan, Venice Wrestling Coach
That was Venice wrestling Patrick Ryan talking about the Indians state champion hopeful, and Florida’s top-ranked wrestler, Blaine Taranto. Sitting at 26-1 on the season, Taranto is on pace to become Venice’s first state champion since Dan Stone in 2018, while also being in position to become the VHS Wrestling all-time career wins record holder, trailing assistant coach Jeremie Cook (pictured below) by 26 wins with roughly 30 matches to go. Finding himself on the cusp of a breakthrough the past few seasons, Taranto says winning it all is his only goal.
“Last year I defeated the defending champs for third and fourth, and I think I’ve taken out like 14 state champs now, so I just haven’t got one myself. That’s really the only thing on my mind everyday.” – Blaine Taranto, Venice Wrestler
The Indians senior touts a 3.0 GPA and school spirit like few others. Taranto, while standing out as a star on the mat, also leads the heralded Venice student section for various sports, paving the way for Venice school spirit. While Taranto self-describes himself as someone who “bleeds green and white” he also has had his fair share of bumps and bruises over his four year wrestling career as an Indian, but to him it’s all worth it.
“I’ve dislocated my knees, dislocated my shoulders, broken my nose, you know what you’re getting into when you walk in there. I gave a speech to the guys the other day about forcing yourself to enjoy what you’re doing, embrace the grind. I put a smile on my face every time I walk in there, and I try to keep it on the whole time.” – Blaine Taranto
Taranto aspires to take over his father’s business as owner of the Under Armour Junior Golf Tour, while continuing a wrestling legacy previously etched by his brother Bryce before him. While family is of great value to Taranto, his teammates and coaches are an extended family who also embrace the grind.
“It’s not really a team to me, it’s more like a brotherhood. You know you’re in there, you’re getting busted up, you’re bleeding together, you’re crying together, you’re winning together, you’re losing together. Everything’s like a family.” – Blaine Taranto