By Joe Lyons ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH Lococo is Making History at Howell

Francis Howell wrestler Brandon Lococo finds himself in some pretty heady company these days.

With a career mark of 161-12, Lococo is on track to surpass recent Howell stalwarts Tim Kephart (170-3) and Ethan Kyle (164-1) on the school's all-time wins list. That also would make him one of the winningest wrestlers in Missouri history.

"To be mentioned along with Tim and Ethan is a huge honor, something I'm extremely proud of," said Lococo, a senior who entered the weekend with a 35-0 mark. "It's not something I've given much thought to; I tend to focus more on what I need to do to win my next match more than I do about my record. At the same time, though, I'm proud of what I've been able to accomplish, and I'm looking to finish the season as strong as possible."

A three-time state qualifier, Lococo has reached the title match in each of the last two seasons, losing both times to Winnetonka standout Tyler Grayson.

"It's a little frustrating, knowing I got that close and didn't win, but I know I did the best I could," said Lococo, who finished 43-4 at 145 a year ago and 33-5 at 135 as a sophomore. "I just happened to go up against one of the better wrestlers in the state and got beat."

With districts scheduled for Feb. 10-11 and the state tournament slated for Feb. 16-18 at Mizzou Arena, Lococo is still in the process of deciding whether he'll compete at 152 or 160 pounds.

"We've moved Brandon back and fourth all season, looking to get him the best possible competition," Howell coach Mark Malawey said. "He's capable of doing well at either weight; it's just a matter of deciding where we feel his best chance to succeed at state will be."

Lococo, who stands 5-feet-7 and weighs 158 pounds, has no preference at this point.

"I'll sit down with my coaches, and we'll weigh all my options," he said. "I'd love to win a state title - that's every wrestler's goal - and I know I'll be disappointed if I don't accomplish that goal. But it's not a life-or-death thing for me. As long as I go out and give it everything I have on the mat, I'll be fine."

Lococo got his wrestling start with the Francis Howell Junior Vikings as a third-grader and took to the sport quickly.

"I played soccer, baseball and basketball, but I always enjoyed wrestling a little more," he said. "The thing I love most about this sport is the one-on-one nature. When I go to the mat, I know it's all on me."

And when Lococo goes to the mat, you can expect action.

"Brandon's very unpredictable," Malawey said. "Most guys like to attack from one side or the other, but Brandon has the ability to come at you from either side. What really sets him apart is his ability to scramble.

"He's not a guy who's going to sit back and play defense. From the start, Brandon is attacking, and he's not going to stop until the match is over."

That style, coupled with his personality, has made Lococo a huge crowd favorite at Howell.

"Brandon's as popular as anybody in school, and he's somebody who really cares about the people around him," Malawey said. "He's an incredible young man, the kind you want to see your kids to grow up to be."

In November, Lococo signed with Lindenwood University, the reigning NAIA champion. He plans to study physical education and hopes to become a teacher and a wrestling coach.

"Lindenwood offered everything I was looking for in a college," Lococo said. "I'm real close with my family, so I wanted to find a school that was close to home. Lindenwood has an outstanding wrestling program and also has a strong physical education program."

Added Malawey: "I believe Brandon could wrestle for a Division I program, but Lindenwood's putting together quite a team."

But first, Lococo has some business in Columbia.

"I love this time of year," Lococo said.