State of the Program ... Citrus (FL)
Citrus (FL)
Head Coach: Joe Estep (entering 3rd season)
Staff: Craig Barker
Citrus returns to 2A, but will do so without 2022 State Placer Logan Simpson. Simpson set the tone a season ago and Coach Estep will look to a solid group to step in and lead the Canes this season. The Canes also lost Jesse Pounders, Gavin Walker, and others … so look for a few new faces throughout the lineup in 22-23. Seniors Devyn Martinson and Aaron Reynolds both have post-season experience. Keep an eye on Jack Kumprey who looks to pick up where he left off as a freshman. Kumprey was ranked in the top 20 in 2A by KabraWrestling and lost a very close match in the bloodround at Regions a year ago. Junior Charlie Smith also figures to play a big role for the Canes as he also won multiple matches at Regions a season ago as well.
Keep an eye on Manny Martinez, Joey Simpson, and Kayden Groves … each returns looking to make an impact in 2023. On the girls side - keep an eye on Avery D’Angelo. She has been wrestling as part of the Citrus Wrestling Club for years and Coach Estep “expects her to be a large piece in our growing girls program.” Citrus will be in the hunt in 2A - look to Kumprey and Smith to be big in 22-23, but for the Canes to gain strength and challenge in a difficult 2A-2 they will need some new faces to step up.
“We are looking forward to a season of young, yet scrappy, wrestlers. Many of our wrestlers compete into the summer months and several went to intensive camps, which I know will pay dividends in a few months. We have two seniors who will do their part in setting the example, along with great leadership from junior Charlie Smith, and are excited to see our young program compete at a high level.”
NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.