State of the Program ... Manatee (FL)
Manatee (FL)
Head Coach: Andrew Gugliemini, Jr. (entering 28th season at Manatee)
Staff: Bobby Latessa, Trevor Fair, Felix Osuna Cotto, Bryce Killian
Coach Gug graduated a ton of seniors from the 2020-2021 team that had wrestlers all over the podium in Kissimmee. Manatee returns State Placer Nic Giompalo and 2020 State Qualifier Trenton Johnson. Both will expect to be on the podium in 2022. Manatee also welcomes Sarasota Military Academy transfer Erik Borreson - a 2021 State Qualifier who won multiple matches in Kissimmee a year ago.
It would be difficult for Manatee to equal the success they had a year ago, but for that to happen they will need several others to step up and make some noise in 2021-22. Anthony Samuels and Jake Samuels as well as the return of Mason Miller who missed the 2021 post-season due to injury look to be at least 3 that will be counted on heading into this season. Keep an eye on freshman Chase Johnson and Illinois move-in Hunter White … both will be counted on to have an impact this season as well. Manatee has a deep room - it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some others like Dennis Bodin, Julian Smih, etc. step up and play an important role.
“Manatee graduated 7 amazing seniors - including 3 State Placers / State Champions- and we are excited about the young group of wrestlers ready to step into the line up. We will be led by Junior State Placer Nic Giompalo ( 3rd @ 170 ) and Trenton Johnson ( SQ in 2020 ) 2021 SQ (blood round ) Erik Borrenson.
Mason Miller / Anthony Samuels / Jake Samuels will challenge for state births.
Our tough schedule will pay dividends come post season!!! ”