State of the Program ... Oakleaf (FL)
Oakleaf (Florida)
Head Coach: Rory Roderick (1st season as head coach; 3rd season on staff)
Staff: John Powers-Young
Oakleaf enters the 2021-2022 season with a lot of expectations. Marcus McGee and Isaiah Shevchook each qualified for the 3A State Tournament a year ago and both are back to lead the team in 21-22. The Knights also return several wrestlers that just missed on a trip to Kissimmee a year ago and will look to punch their ticket in 2022. Roman Polinsky and Jordan Mitchell both finished just short a year ago and could make it at least 4 Knights in Kissimmee in 2022. Keep an eye on Braden Cole and Ben Gaddis as well as Adrianna Barrientos, Angel Rodriguez, Ion Hortinela, Ghais Cooper, Keon Barrientos, and Onjel Caraballo. Each will look to make a difference this coming season.
“We are projected to have one of the most, if not the most talented teams in Oakleaf wrestling history. We have returning wrestlers that have been seasoned and are ready to let loose. With Fleming no longer in our district, that opens up 1 more spot to qualify for regionals, and 1 more spot to qualify for state.
The expectation for this season is district dual champs, district IBT champs, at least 6 state qualifiers and at least 2 state placers. We also expect to have the best dual record in Oakleaf wrestling history, and to finish higher than we did previously at Flagler Rotary and Green Cove Rotary.
We have returning wrestlers that did not make it to state and are hungry. Ben Gaddis, Roman Polinsky, and Jordan Mitchell all lost in the blood round to make it to state and are determined to change the outcome this year. Onjel Caraballo was out last season due to a shoulder injury but is now back to 100% and hungry to make it to state. We also have a few freshmen who have been wrestling all summer and are ready to make a name for themselves.”