Mainland Lady Bucs (FL)

Head Coach: Matt Lawrence (entering 5th season)

Staff: Hope Jallah, Helena Carey, Karl Piedad

Mainland is 7 girls strong and in this inaugural season (FHSAA just voted to approve a Traditional State Tournament) the Lady Bucs have a shot to make some noise. Having numbers is a huge advantage and with just two of those being Seniors - this is a team that could get better as the season progresses. Seniors Abby Couillard and Aniya Dixon should lead the way, but it will be up to everyone if they are going to finish in the top 10 in 2022.

Keep an eye on Juniors Avery Duffy and Jah’Mya Hill as well as Sophomores Trinya Tillman, Cheyenne Wigley, and Alex Suton. I’m not certain of the qualifying process as yet, but getting as many through to the state tournament will be key to any 2022 success.

“We are the largest girls team in the county and are looking to expand on our numbers and success from last year, aiming for top 10 at State.”

— Coach Lawrence

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!!! ”

— Coach Gug

Coral Springs Charter (FL)

Head Coach: Eric Perez (1st season)

Staff: Steve Mocco, Peter Derstine, Jonathan Moltimer

Coach Eric Perez comes over from Abundant Life Christian Academy and takes the reins of a program that was built by Dan Dunham. Coral Springs Charter has a very young team grade wise but what they lack in age they more than make up for in wrestling IQ. Their young hammers have been around the sport for a very long time and will look to make an impact in extremely difficult Class 1A Region 4. Charter lost State Runner-Up Terrell Taylor to graduation but return an outstanding group of returning Seniors that will look to lead the way and mentor the younger guys throughout the season.

Brock Wilson, David Taylor and Griffin Perko lead the way and will be looking to punch their ticket to Kissimmee in their final season. Keon Taylor was a sophomore a year ago and won 2 matches at the regional tournament … he and 8th grader Michael Mocco (who won 3 matches at regions) are Charter’s best shots at having a state placer in 2022. Keep an eye on Preston Linday, Brayden Derstine, and Michael Varga - each has experience and will look to make some noise in 2022.

Coral Springs Charter also has two new faces to keep an eye on … Hunter Perez who transferred from Iowa and Peter Mocco - a 6th grader with tons of experience (and success) at the youth level. Charter is in a great position to gain experience and yet knock some top teams off along the way.

“I am extremely excited about this upcoming season. We have a lot of guys that can make some noise at Regionals this year. They have been working very hard during the off season. I can’t wait to see that hard work pay off.”

— Coach Perez