Mainland (FL)

Head Coach: Matt Lawrence (entering 5th season)

Staff: Karol Piedad, Helena Carey, Andrew Wang

The Bucs return a ton, but also lose a few … Coach Lawrence has some hammers in the mix - the question is - how many will step up and make some noise this year? Kaden Golder transferred to Matanzas for his senior campaign and the Bucs lose Kalyb Evans, June Rivera, and Jeffery Turner. None were superstars, but each competed in the post-season … so replacing them will be key.

This team is has a heavy Senior presence … meaning they have had the experiences - the next step is to overcome those region losses and punch their ticket to Kissimmee. Brian Harris, Dasaniel Rodriguez, and Sam Ayodele should hold down the middle of the lineup … each won matches at regions a season ago and each will look to punch their ticket this season. Keep an eye on fellow Seniors Hayden Hellman, Isaiah White, Josh Newman, and Alex Shallop … if Mainland is going to make waves this year it could be up to those four to make an impact. Also keep an eye on Christian Hudson and Illinois move-in Micah McGuire … both should help solidify the top of the Buc lineup.

“The team has a lot of returning regional qualifiers and a lot of returning seniors. We are looking to progress several on to the state tournament where they can make some noise.”

— Coach Lawrence

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.

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.”

— Coach Estep

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.

Matanzas (FL)

Head Coach: TJ Gillin (Fourth year head coach and eighth year with Matanzas)

Staff: Mike Fries- Head Girls Coach, Jeremiah Marschka, Sebastian Rizzo

Matanzas finished 9th a season ago in a tough 2A … well it might have gotten tougher this season with the addition of 1A top 10 Clay and others. Still - Matanzas is poised to make a run for another top 10 finish. The Pirates do lose State Runner-up Tyson Mills, but return the bulk of last year’s squad while picking up some additional firepower in the off-season. Jordan Mills returns after taking 2nd at 170 and he will be hunting the top step in 2023. Mills is joined by Flagler Palm Coast transfer (and 3A State Qualifier) TJ McLean and returning State Qualifier Landon Wright.

The Pirates also return a ton of wrestlers that were on the cusp of punching their ticket a year ago … and each will be counted on to make an impact this season. Christian Borgmann, Kyler Corley, Joel Douglass, Dylan Parkinson, Bradyn Cox, and Adyn Cox each won matches at regions a year ago. Add in Mainland transfer Kaden Golder who made region bloodround a season ago and the Pirates have 10 that have a legit shot at punching their ticket this season. Keep an eye on Andrew Kerek, Carter Wilder, Torylon Stallings, Mikey Fries, and Mason Obama on the bottom of the Pirate lineup. Samuel Ny, Carmine Lania, and Tyler Thomas should help solidify the top part of the lineup. Matanzas will be tough from top to bottom, but should be very tough to beat from 170 up.

“We are expecting our biggest year yet. Our district picked up Fleming Island and Clay High, which will make for a lot of big and exciting matches throughout the year. We are very excited for those match-ups and the push to wrestle at a high level every week. Last season, we broke through the top-10 at the traditional state tournament with a ninth place team finish. This year, our goal is to break the top-5. We return many wrestlers from last year, including four wrestlers with experience wrestling in March.”

— Coach Gillin

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.