Havelock (NC)

Head Coach: Chase Holleman (entering 11th year as head coach)

Staff: Matt Bogard, Donnie Richards, Tanner Stamper-Smith

2021-2022 brings some changes for a Havelock squad that had quite a bit of success in 2021. The Rams had 13 wrestle in the 3A East Region - pushing 6 to the state tournament and winning the East as a team. Havelock remains in 3A East with the new alignment, but will compete in a new conference and without some of their hammers from 2021. State Qualifiers Nate Lucio, Xavier McCullough, Derek Waiau, and Isaiah Verspoor have graduated.

The Rams return State Qualifiers Cody Rutherford and Seth Bliss as well as a trio that will look to punch their ticket to the state tournament in 2022. Jaylan Jarman, Carter Mulligan, and Collin Jasset each won matches at the region tournament in 2021. Keep an eye on freshman Sam Brody as well as Trey Heinke and Lance Deane. - each will look to make an impact in 21-22.

“Havelock has two returning qualifiers along with multiple wrestlers who lost in the blood round of the regional tournament. There will be many new faces in the line up this season with many freshmen and sophomore starters. Moving into a new conference will also have its challenges but trying to win a consecutive conference and regional title are at the top of our goals list. ”

— Coach Holleman

Mater Lakes (FL)

Head Coach: Brandon Neifeld (entering 10th season)

Staff: JD Ramsey

Mater Lakes finished 6th in 1A a year ago and given the firepower they return … this is a team looking to crack the top 5, top 3, and push the top teams for the title. Defending State Champ Ethan Vergara, ranked nationally by FloWrestling, as well as State Placers Ben Rogers and Dylan Garcia as well as 2019 State Qualifier Azakin Sejour will lead the way in their final season for the Bears. But what makes the Bears tough is their depth and talent spread throughout the lineup.

State Qualifiers Branden Marrero and Achilles Rocha will both be hunting a spot on the podium and keep an eye on Malikai Badillo and Jorge Garcia to make some noise in 2022 as well. The Bears also have quite a talented group of freshman coming in … in addition to Rocha, they will look to Damien Soto, Anthony O’Dell, Bryan Picallo, and Eric Hodge to make an impact. The Bears are in ultra-competitive Region 4, but expect this team to be in the thick of things throughout the 21-22 season.

“Our team is lead by 3 seniors: Returning state champ Ethan Vergara (#19 on Flo) along with returning state placer Dylan Garcia, and 2019 state qualifier Azakin Sejour.

Our team also features a surging group of underclassmen looking to make a name for themselves in 2022! ”

— Asst Coach Ramsey

Lemon Bay (FL)

Head Coach: Mike Schyck (entering 6th season)

Staff: Jason Davids

Lemon Bay has all of the pieces for a team that can make a run in 1A in 2022. Lance Schyck is a returning State Champ and will lead the way. The Rays also have State Qualifiers Justin Brady, Caleb Corridino, Austin Werden, Chase Alden, Brycen Warren, and Logan Kelly back and ready to make their run at a spot on the podium. If the group above can find their way to the podium - Lemon Bay will almost certainly push the 1A Region 4 teams (American Heritage, Somerset, Cardinal Gibbons, Jensen Beach, etc.) for a spot in the top 3 in 2022.

If they can get Ashton Tucker, Marcus Lopez, Ben Arnett, and Miguel Diaz through to Kissimmee this is a team that has all of the pieces to take the title home to Southwest Florida. Keep an eye on Alex Truisi and freshman Jack Oliver … they will look to make some noise in 2022. Watch for Lemon Bay to be a handful in Kissimmee in March.

“We have 8 returning state qualifiers, one State Champion, Lance Schyck, an up-and-coming freshman, Jack Oliver (106), and two wrestlers who lost in the blood round of regionals, Marcus Lopez (160) & Ben Arnett (220). This could be the making of a solid team. Having come off a Final 4 appearance in the State Dual Championships last year, our expectation is to get back there again. Individually, we have an expectation of returning all 8 to the State Tournament, have a repeat champion in Lance Schyck, and have multiple medalists. ”

— Coach Schyck