Montgomery Bell Academy (TN)

Head Coach: Patrick Simpson (entering season 3)

Staff: Frank Simpson, Dustin Hedmark, Michael Swett

MBA finished a solid 5th a season ago in the traditional state tournament. This is a team that has a real shot to challenge Baylor, Christian Brothers, Father Ryan, etc. for the top spot this season. MBA qualified 8 a season ago and lose just one - Matthew Hyde - to graduation. The Big Red put two in the finals last year with Gabe Fisher claiming the 220 lb. title and Mac Russ taking 2nd at 145. MBA also put 2 others on the podium … Johnothon Moore was 3rd at 195 and Hudson Frazier was 5th at 113 (Josh Tan also made the podium but isn’t listed as returning). Joining those 5 are Browning Trainer - qualifier at 182 - and Max Fisher who qualified at 285.

With 6 returners, MBA will be in the hunt. Fisher and Russ will lead the way and if the other 6 can make the podium (especially high on the podium) then this team will be in striking distance of a top 2-3 finish. In order to really challenge for the top spot they will need a few others to step up and make some noise. Keep an eye on a pair of freshmen down low in Luke Brock and Luke Johns as well as Michael Golczynski, Gray Blair, Alex Yerbich and senior Ethan Klindt. They should fill in the spots around Hudson Frazier and just before Mac Russ in the lineup. The middle part of the lineup features Claiborne Tompkins, Nathaniel Nelson, Elias Franks, Jake Frazier, Conor Corby, Carson Sberna, and Davis Crawford … locking down the middle between Russ and Browning Trainer will be important to how well MBA does this season. The strength of this lineup is up top. Browning, Jonathan Moore, Gabe Fisher, and Max Fisher should give MBA wins in nearly every dual from 182-285.

“The MBA team has a lot of experience coming back this year. We have some seasoned veterans on the mat, but more importantly, a group of young men who have developed an outstanding team culture. It will be an exciting year watching this team compete.”

— Coach Simpson

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.

Bishop Kenny (FL)

Head Coach: Paul Schloth

Staff: Roberto Cuetero, Mike Leeman

The Crusaders finished 21st in 2022 and with the group they have returning will look to knock on the door of the top 10 in 2023. Roberto Cuartero finished 4th a season ago at 152 and will lead a senior-heavy group into 2022-23. Cuartero is joined by returning State Qualifiers Christopher Hampton, Collin Hearn, and Luke Ghannam. Cuartero, Hearn, and Ghannam made a tough trio from 152-170 a year ago and that should be the strength of this squad again this season.

Jacob Harless, Jack Raynor, and Zachary Sellers all have post-season experience and will look to make it 7 Crusaders in Kissimmee this year. Whether the Crusaders climb into the top 10 will likely come down to how well those three and Jordan Hampton, Noah Ossi, and Max Thallemer continue to develop. Keep an eye on the Crusaders in 2023 … this is a team that could make some noise in the new look 1A.

“We have 4 state qualifiers and one state placer returning this season. After a solid offseason that included team camp in Boone NC(App State) and many club tournaments, expectations are high. The last State Champion at BK was 2018 and we are hoping to gain another in 2022-23 season. We talk about “wrestling on Saturday night in Kissimmee”.... as the goal for the veterans, but more importantly to really enjoy the journey on getting there. The interactions and coaching by the seniors with the new, younger guys is fun to watch.”

— Coach Schloth

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.

John Carroll Catholic (AL)

Head Coach: TJ Zito (4th season)

Coach Zito continues to build at John Carroll - now entering their 4th season. The Cavaliers return four wrestlers with post-season experience in Jay Zito, Sequoah Hicks, Jimmy McMillan, and Bobby O’Farrell. Add in Jackson Beals and the Cavs should be solid from 120-152. How high the Cavaliers climb in the new look 5A might come down to how well a few newcomers develop this season. Liam Aguirre and Frank Bradford should handle two of the weight classes up top and Drew Helton and freshman Alex Plaia will fit into the middle of the lineup with Zito, Hicks, McMillan, and O’Farrell.

There is no doubt John Carroll has made gains in each of the last 3 seasons … this is still a fairly young squad that will continue to get better. Coach Zito has to be excited about the possibilities this season.

“In its fourth season since starting in 2019, John Carroll will have its most robust and experienced roster. Not only are five key starters returning, but a handful of new students with past wrestling experience will join the team at the upper weights. JC will likely fill out the roster for the first time and will be wrestling hard through the new 5a division. Jay Zito and Jimmy Mcmillan have consistently wrested with Warrior Wrestling Club during off-season. Zito took 2nd at the Battle of Bama 126lbs, 2nd in folkstyle, freestyle, and greco at Clash over the Mountain 126lbs, and won the Panama City Freedom Fest 126lbs. Many new team members wrestled their first matches ever at the Spain Park referee training tournament over the summer, picking up much-needed experience and sneaking in some wins. The program is growing and on an upswing heading into year four.”

— Coach Zito

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.