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.

Mountain Brook (AL)

Head Coach: Justin Ransom (entering 11th season)

Staff: Andrew Scofield, Will Davis, Joe Webb

The Spartans finished 10th in a combined 5A-6A in 2022. With the split of 5A and 6A teams for 22-23 … Mountain Brook should be in the hunt for a top 5 finish in 6A in 2023. Mountain Brook do lose several of their hammers including State Placers Gray Ortis and Woody Fipps as well as State Qualifiers Harrison England, Will Robinson, and Michael Lorino. Coach Ransom returns a core group of 5 that will be called on to lead the Spartans this season. Stuart Andrews and William Courtenay each claimed a spot on the podium in 2022 and will look to challenge for the top spot in 2023. Stephen Springfield, Nathan McCain, and Coleman Bates qualified a season ago and each will look to take a spot on the podium this season.

Whether Mountain Brook challenges for a spot in the top 3 could come down to how well the Douglas Johnson, Bill Bradford, Jude Smith, Allen Baker, and Daniel Ellis continue to develop and whether they can punch their ticket to the big dance this season. A few others to keep an eye on include Wyatt Chavez and Davis Smith down low and Jack Windle and Carter Colvin up top (between 170-195). Mountain Brook will be in the hunt - but whether they climb to the top or not will depend on how well they compete as a team.

“We are excited to see the program culture and buy in continuing to grow. We have over 50 wrestlers on the roster with significant depth and competition at every weight class. We lost 5 wrestlers from last years team that anchored the middle weights for us, however we started 8 underclassmen wrestlers on a team that made the state dual semi-finals. With another year of experience and a busy off-season, we expect those guys to step up to make this years team even stronger from top to bottom. We are returning 9 starters and 6 state qualifiers to give us experience, while several upcoming/returning wrestlers are challenging for their opportunity to contribute and make their mark. We have lofty goals for this season and every wrestler is continuing to set a higher standard for success for Mountain Brook Wrestling.”

— Coach Ransom

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.