1A-3 Preview: Expect another tight battle at the top of the team race
BY BRANT PARSONS — Last year’s district race was tight among the top three teams and this year should be just as exciting.
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Yulee won the district title by 27 points over Episcopal, who finished four points ahead of Fernandina Beach.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Alex Smith (Yulee), Braylen Ricks (Yulee), Cole Misciagna (Fernandina Beach), Enzo Gamba (Fernandina Beach), Nolan McKelvy (Fernandina Beach), Cael Kubatzke (Fernandina Beach), Christian McGarity (Episcopal of Jacksonville), Gregory Townsend (Raines), Christopher Aud (Yulee), Rex Graff (Yulee), Turner Glenn (Episcopal of Jacksonville), Chance Wolffe (Episcopal of Jacksonville)
The favorite: Yulee. Four straight district titles earns you the favorite role, even if you need to replace a state placer and qualifier.
Team to watch: Fernandina Beach. They have been close and could return a big part of their roster from a season ago.
District duals: Dec. 12 at Fernandina Beach
District IBT: Feb. 17 at University Christian
Kabra Says: I feel like you could flip a coin, or pick a different team each day, and have the same chance of getting it right. I’m torn on which way to go, but for this publication we’ll pick Fernandina Beach and the depth coming back.
Fernandina Beach Pirates (#10 IBT | #10 Dual)
Coach: Eric Kubatzke (6th season)
Assistant coach: Jeremy Ferry
22-23 dual record: 22-9
Recent district results: 2023:3; 2022:3; 2021:2; 2020:6; 2019:4; 2018:8; 2017:8; 2016:8; 2015:5; 2014:3; 2013:5; 2012:8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Caden Kubatzke, 24-10, RQ-BR, D2; Nik Saldana; Lucas Crawford, 22-13, RQ, D4; Blake Harrington; Anthony Fancher, Jr., 27-20, RQ-BR, D3 (Injury).
Notable returning wrestlers: #3-144 Cole Misciagna, Sr., 49-10, SQ, R2, DC; #3-157 Enzo Gamba, Sr., 48-2, 3rd, RC, DC; #6-132 Cael Kubatzke, Jr., 50-6, 7th, RC, DC; #15-190 Gauge Housely, Sr., 36-17, SQ, R4, D3; #17-215 Peyton White, Jr., 32-19, RQ, D3; Crew Richter, So., 29-16, RQ, DC; Luke Gray, Jr.; William Schuster, Jr., 16-19, RQ, D3; Patrick Lee, Sr., 11-20; Felix McDuffy, Jr, 11-8.
New wrestler: #4-175 Nolan McKelvy, Sr., 35-5, 4th, RC, DC (Transfer from West Nassau)
What they are saying: “We are very strong and solid in a lot of weight classes, but we will have some open spots that will need to be filled by some newcomers this year. Overall a lot of high level experience in the room that will be good for the new guys to be around and learn from.”
Outlook: The Pirates are on the cusp in the district and this could be the year they break out toward the top spot. Losing Fancher before the season begins hurts, but there is some serious experience in the room that should power this team.
Yulee Hornets (#8 | #12)
Coach: Brandon Crowder (16th season)/Ralph Mortier
Assistant coaches: Aaron G, Jose G, Mike B
22-23 dual record: 18-9
Recent district results: 2023:1; 2022:1; 2021:1; 2020:1; 2019:2; 2018:2; 2017:2; 2016:2; 2015:1; 2014:2; 2013:3; 2012:2
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Austin Adamson, 33-7, SQ, R2, DC; Dylan Johns, 49-4, 4th, RC, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: #1-190 Alex Smith, Jr., 38-1, 2nd, RC, DC; #2-285 Braylen Ricks, Sr., 36-3, 4th, RC, DC; #7-157 Rex Graff, Jr.; #7-175 Christopher Aud, Sr., 32-10, RQ-BR, D3; #12-138 Logan Pugh, Sr., 24-14, RQ-BR, D2; #17-165 Michael McNair, Jr., 29-16, RQ, D3; Josh Harris, Sr., 32-14, RQ, D2; Phoenix Yourka, Jr.; Lincoln Bremmer, So.
What they are saying: “We have a solid team returning with a couple state placers. We a lot of returning varsity experience”
Outlook: Smith and Ricks will be competing for individual state titles while the team returns enough of its core to be the district favorite again.
The Florida High School Wrestling District Previews
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Class 2A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class 1A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class G-1A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Episcopal of Jacksonville Eagles (NR | #15)
Coach: Darren Glenn (1st season)
Assistant coaches: Bill Adams, Ben Helton, Ben Oxnard
22-23 dual record: 26-5
Recent district results: 2023:2; 2022:4; 2021:3; 2020:5; 2019:4-1A4; 2018:5-1A4; 2017:7-1A4; 2016:4-1A4; 2015:6-1A4; 2014:8-1A4; 2013:6; 2012:4
Last state champion: Billy Kartsonis, 2009 (189)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Scott Busey, 36-9, RQ-BR, D3; Cohen Chesser, 24-17, RQ, D2; Baylor Maurer, 28-15, RQ, D4; John Fernandez, 17-9, RQ-BR, D2; Brennan Doherty, 33-9, RQ, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: #5-190 Christian McGarity, Jr., 34-12, 8th, R2, D2; #9-138 Turner Glenn, Jr., 17-5, RQ, D3; #10-150 Chance Wolffe, Sr., 22-11, SQ, R4, D2; #11-215 Lawson Perry, Jr., 11-3; #18-132 Nicholas Pressley, Sr., 21-6, RQ, D3; Thomas Coppedge, 8th, 9-10, RQ, D2; Matt Salek, Sr., 10-8, RQ, D4; Mark Rinaman, Jr., 17-14, RQ, D4; Maddox Davidson, Jr., 13-3; Andrew Rhode, Fr., 7-6; Will Adams, 8th, 5-5; Reese Pittman, Sr. 13-9; Levi Ritter, 8th, 10-10; Ben Blatt, Sr., 7-6; Mattia Pozzoni, So., 5-3; Jude Thomas, Jr., 2-2.
New wrestlers: Mikah Ikeda; Shay Eberle; Will Jackson; Logan Henson; Shane Wolff; Jake Davis
What they are saying: "I think the most important thing is to keep the momentum going. I've been an assistant coach for the last six years and at Episcopal, there's a struggle to be a contender on any level, just due to the fact that filling all the weight classes. Last year was sort of a mountain for us to win district duals, and then to advance through to a regional finals and go to the state tournament. And that was a very exciting accomplishment and then taking second in the district. We had a great group of seniors that that led the way and now we've got to rely on some more younger kids to fill in some weight classes. But it's exciting just to keep that momentum going and building, step by step and what we've done over the last six years."
On leadership: "It starts with leading by example, whether it's doing doing morning workout, helping with making sure that the kids are learning the technique the right way, or sometimes stepping back and showing moves. It's about really helping the leaders to become not only a better wrestler, but to be a coach, almost an assistant coach that's on the mat."
On team goals this year: "I would hope to replicate our success. I would love to win a district title, not only at the duals, but the individual as well. I would love to have two or three placers at the state tournament. I personally think that our IBT team will be better and do better at the region level and the state level."
Outlook: The Eagles graduated five region qualifiers from a year ago but return a state placer in McGarity, a state qualifier in Wolfe, and some other guys who will compete for some top honors along the postseason journey.
Bishop Kenny Crusaders
Coach: Paul Schloth (13th at school/15th overall)
Assistant coaches: Mike Lehman, Ross Tegue, Josiah McCallum
22-23 dual record: 13-8
Recent district results: 2023:4; 2022:2; 2021:4; 2020:2; 2019:2-1A4; 2018:1-1A4; 2017:1-1A4; 2016:1-1A4; 2015:1-1A4; 2014:1-1A4; 2013:2; 2012:3
Last state champion: Josiah McCallum, 2018 (285)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jack Raynor, 38-11, SQ, R3, D2; Roberto Cuartero, 49-3, 4th, R3, DC; Luke Ghannam, 37-17, SQ, R4, D4; Collin Hearn, 41-12, 6th, R2, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: #13-120 Jacob Harless, Sr., 37-11, RQ-BR, DC; #19-150 Christopher Hampton, Sr., 26-15, RQ, D3; #19-165 John Slade, Sr., 25-14, RQ, D4; Jordan Hampton, Jr.; Noah Ossi, Sr.; Dylan Lunsford, So.; Liam Bradley, Jr.; Zachary Sellers, Jr.; George Elbahri, So.
Fast fact: Ossi took last year off to pursue a national title in weightlifting, which he won.
What they are saying: “This team is young and coachable. Most of the kids have been in the program for two years. We will get better as the year progresses.”
Outlook: A tremendous senior class is off with two state placers and two more who joined them in Kissimmee, but the youth movement is alive and well at Bishop Kenny and the team should improve as the year goes on.
Wolfson Wolfpack
Coach: Dwight Spence (1st season)
Assistant coaches: Scott Marabell, Hugh Bent
22-23 dual record: 9-9
Recent district results: 2023:5; 2022:9-1A4; 2021:5-1A4; 2020:4-1A4; 2019:5-1A4; 2018:6-1A4; 2017:4-1A4; 2016:7-1A4; 2015:5-1A4; 2014:10-1A4; 2013:9-2A2; 2012:7-2A2
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Liam Strange
Notable returning wrestlers: #18-113 Taylor Martinez, So., 22-7, RQ-BR, DC; Tristan Martinez, Jr., 19-8, RQ, D4; Bryce Frye, Sr., 20-12, RQ, D5.
Outlook: Miami Palmetto graduate Spence takes over the program from Marabell, who will stick around as an assistant coach. The Wolfpack will be looking for their first state qualifier since 2017.
Stanton Prep Blue Devils
Coach: John Dunn
Recent district results: 2023:6; 2022:7-2A3; 2021:8-2A3; 2020:7-2A3; 2019:6-2A3; 2018:7-2A3; 2017:6-2A3; 2016:7-2A3; 2015:9-2A3; 2014:8-2A3; 2013:2-2A2; 2012:3-2A2
Last state champion: Robert Drummond, 1998 (103)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: #20-126 Elias Spurlin, Sr., 23-6, RQ, D4; James Leiby, So., 5-10, RQ, D3; Leonardo Torres, So., 19-10, RQ, D4; Diego Torres, So., 9-9, RQ, D4; Dean Holt, Sr., 21-12, RQ, D4; Matthew Beutel Sr.; William Leiby Sr.; Jacob Hewitt Sr.; Ramsey Adam-Eldien Sr.; Mattew Langlois Sr.; William Murphy Jr.; Reyniel Obis So.; Kishon Baggs So.; Jack Mullen Sr.
Outlook: There are plenty of wrestlers returning who have experience in the program so you’ll see a more veteran Blue Devils team on the mat this season.
Paxon Golden Eagles
Coach:
Recent district results: 2023:9; 2022:6; 2021:7; 2020:8; 2018:7-2A4; 2017:7-2A4; 2016:7-2A4; 2015:9; 2014:9; 2013:7-2A2; 2012:6-2A2
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Justin Williams, Sr., 13-11, RQ, D5 (Transfer to Raines)
Potential notable returning wrestlers: #15-126 Kyle Brown, Jr., 18-6, RQ-BR, D2; Brendan Lawson, Sr., 14-8, RQ, D4.
Outlook: The Paxon program is in a transition period now as Phil Abbott has stepped down as head coach after four seasons.
Raines Vikings
Coach: Aaron Mason (10th season/33rd overall)
Recent district results: 2023:8; 2022:7; 2021:5; 2020:3; 2019:7; 2018:7; 2017:7; 2016:5; 2015:7; 2014:7; 2013:8; 2012:5
Last state champion: Danny Jackson, 2010 (HWT)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jhalil Richardson, 21-14, RQ-BR, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: #6-285 Gregory Townsend, Sr., 23-10, 8th, R3, D2; #13-215 D'Cari Wilson, Sr., 19-9, RQ-BR, D2.
New wrestlers: Samuel Harris, Sr. (Transfer from Bolles); Justin Williams, Sr., 13-11, RQ, D5 (Transfer from Paxon)
What they are saying: “Once again, we are starting anew and forging ahead to teach and mentor these new grapplers on all the things wrestling can do for them in life and within the sport we love.”
Outlook: There may be a lot of new faces in the Raines room, but the staff will bring them to speed as the year grows.
West Nassau Warriors
Coach: Forrest Wheeler
Recent district results: 2023:7; 2022:5; 2021:6; 2020:4; 2019:3; 2018:3; 2017:4; 2016:3; 2015:4; 2014:4; 2013:4; 2012:6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Blayden Tharpe, 33-8, SQ, R3, DC; Nolan McKelvy, Sr., 35-5, 4th, RC, DC (Transfer to Fernandina Beach).
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Aiden Melson, Jr., RQ, D3.
Bolles Bulldogs
Coach: Matt Morris
Recent district results: 2023:10; 2022:8-1A4; 2021:4-1A4; 2020:2-1A4; 2019:1-1A4; 2018:3-1A4; 2017:2-1A4; 2016:2-1A4; 2015:2-1A4; 2014:2-1A4; 2013:3-1A4; 2012:2-1A4
Last state champion: Max Tejada, 2012 (HWT)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Thomas Holt, Sr., 14-15, RQ, D3.
University Christian Fightin’ Christians
Coach: David Trigg
22-23 dual record: 0-14
Recent district results: 2023:11; 2022:8; 2021:5-1A4; 2020:6-1A4; 2017:6-1A4; 2016:5-1A4; 2015:8-1A4; 2014:3-1A4; 2013:1; 2012:1
Last state champion: Josh Fox, 2012 (195)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
Andrew Jackson Tigers
Coach: Emarlos Leroy
Recent district results: 2015:8; 2014:8; 2013:7, 2012:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: None
Outlook: The Tigers are back with an athletic director and principal behind creating a successful wrestling program. Leroy, a former Georgia Bulldog defensive tackle who spent a year with the Jacksonville Jaguars, will lead the rebuild.