3A-3 Preview: Wide open team race could come down to the end of tournament
BY BRANT PARSONS — Five teams in this district find themselves ranked in at least one Top 20 team poll for Kabra Wrestling entering the season and that means we should see a fantastic team race come February.
Defending champion Timber Creek leads a group of teams loaded with talent, including Hagerty, Lake Brantley, Oviedo, and Winter Park.
This team race looks like it could be a toss-up.
“If we reach our potential, we're gonna do well, and we have a great atmosphere,” Oviedo coach Zach Waters said. “That’s the biggest thing that I would say stands out this season.”
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Just 27.5 points separated the top 3 in this competitive district with Timber Creek winning its third district title in the last four seasons.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Dario Duany (Lake Brantley), James Gonzalez (Winter Park), Nikolas Blake (Hagerty), Giovanni Duany (Lake Brantley), Jake Jessee (Lake Brantley), Jermael Paul (Evans), Jovan Vukajlovic (Lake Brantley), Hunter Tate (Hagerty), Marlo Clark (Timber Creek), Luke Forsberg (Oviedo), Connor Gilliam (Hagerty), Jaylen Clayton (Evans), Liam Glassmeyer (Winter Park), Josh Sabbia (Oviedo), Joey Gioa (Oviedo), Johnathan Dishman (Oviedo), Justin St. John (Hagerty), Jacob Rothman (Winter Park)
The favorite: Timber Creek. The Wolves have won five district titles since 2012 and haven’t finished lower than second in that time.
Team to watch: Lake Brantley. The Patriots spent a good portion of the last 10-15 years being a forgotten program. That’s not the case any longer.
District duals: Dec. 13 at Timber Creek
District IBT: Feb. 14 at Hagerty
Kabra Says: When three teams finish as close as they did in this district last year, it’s hard to imagine this year being closer - but it could be. We’ll pick heavily-veteran Oviedo to get the win.
Oviedo Lions (NR IBT | #6 Dual)
Coach: Zach Waters (9th season)
Assistant coaches: Joe Onofor, Wyatt Forsberg, Trey Godwin, Chris Miceli, Nick Kriger, Brett Simonelli, Reid Holden
22-23 dual record: 17-5
Recent district results: 2023:2; 2022:3; 2021:6-3A4; 2020:4-3A4; 2019:7; 2018:4; 2017:6; 2016:6; 2015:7; 2014:6; 2013:8-3A2; 2012:9-3A2
Last state champion: Alec Shriner, 2015 (285)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Eric Esquivel, 11-10, RQ, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: #4-157 Luke Forsberg, Sr., 40-12, SQ, R2, D2; #9-215 Joey Gioa, Jr., 16-9, RQ-BR, DC; #10-113 Josh Sabbia, Jr., 38-10, SQ, R2, D2; #10-138 Johnathan Dishman, Sr., 40-16, SQ, R3, D2; #11-175 John McCandles, Sr., 23-8, RQ-BR, D3; #14-120 Conner Rodriguez, Sr., 16-7, RQ-BR, D2; #16-150 Clayton Mitchell, Sr., 31-14, D5; #20-190 James Chiaradio, Sr., 32-8, RQ, D2; Gunner Essary, So., 15-24, RQ, D4; Lukas Crawley, Sr., 27-12, RQ, D4; Yosef Mohaisen, Jr., 12-13, RQ, D4; Douglas Dowda, So.; Micah Thorpe, So.
What they are saying: "I think if we maximize our potential, we can be top 10 in the state. I think we can win a region championship, I think we can with a district championship if we reach our full potential."
On being ready for a tough district: "I think we've done well in recent years with peaking at districts and making sure that you're constantly building up for that. The season is important, obviously, but districts is what matters. We work to make them realize the process is not just where you place in a tournament but what did you get better at - that's part of the process. We keep them mindful of what the end goal is, and that it's all accumulation to try and be ready come district time."
On the team atmosphere: "I just wanted it to be a pleasurable program to be around. It's really fun to be able to tell kids that we have a pretty good atmosphere, Coming back two seasons ago, it's definitely something I tried to really instill. I want to be a good experience for myself too, if I'm going to take time away from my wife and kids. I want to make sure like I was staying in a good environment and the kids really just bought in on that."
Outlook: The Lions improved from 13-15 with one SQ to 17-5 and 3 SQs, all of which are returning. This team could have a real veteran presence.
Lake Brantley Patriots (#4 | #8)
Coach: Jason Jessee (2nd season)
Assistant coaches: Patrick Jaye, Ian Finnerty
22-23 dual record: 5-3
Recent district results: 2023:4; 2022:5; 2021:2; 2020:7; 2019:9; 2018:10; 2017:10; 2016:8; 2015:9; 2014:8; 2013:6; 2012:8
Last state champion: Richard Farmer, 1982 (132)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Thomas Abrahamson, 24-22, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: #1-126 Dario Duany, Jr., 39-8, 5th, R3, DC; #3-144 Giovanni Duany, Sr., 20-6, SQ, R2, D3; #3-175 Jake Jessee, Sr., 30-15, RQ-BR, DC; #18-106 Zaiden Rodrigues, So., 18-9, RQ, D3; #18-113 Clayton Willits, So., 20-13, RQ-BR, D3; #19-165 Christopher Swanson, Jr., 24-16, RQ, D3; Joey Davis, So., 11-17, RQ, D4; Shayne Harris, Jr.; Oliver Barfield, Jr., 15-16, RQ, D3; Troy Vazquez, Sr., 9-20, RQ, D4.
New wrestler: #4-150 Jovan Vukajlovic, Jr., 32-11, RQ, D2 (Transfer from East River)
What they are saying: "These guys, they're just grateful to be in the room. They're having fun. And hopefully that attitude that they have, will push them further than they went last year."
On Dario: "Going into last year, I don't think he believed he was as good as we know he is. And I think last year getting to the state tournament and placing there, I think now he really believes in himself a lot more than he did going into last season. I think that should really help him go even further this year."
On how tight this team is: "We've tried to build a family atmosphere. So my whole group of kids go to practice together, they compete together but also on the weekends they're together. They're doing sleepovers. They have barbecues. They spend a lot of time together and get to know each other really well. They're invested in each other. They really hope for their success as well as their teammates success. That pushes everybody harder when they really care about the people that they're in the room with."
Outlook: Dario Duany’s fifth-place finish in the state last year was the school’s first place-winner in six years and the first underclassman in the school’s 50+ year history to place. He’ll look to lead a team that has been putting in the work this offseason.
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Hagerty Huskies (#9 | #12)
Coach: Scotty Diaz (9th season)
Assistant coaches: Paul Cuozzo, Raun Jessee, Jesse Hill
22-23 dual record: 12-7
Recent district results: 2023:3; 2022:1; 2021:2-3A4; 2020:2-3A4; 2019:2; 2018:1; 2017:2; 2016:2; 2015:3; 2014:7; 2013:7-3A2; 2012:6-3A2
Last state champion: Ryan Rowland, 2019 (106)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Clayton Childers, 13-25, RQ, D3; Kamdon Harrison, 54-10, 3rd, RC, DC; Landon Revis, 31-21, RQ, D3; Thad Elam, 18-21, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: #3-138 Nikolas Blake, So., 56-8, 4th, R2, DC; #4-190 Hunter Tate, Sr., 34-8, 6th, RC, DC; #7-175 Connor Gilliam, Sr., 37-9, SQ, R2, D2; #10-165 Justin St. John, Sr., 20-25, SQ, R4, D3; #18-120 James Zena, Jr., 20-21, RQ, D3; #19-150 Gavin Nelson, Jr., 31-15, D6; Benjamin Wolgamuth, So., 38-22, RQ, D4; Logan Acey-Kriegshauser, Sr., 12-11; Carson Greenier, Sr., 10-13; Trevor Covelli, So., 14-11; Troy Aschbrenner, So., 4-8.
What they are saying: “This group has been together a long time and have grown close. They support each other and fight for each other every time they step on the mat.”
Outlook: Senior leader Harrison has moved on after placing four times at the state tournament but there is plenty back with Blake and Tate looking to move up the podium this year.
Timber Creek Wolves (NR | #14)
Coach: Jon Cone (8th season at TC/18th overall)
Assistant coaches: Lucas Gama, Perry Balasis, Connor Buckridge
22-23 dual record: 9-2
Recent district results: 2023:1; 2022:2; 2021:1-3A4; 2020:1-3A4; 2019:2-3A4; 2018:2-3A4; 2017:2-3A4; 2016:2-3A4; 2015:2-3A4; 2014:2-3A4; 2013:1-3A4; 2012:1-3A4
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jayden Smith, 24-12, RQ, DC; Peter Nesheiwat, 52-3, SQ, RC, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: #5-113 Marlo Clark, Jr., 45-11, 7th, RC, DC; #11-132 Josue Batista, Jr., 16-7, RQ, DC; #13-215 Rocco Jonigan, Sr., 21-18, RQ, D3; #15-175 William Muniz, Jr., 28-11, RQ-BR, D2; #17-165 Andrew Wittenberg, Sr. ; #18-126 Aiden Benson, Sr., 30-24, RQ, D3; #18-132 Ozy Aquino, Jr., 20-17, RQ-BR, D5; #20-157 Juan Viera-Paulos, Jr., 22-15, RQ, D3; Mohammad Davtalabsabet, Jr., 19-22, RQ, D2; Keegan Clark, Sr., 31-11, RQ-BR, DC; Daniel Pacheco , Sr., 33-24, RQ, D4.
What they are saying: “We have 70-85 boys in our program so we can replace parts during the dual season. We also had the highest turnout in the offseason and our kids don’t miss practice.”
Outlook: Timber Creek being a deep team is as reliable as the sun rising and setting each day and this year is no different with the Wolves having 10 region qualifiers back and a whole room of capable guys ready to take any spots that are needed.
Winter Park Wildcats (#15 | NR)
Coach: Craig Russell (6th season)
Recent district results: 2023:5; 2022:4; 2021:4-3A4; 2020:5-3A4; 2019:4-3A4; 2018:7-3A4; 2017:7-3A4; 2016:7-3A4; 2015:9-3A4; 2014:8-3A4; 2013:7-3A4; 2012:5-3A4
Last state champion: Joe Gonzalez, 2021 (145)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Joey Parker, 42-7, 5th, RC, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: #1-144 James Gonzalez, Sr., 23-8, 5th, RC, DC; #8-215 Liam Glassmeyer, Sr., 31-11, SQ, RC, D2; #12-106 Jacob Rothman, Sr., 27-10, SQ, R2, DC; Cole Rasmy, So., 8-22, RQ, D4; Cade Jorgensen, Sr., 6-11, RQ, D2; Mason Moses, So.
New wrestlers: Jayden Velasquez, Sr. (Transfer from Lake Howell); Joseph Goho, Sr.
Evans Trojans
Coach: Brent Bourgeois (2nd at school/6th overall)
Assistant coach: David Hellinger, Diane Varnadore
22-23 dual record: 1-7
Recent district results: 2023:6; 2022:7-3A4; 2021:5; 2020:5; 2019:9-3A2; 2018:8-3A2; 2017:2-3A2; 2016:7-3A2; 2015:6-3A4; 2014:10-3A4; 2013:6-2A5; 2012:7-2A5
Last state champion: Chris Dawson, 1991 (HWT)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Tyran Schanck, 24-8, 8th, R3, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: #3-285 Jermael Paul, Sr., 18-8, RQ-BR, D2; #8-126 Jaylen Clayton, Sr., 26-8, RQ-BR, D2.
What they are saying: "We are in the process of building something great over here. David Hellinger and I have beomce close and he has come over here and hop on board and help me grow what we have going over here and use the momentum that we had from last year to continue what we're doing. Our hope for this year is that don't only have one state placer but hopefully two or more. We shall see." - Brent Bourgeois
Outlook: Schanck, the first state placer for Evans since 2001, is gone but this team has been putting in the work over the offseason. They attended multiple camps and rumbles to prepare for the season. It’s a totally different team from last year despite it still being young.
On the team working to get better: "We have a bunch of kids that didn't really win a lot of matches this past year, but they have been to almost every camp and every rumble that we have scheduled over the summer. They're always asking me if they can roll around and if they can go to this and go to that. They're putting in the work to become better this year and I'm pretty stoked to see what's in store."
On what he learned last year: "What really surprised me was just the amount of talent we had sitting here at the school. We had our first state placer in over 20 years I think and while he graduated last year, we have two guys returning who reached the blood round a year ago."
On Clayton and Paul getting past the blood round this year: "I don't think it's more they can learn right now to get them past that point, however mentally is where they need to really lock in. Both of these kids are very gifted athletes and wrestlers, it's just the headspace for them that I think they need to get over and get past that mental barrier to know they are good enough."
Wekiva Mustangs
Coach: Nathan Hauser
Assistant coaches: John Hauser, Tony Imbriani
22-23 dual record: 6-4
Recent district results: 2023:8; 2022:5-3A4; 2021:8; 2020:6; 2019:7-3A2; 2018:4-3A2; 2017:6-3A2; 2016:8-3A2; 2015:9-3A2; 2014:9-3A2; 2013:8; 2012:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Seth Galvin, 34-12, SQ, R4, D4; Charles Hall, RQ, D4; Holley Saintmelus, 16-0.
Notable returning wrestlers: James Mixon, Sr., RQ, D4; Connor Figuroa, Jr.; Nevin Thomas, Jr.; Demarcus Stokes, Jr.; Vincent Henderson, Sr.; Elijah Jean, So.; Kyler Beard; Mhelakii Henriquez; Ryan Japak
New wrestler: Noah Shriver, So. (Transfer from Kissimmee Osceola)
Outlook: The Mustangs saw a state qualifier graduate in Galvin and potential state placer in Saintmelus, who suffered a season-ending injury as a senior. One region qualifier comes back in Mixon and a few other returners are in the room.
Lake Howell Silver Hawks
Coach: Kyle Sonriver (2nd season)
Recent district results: 2023:7; 2022:7; 2021:5-3A4; 2020:6-3A4; 2019:8; 2018:8; 2017:5; 2016:7; 2015:10-3A2; 2014:10-3A2; 2013:7; 2012:6
Last state champion: Chris Campbell, 1998 (215)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Aiden Wood, Jr., 14-14, RQ, D4.