3A-6 Preview: Two reigning district champions to lead multi-team challenge

BY BRANT PARSONS

Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.

Last season: Palm Harbor University collected its fifth-straight district title with a 64-point win over runners-up Strawberry Crest.

How did Kabra do?: We felt that PHU was the team to beat even though they had graduated three state qualifiers and we were correct.

Last year’s district tournament results

Last year’s region tournament results

Wrestlers to watch: Zach Berry (Palm Harbor University), Landon Bates (Palm Harbor University), Marco Rivera (Sunlake), Alzider Ortiz (Steinbrenner), Caleb Gauthier (Palm Harbor University), Wyatt LaDue (Land O' Lakes), Angel Rua (Steinbrenner)

The favorite: Palm Harbor University. A sixth-consecutive district title would be business as usual for the Hurricanes.

Team to watch: Land O’ Lakes. The Gators come to Class 3A after winning three straight district title in 2A-5. They have the depth, can they score the points needed to make it four?

District duals: Wednesday, January 8 at Sunlake, 3:30

District IBT: Thursday, February 20 at Land O’ Lakes

Palm Harbor University Hurricanes (#8/#16)

Coach: Matt Avramidis (Fifth season)

Assistant coach: Eric Reger

23-24 dual record: 16-5

Recent district results: 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:1; 2021:1-3A7; 2020:1-3A7; 2019:2-3A8; 2018:1-3A8; 2017:1-3A8; 2016:2-3A8; 2015:1-3A7; 2014:1-3A7; 2013:1-3A7; 2012:1-3A7

Last state champion: Dylan Sparkman, 2021 (126)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Titus Herron, 56-10, 6th, RC, DC; Yosef Walsh, 49-10, SQ, R3, DC; Jackson Bond, 37-11, RQ, DC; Mason Bass, 43-10, D6.

Notable returning wrestlers: Landon Bates, Sr., 58-7, 7th, R3, DC; Athos Karistinos, Jr., 41-10, SQ, R4, D2; Zach Berry, Jr., 52-9, SQ, R2, DC; Zachary Horner, Sr., 31-11, RQ, D4; Caleb Gauthier, Jr., 34-11, RQ, D3; Chris Moore, So., 28-12, RQ, D2; Brady Messick, Sr., 28-10, D5.

New wrestlers: Sheldon Fouche', Jr., 20-16, RQ, D2 (Transfer from CCC); Lucas Vacchelli

What they are saying: “The core of this team is passionate about wrestling. They worked all off season to bridge the gap from the loss of five seniors. They are unified as a team even without the coaches. They have gone to camps, open rooms, and rumbles all off season. They’re all best friends so they care about each other. Duals will be electric because everyone is bought in.”

Outlook: This team is looking for its sixth consecutive district title and is hungry to make it back in the state duals competition.

The Florida High School Wrestling Season District Previews

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Class 3A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

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

Girls: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

District Predictions: All 64 projected final IBT standings

Other content: Transfers | Coaching changes | Tournament schedule | Dual schedule | Team schedules

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Rankings: Class 3A | Class 2A | Class 1A | Girls | Team

Land O’Lakes Gators

Coach: Edward Marley (14th at school/21st overall)

23-24 dual record: 24-4

Recent district results: 2024:1-2A5; 2023:1-2A5; 2022:1-2A5; 2021:3-2A8; 2020:6-2A8; 2019:5-2A8; 2018:7-2A8; 2017:3-2A8; 2016:4-2A8; 2015:5-2A8; 2014:7-2A8; 2013:3-2A7; 2012:7-2A7

Last state champion: Jacob Conrad, 2017 (138)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Brandon Austin, 29-7, RQ-BR, DC; Leomany Casado, 51-8, 4th, R2, DC; Jaiden Gerena, 49-9, RQ, DC; Sage White, 9-8, RQ, D3; Daniel Recla, 36-15, RQ, D3; Jolexis Rodriguez, 15-10.

Notable returning wrestlers: Charles Griffis, Sr., 37-11, SQ, RC, DC; Jet Griffis, Sr., 21-8, SQ, R4, D2; Wyatt LaDue, Sr., 40-11, RQ, D2; Brayden Austin, So., 39-13, RQ-BR, D2; Clay Henderson, Sr., 30-23, RQ-BR, D4; Ernst Lacrete, Sr., 24-24, RQ, D4; Anthony Zupo, Jr., 15-18, RQ, D2; Logan Tedeschi, Jr., 15-25, RQ, D4.

New wrestler: Dom Minnillo, Jr. (Transfer from Sunlake)

What they are saying: “I’ve been here 14 years and they best we’ve ever done in regions was a fourth place finish. And this year I feel we have a chance to win the region. Not many teams may think that but with what I have, if we load up the finals and score a lot of points. I have 4-5 kids I know that can make the finals at regions.”

On Wyatt LaDue: “He’s the team leader now. He’s put in a lot of work this summer and the only losses he had were against top-level guys, and he was wrestling them well.

On the excitement in the 3A-2 region: “We don’t have a dominant powerhouse in the region this year. You have some solid teams and I think the region is open to anyone.”

Outlook: The Gators reached the region finals in the district duals last year and this season are looking for their fifth consecutive conference title, fourth straight district title and second district duals title. They had disappointment in the region IBT tournament last year but have worked to correct that going forward.

Steinbrenner Warriors

Coach: Paul Noble (16th season)

Assistant Coach: Brian Busch, Jake English, Chi Geraghty

23-24 dual record: 18-2

Recent district results: 2024:3; 2023:2; 2022:2; 2021:6-3A7; 2020:3-3A7; 2019:2-3A7; 2018:2-3A7; 2017:1-3A7; 2016:3-3A7; 2015:3-3A7; 2014:3-3A7; 2013:3-3A7; 2012:3-3A7

Last state champion: Colin Bradshaw, 2022 (120)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Baxter Hoffman, 57-2, 3rd, RC, DC; Daniel Busch, 42-12, RQ-BR, D2; Jackson Cooney, 36-18, RQ, D4; Jake Nast, 19-7.

Notable returning wrestlers: Darian Monserrate, Sr., 37-13, SQ, R4, D2; Joey Vitale, Sr., 39-12, RQ, D2; Angel Rua, Sr., 43-13, SQ, R4, DC; Gabe Oden, Sr., 34-16, RQ, D3; Freddie Pflueger, Sr., 16-8.

New wrestler: Alzider Ortiz, Jr. (Transfer from Zephyrhills Christian)

What they are saying: “We are seasoned with lots of potential to grow and get better.”

On this year’s senior class: “We have a lot of seniors that have been with us for a while and they’re right there. 30 match winners, 25 match winners, region qualifiers - they’re right there and just one more step and they can get to the state tournament and then anybody can place there.”

On what it takes for breakthrough: “I think the key for them is to kind of believe in themselves, believe the work that they’ve done is good and they can get it done. That’s really what it comes down to. Everybody teaches the same moves the same way, it comes down to can you finish, are you nervous, and are you wrestling free. So it’s all mostly mental.”

Outlook: Two state qualifiers are back in Monserrate and Rua and while they look to finish on the podium this season, they’re also looking to bring some teammates with them.

Sunlake Seahawks

Coach: Sergio Matos (11th at school/15th overall)

Assistant coaches: Rob Wiseman, Matt Daner, Chris Locascio, Todd Gee, Austin Smith

Click here for 24-25 schedule

Recent district results: 2024:4; 2023:4; 2022:7-2A5; 2021:6-2A8; 2020:5-2A8; 2019:4-2A8; 2018:3-2A8; 2017:10-2A8; 2016:8-2A8; 2015:11-2A8; 2014:11-2A8; 2013:3-2A8; 2012:2-2A8

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Rafael Pacheco, 35-12, RQ-BR, D3; Pete Ancona, 29-14, RQ, D4.

Notable returning wrestlers: Marco Rivera, Sr., 44-12, RQ-BR, DC; Zeke Johnson, Jr., 31-9, RQ, DC; Trenton Lindsay, Jr., 19-10, RQ, D2; Ashton Horvath, Sr., 35-12, RQ, D4; Daniel Locascio, Sr., 35-16, RQ, D4.

New wrestler: Konstantin Khaspekian, Jr. (Transfer from Sickles)

What they are saying: “They are a close knit unit who understand the expectations this season and are ready to deliver.”

Outlook: Five region qualifiers are back to lead the Seahawks.

East Lake Eagles

Coach: Rob Golombek (3rd as head coach, 11th at school, 19th total)

Assistant coaches: Joe Marzo, Jason Leggett

23-24 dual record: 17-7

Recent district results: 2024:6; 2023:6; 2022:3; 2021:2-3A7; 2020:2-3A7; 2019:1-2A9; 2018:2-2A9; 2017:3-2A9; 2016:1-2A9; 2015:2-3A7; 2014:2-3A7; 2013:4-3A7; 2012:2-3A7

Last state champion: Dan Roberts, 1999 (160)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Mark Veltre, 35-9, RQ, D3; Carter Van Allen, 27-9, D6; Levi MacCullough, 35-9, RQ, D2.

Notable returning wrestlers: Justin Rivers, So., 10-5, RQ, D2; Max Perz, Jr., 28-19, RQ, D5; Jackson Golombek, So.; Parker Buckley, Jr.; Connor Bowen, Sr.; Matthew Werthmiller, Sr.; Aiden Smith, Sr.; Owen Toal, Jr.; Jackson Pearce, Jr.; Drew Hess, Sr.; Demo Vogiatzis, Jr.

New wrestlers: Walker McBride, So.; Cam Collora, So.; Aaron Zebert, Jr.

What they are saying: “We have been rebuilding for 2 years, so I am expecting another year of improvement. I think the guys are really starting gain confidence in themselves. We on track for a successful year.”

Outlook: The Eagles have been building the program back up and should start to see some of the fruit of their work this season.

Sickles Gryphons

Coach: Terry Brockland (27th season)

Recent district results: 2024:5; 2023:5; 2022:6; 2021:3-3A7; 2020:5-3A7; 2019:6-3A7; 2018:10-3A7; 2017:5-3A7; 2016:8-3A7; 2015:5-3A7; 2014:6-3A7; 2013:6-2A9; 2012:7-2A9

Last state champion: Jegan Gabbidon, 2002 (130)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Abraham Le, 43-7, SQ, R3, D2; Christian Gennaro, 17-9, RQ, D4; Daniel Levy, 29-9, RQ, D3; Landen Cartegena, 18-16, RQ, D4.

Notable returning wrestlers: Brandon Restrepo, Sr., 38-9, RQ, D3.

What they are saying: “We have a young team that should improve as the season progresses.”

Outlook: Restrepo was a county finalist last season and he’ll lead a young team that graduated a state qualifier and three who reached the region tournament.

Mitchell Mustangs

Coach: Michael LoGuidice (5th year as head coach/7th total at school)

Assistant coaches: Booker Colson, Sean McHugh

23-24 dual record: 17-10

Recent district results: 2024:8; 2023:8; 2022:5; 2021:7-2A8; 2020:8-2A8; 2019:10-2A9; 2018:9-2A9; 2017:9-2A9; 2016:10-2A9; 2015:2-2A9; 2014:3-2A9; 2013:5-2A8; 2012:5-2A8

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jacob Horovitz, 39-14, RQ, D2; Roman Acevedo, 43-8, RQ-BR, D2; Colin Brown, 34-22, RQ, D4; Syrus Brown, 31-16.

Notable returning wrestlers: Bishop Taylor, Sr., 27-9, RQ, D3; Tyler Weiss-Fierro, Sr.; Cooper Burdern, Jr.; Abram London, Sr.

What they are saying: “We lost some heavy hammers, but we are reloading with many wrestlers who have been working hard in the background, and who are ready to have break out seasons. We have that perfect mixture of younger and experienced wrestlers in the room.”

Outlook: There are some holes to fill in the Mustangs lineup and the younger guys in the room that are getting the chance will need to take it.

Alonso Ravens

Coach: Michael Heldt

Recent district results: 2024:10; 2023:7; 2022:7; 2021:4-3A7; 2020:6-3A7; 2019:4-3A7; 2018:7-3A7; 2017:8-3A7; 2016:9-3A7; 2015:9-3A7; 2014:7-3A7; 2013:2-3A7; 2012:7-3A7

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Levaun Hall, 16-6, RQ, D3; Nathan Eller, 21-11, RQ-BR, D3.

Potential notable returning wrestlers: Titus Rasmussen, Jr., 28-11, RQ, D3.

Largo Packers

Coach: Vincent Crews (First at school, fourth overall)

Recent district results: 2024:13; 2023:12; 2022:9; 2021:6-2A9; 2020:5-2A9; 2019:9-2A9; 2018:10-2A9; 2017:10-2A9; 2016:9-2A9; 2015:9-2A9; 2014:8-2A9; 2013:2-2A10; 2012:4-2A10

Last state champion: Howard Hoffman, 1996 (135), Jason Taylor, 1996 (189)

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None

Notable returning wrestlers: None

What they are saying: “Being my first year at a new school, wrestling has an excitement on campus and it's been fun so far getting to know the kids and adults here. We have a lot of young people that are ready to get started and have already shown an eagerness to learn.”

On taking the job: “I had my first baby over the summer and there was a new admin at my old school and this job opened up and it is closer to home so I took it. The admin is great here and the kids are excited.”

On this team: “We do have some kids coming back with experience. But the goal is really to just make it relevant again. I’ve been putting up posters all over school and talking to my kids and we’ve had up to 15-20 in conditioning this fall.”

Outlook: Crews heads over to Largo after being at Pinellas Park and takes over a program that has been at the bottom of the district the past few years. They have gathered a group of athletes that have put together a strong conditioning period and are eager to learn the sport.