NAPLES — A team-by-team look at the upcoming prep wrestling season:
Barron Collier
Coach: Jeff Mustari (sixth season)
District: 2A-12
Last year: 15-7 in dual meets (third at district, eighth at regional)
Key losses: Ben Carter (state champ at 152 pounds)
Key returners: Kathy Harcourt, sr., 112; Fernando Alvarez, sr., 140; Josh DaSilveira, jr., 189
Outlook: Mustari said the Cougars aren’t necessarily young, but they aren’t loaded with experience either. Harcourt qualified for regionals last season, becoming what Mustari believes to be the first girl from Southwest Florida to do so. Barron Collier will host the 32-team Buzz Hill State Farm Invitational in January, one of the biggest tournaments in the state this season.
— Adam Fisher
* * *
Estero
Coach: Matt Brock (2nd year)
District: 1A-12
Last year’s record: 10-11
Key losses: Matt Lindeberg, Jerry Sanchez
Key returners: Chris Laguna, sr., 215; Jason Broughton, sr., 112; Kevin Opalensky, jr., 130; Kyle Reisen, jr., 140; Jimmy Keegan, so., 135
Outlook: Despite youth and the inexperience, Brock has high expectations for his alma mater. “The kids on the team this year, old and new, have a great attitude and a phenomenal work ethic,” he said. “We’re very optimistic about Estero having its first winning record in several years.” Laguna is back after reaching the state tournament last season. Keegan was a district-runner up last year.
— Kevin Johnson
* * *
Golden Gate
Coach: Ed Munn (sixth season)
District: 1A-12
Last year: 6-10 in duals (seventh at district)
Key losses: Brian Milner
Key returners: Steven Clermont, jr., 119; Marcenio Charles, sr., 125
Outlook: Munn has had discipline issues with several seniors early this season. He suspended five wrestlers for Saturday’s home invitational, including Raul Gonzalez. Gonzalez placed fifth in the state at heavyweight last season. Munn also punished several wrestlers late last season, taking just eight to district. “If they’re not going to put in 100 percent, we can do without them,” Munn said.
— Adam Fisher
* * *
Gulf Coast
Coach: Mike Guitard (interim)
District: 3A-8
Key losses: None
Key Returners: Andrew Arias, sr.; Brian Connolly, sr.; Dana Luebbe, sr., Juan Losada, jr., Vince Parker, soph.
Outlook: Guitard expecting a challenging year for Sharks. After having knee surgery, Luebbe will miss beginning of season. New district now has them in competition with powerhouses North Port and Manatee. “We won’t be a strong team but we’ll be an aggressive one,” said Guitard.
— Scott Clair
* * *
Immokalee
Coach: Bernie Martinez (3rd season)
District: 1A-12
Key losses: Oscar Lopez, Jose Gomez, Jose Tedder, Jonas Mervilus
Key returners: Stephen Herrera, Jesus Viduarri
Outlook: Indians lost ton of experience and wins to graduation. But Martinez’ program is on the rise both in numbers and talent, as its second place finish at the CCAC championships last year attests. Herrera is looking to improve on last year’s regional championship showing.
— Scott Clair
* * *
Lely
Coach: Tige Thompson (third season)
District: 1A-12
Last year: 29-2
Key losses: David Isme, Louis Gonzalez, Quinton Antoine.
Key returners: Geoff Stephenson, 119; Wismit Moinius, 125; Guillermo Moreno, 130; Davenson Cyceron, 140; Jordan Kinnett, 160; Rones Sagesse, 171
Outlook: “We have sound returners and our newcomers are already showing potential and eager to learn,” Thompson said.
— Roger LaLonde
* * *
Naples
Coach: Chris Bettridge (first season)
District: 2A-12
Last year: Third at district
Key losses: James DelleCave, Dillon Hazel, Serge Rush
Key returners: Brett Parker, sr., 189; Misael Bahena, sr., 275
Outlook: Bettridge, a science teacher at Lorenzo Walker Technical High, is in his first year coaching in Florida. He moved to Naples about a year ago after coaching for seven years outside of Detroit. The Golden Eagles are extremely young this year. At Saturday’s Golden Gate Invitational, eight of Naples’ 11 wrestlers were competing in their first varsity tournament.
— Adam Fisher
* * *
Palmetto Ridge
Coach: Steve Hart (first season)
District: 2A-12
Last year: District champions, regional champions, district, sixth at state meet
Key losses: Caleb Rainwaters (state champ at 275 pounds)
Key returners: Blaine Ison, sr., 112; Cody Singletary, sr., 119; David Tanguma, sr., 140; Jordan Knight, sr., 189
Outlook: The Bears may have a new coach but expectations for the program haven’t changed. New coach Steve Hart said that his team expects to have a state qualifier at every single weight class. Palmetto Ridge will have to overcome the loss of the dominant Rainwaters, but should make up for it in lower weight classes that boost some of the top-ranked wrestlers in the state.
— Woody Wommack
* * *
South Fort Myers
Coach: Mark Modica (5th year)
District: 1A-12
Last year: 28-12 (district champion)
Key losses: Wesley Diaz, Tronic Williams
Key returners: Derek Crow, sr.; Andrew Malszycki, sr.; Jordan Williams, sr.; Anthony Debonis, jr.
Outlook: After winning its second straight district title last season and finishing eighth in the state tournament, South realizes there’s no more sneaking up on anyone. “I think last year’s team kind of put us on the map. There’s no hiding,” said Modica, whose squad will encounter a demanding schedule this year. Crow (defending district champ at 189) and Debonis (runner-up at regionals at 171) are among a group of four that returns after reaching states last season.
— Kevin Johnson
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