1A-12 Preview: State title is the quest for St. John Neumann in Year 3
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: St. John Neumann outpointed runner-up Bishop Verot by 107.5 points to win the district IBT title on its way to a runner-up finish to Mater Lakes in the state Class 1A race. Verot made history with Bennett Sweitzer winning the school’s first title.
How did Kabra do?: We correctly predicted a second-consecutive district title for St. John Neumann and we also picked the district dual teams right, but Verot showed we were a bit wrong by having them finish third.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch:
The favorite: St. John Neumann. The goal this year isn’t just the district title, the Celtics are one of the teams to be again for the Class 1A team state title.
Team to watch: Evangelical. The Sentinels return 100% of their postseason lineup from a year ago and will press for the No. 2 spot in the district.
St. John Neumann Celtics
Coach: Blaine Ison (12th as head coach, 17th overall)
Assistant coaches: Kain Mills, Ryan Tutt
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 20-2
Recent district results: 2026:1; 2025:1
Last state champion: Benito Barnhart, 2026 (120); Lincoln Sledzianowski, 2026 (144)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Lincoln Sledzianowski, 33-0, SC, RC, DC; Erik Perez, 44-4, S3, RC, DC; Jonathan Moder, 32-8, S7, R3, D3; Benito Barnhart, Jr., 26-1, SC, RC, D2 (Transfer to Gulf Coast); James Sanders, So., 38-9, S4, RC, DC (Transfer to Immokalee); William Buckley, Jr., 42-7, S2, RC, DC (Transfer to Bishop McCort, PA); Richmerlins Celiferme, Sr., 19-8, SQ, R4, DC (Transfer to Aubrey Rogers)
Notable returning wrestlers: Jalal Naghib, So., 43-9, S4, R2, D3; Greyson McDonald, So., 41-10, S4, RC, DC; Braeden Mills, Jr., 35-11, S7, R3, DC; Russ Haas, So., UNK, S8, R4, D2; Reyvis Soto, So., 24-13, RQ-BR, D2; Hunter Born, Jr., 22-17, RQ-BR, D2; Gabe Harris, Jr., 26-15, RQ-BR, D2; Miles Merves, So.; Easton Fennell, So.
New wrestlers: Liam Parker, Jr. (Transfer from Tampa Jesuit); Jake Margolis, Jr., 14-4, S6, RC, DC (Transfer from Mater Lakes); Jack Gluckman, Fr.; Jonny Wolfe, So. (Transfer from Minnesota)
What they’re saying: “A team that is young, hungry and eager to step up to the challenge".”
On team goal: “Only one. Win a state championship. After taking second the last two seasons, we are ready to edge our name into history.”
Outlook:
The Florida High School Wrestling 2026-2027 Season District Previews
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Independent: Ind
District Predictions: All 64 projected final IBT standings
Other content: Transfers | Coaching changes | Tournament schedule | Dual schedule | Team schedules
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Bishop Verot Vikings
Coach: Gerry Braun (5th at school/22nd overall)
Assistant coaches: Zeke Direnzo, Jacob Swanson, Jason Bowman, Tariq Humes
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 14-6
Recent district results: 2026:2; 2025:5; 2024:4; 2023:4; 2022:5
Last state champion: Bennett Sweitzer, 2026 (175)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Bennett Sweitzer, 41-3, SC, RC, D2; Quinn Enguita, 36-14, SQ, R3, DC; Lorenzo Vasquez, 25-9, RQ-BR, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Hudson Sweitzer, Sr., 36-12, S5, R3, D3; Tiago Passos, Sr., 32-16, SQ, R4, D4; Crew Stambaugh, So., 14-11, RQ, D2; Kellan Hall, Jr., 27-14, RQ, D3; Sean Cameron, Sr., 24-14, RQ, D3; Bobby Nolan, Jr., 15-14, RQ, D4; Alec Sergi, Sr.
New wrestlers: Gianni Monteiro, Jr., 29-19, RQ, D4 (Transfer from SW Florida Christian); Chase Oake, Fr.
What they’re saying:
Outlook: Sweitzer made school history with a state title at 175 pounds back in March.
Fort Myers Evangelical Sentinels
Coach: Derek Washington
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:4; 2025:6; 2024:8; 2023:6; 2022:9; 2020:8; 2018:9; 2017:9; 2016:10; 2015:5; 2014:10; 2013:6; 2012:6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Lennox Washington, Sr., 36-9, S6, R2, DC; Leland Flaherty, Sr., 37-14, S6, R3, D2; Ice McCormick, So., 28-15, SQ, R4, D2; Dominic Capuano, Sr., 27-12, SQ, R4, D2; Zeke Washington, So., 29-13, RQ, D3; Wyatt Behrmann, Fr., 19-21, RQ, D4; Caleb Hilla, Fr., 19-16, RQ, D5.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
SW Florida Christian Academy Kings
Coach: Kerry Reilly/Erin Wooley (2nd season)
Assistant coach: Dan Losapio
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:7; 2025:8; 2024:10; 2023:9; 2022:7; 2021:8; 2020:6; 2019:9; 2018:10; 2017:10; 2016:9; 2015:7; 2014:9; 2013:3; 2012:4
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Connor Watermeier, 12-8, RQ, D5; Gianni Monteiro, Jr., 29-19, RQ, D4 (Transfer to Bishop Verot).
Notable returning wrestlers: Jack Wooley, Fr., 30-24, RQ, D4; Max Losapio, Sr., 31-19, RQ, D4; Jackson Bell, So., 4-13; Isaiah Ortiz, Fr.; Sam Weed, Sr., 3-8; Major Moore, Fr., 7-18; Bentlee Teany, Fr.; Sammy Mafra, Sr.; Cayden Cartagena, Jr.; Brett Hornbuckle, Jr.; Jacob Turner, So.
New wrestlers: Asa Price; Daniel Ladd; Caleb Santana; Lucas Wooley; Blaine Olsen; Neo Ductan; Noah Mafra.
What they’re saying: “We are an up-and-coming program with a group of wrestlers who are hungry, motivated, and ready to take the next step. As a new coach, one of the most exciting things has been seeing the work these kids have put in during the offseason. They have been showing up, putting in the extra work, and building the foundation for something special. We are not just looking to show up and compete this year; we are coming in with the mindset that we can compete with anyone on the mat. This group has the potential to surprise some people, and we are ready to make a statement.”
On season goals: “Our goal is to establish ourselves as a program that other teams know they will have to prepare for. We want to compete for championships, improve our individual records, and get as many wrestlers as possible advancing through districts, regionals, and beyond. Just as importantly, we want to build a culture of discipline, accountability, toughness, and commitment. We want our wrestlers to push each other, hold each other to a high standard, and understand that success is earned through the work nobody sees. We believe the work put in during the offseason has positioned us to have a breakout year, and we intend to make the most of it.”
Outlook:
First Baptist-Naples Lions
Coach: Shane Hillis (2nd at school/3rd overall)
Assistant coaches: Mike Kersey, Koda Hillis
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:9; 2025:3; 2024:2; 2023:1; 2022:3; 2021:3
Last state champion: Andres DiGrigoli, 2025 (157)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Deklan Koopman, Fr., 26-10, RQ, D5 (Transfer to Gulf Coast)
Notable returning wrestlers: Colton Kersey, 8th, 22-9, RQ, D3; Kael Hillis, 8th, 22-11, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying: “Our team is very young and small as we continue to rebuild. We will be lead by two very experienced eighth graders who have put in a ton of offseason work to improve on last years results. Following them will be three upper classmen who are two year wrestlers trying to navigate the sport. We have many middle school athletes who will be brand new so the building blocks are in place.”
On this group: “Our strengths this year would be youth and work ethic. Our guys are very young (age and experience) and hungry and not happy with how they finished last year. all of our returners have put in quite a bit of time and effort this offseason on the mats in the weight room.”
Outlook:
LaBelle Cowboys
Coach: Matt Miller (12th season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:10; 2025:9; 2024:5; 2023:3; 2022:6; 2021:5; 2020:2; 2019:5; 2018:8; 2017:7; 2016:8; 2015:9; 2014:8; 2013:2; 2012:2
Last state champion: Matt Miller, 2004 (130)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Randy Wallace, Jr., 23-9, SQ, RC, D2.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Lely Trojans
Coach: Tige Thompson
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:9-2A12; 2025:7-2A12; 2024:6-2A12; 2023:9-2A12; 2022:8-2A12; 2021:7-2A12; 2020:6-2A12; 2019:7; 2018:3; 2017:2; 2016:1; 2015:1; 2014:1; 2013:4-2A12; 2012:?-2A12
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jose Raga, 39-13, RQ-BR, DC; Roberto Hidalgo, 17-18, RQ, D4.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Peter Espinosa, Sr., 23-22, RQ, D3.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Canterbury Cougars
Coach: Erik Manning (1st season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:5; 2025:7; 2024:11; 2023:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Stone Creighton, 12-16, RQ, D3; Atreyu Bott, 22-12, RQ-BR, D3.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Chuck Haas, 8th, 17-14, RQ-BR, D4; Banner Brockington, Jr., 27-9, RQ, DC; Joaquin Paz, Sr., 13-11, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Oasis Sharks
Coach: Mark Wilson (First season)
Assistant coaches: Robert Luzarraga, Mike Anderson
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 10-10
Recent district results: 2026:6; 2025:2; 2024:3; 2023:2; 2022:2; 2021:2; 2020:5; 2019:3; 2018:5; 2017:6; 2016:7; 2015:8; 2014:7; 2013:3-1A11; 2012:6-1A11
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Chase Williams, 22-16, RQ, D4; Andrew Upp, 31-11, RQ-BR, D3; Ben Cerny, 23-10, D5.
Notable returning wrestlers: Cameron Papp, So., 35-10, RQ-BR, D2; Kelvis Gonzalez, Sr., 25-12, RQ, D4.
What they’re saying: “Strength will be team ability to fill all weight classes with wrestlers that have more than one year on the mat. Last year’s team started eight first-year JV wrestlers on varsity and team still won double digit dual meets and had freshman Papp miss states in double overtime blood round match. I expect a lot more this year from this young team.”
Outlook:
Gateway Charter Griffins
Coach: Cheryl Gershman
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:11; 2025:10; 2024:7; 2023:8; 2022:8; 2021:7; 2020:7; 2019:10; 2018:6-1A7; 2014:11; 2013:6-1A11; 2012:4-1A11
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Logan Panega, SQ, R4, D4; Max Bonavita, RQ, D5.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Cypress Lake Panthers
Coach: Andrew McCarley
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:10-2A11; 2025:10-2A11; 2024:9-2A12; 2023:7-2A12; 2022:4-2A12; 2021:6-2A11; 2020:3-2A11; 2019:4-2A12; 2018:3-2A12; 2017:3-2A12; 2016:4-2A12; 2015:6-2A12; 2014:5-2A12; 2013:7-2A12; 2012:?-2A12
Last state champion: Corey Kerkesner, 2015 (195)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook: