1A-16 Preview: Key West looking for sweet seventeen straight

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Alfredo Corrales, 48-7, 4th, RC, DC; Abram Canet, 43-16, SQ, R2, DC; James Searcy, 19-13, SQ, R4, D2; Lazaro Diaz, 27-12, RQ-BR, DC.

Notable returning wrestlers: Jacob Ferguson, Sr., 23-23, SQ, R4, D3; Kyle Condella, Jr., 28-14, RQ, DC; Zander Font, So., 14-18, RQ, D2; Michael Guzman, Sr., 31-14, RQ, D3; Jakobe Williamson, So., 15-15, RQ, D3; Alexandre Allens, Jr., 28-13, RQ, D3; Donald Kirkpatrick, So., 21-25, RQ, D4; Reisel Toledo, Sr., 4-6, RQ, D4; Sanford Horn, So., 9-23, RQ, D4.

What they are saying: “We do have a lot of young guys coming back that I think can step in and fill those roles because we did lose four really quality guys and some real leaders that have been in the program for the last four years. But my outlook is to continue to just do the same things we've done and have those same expectations and every year is going to be different and it's how you deal with those differences from year to year that kind of set the standard. I think if we put it together, we can have a good run. The goal is always to compete for a district title. We want to be in the mix for a region title and get as many guys to the state tournament as possible, have some guys compete for the state title and look to make another run at the state duals.”

On reaching state duals for first time last year: “That's something that's been a goal of mine since it started and something I've wanted the kids to have ownership of that. That's a goal for our program in general. It was a great experience and we ran into Mater Lakes and I knew they were on another level but just to get there, just to get that moment, was really good for our kids and we want to get back there this year.”

On Alexandre Allens: “I think a lot of the guys have put in a lot of work this offseason and I'm really excited to see what our heavyweight can do. He's put in a lot of work. I always have a lot of big football players, that's one of the good things about me being an offensive line coach and a football coach for so many years and the football coaches really preaches that these guys wrestle, but Allen's come on earlier than other guys. We've had other guys that decide that they want to buy into wrestling more, but it's later on. Allens decided to buy in earlier, this year made a trip to the national duals and did really well up there in the freestyle and Greco national duals. I'm really excited to see I've seen his growth. He's excited about wrestling this year. I think he can continue to grow and be really tough.”

Outlook: The Conchs are looking to win a 17th straight district title and could make a run in state duals and battle for a region title.