1A-6 Preview: Wide open district race should make for fun finish to season

Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Brayden Brown, 23-11, D5; Lord Cruz, 16-12, D5; Connor Berry, 19-9, D6.

Notable returning wrestlers: Cannon Sommer, Jr., 22-10, SQ, R4, D2; Colton Fickett, Sr., 37-11, RQ-BR, D2; Kollen Staab, Sr., 11-12, RQ, D4; Henry Vasquez, Jr., 17-17, RQ, D4; Brody Jeckovich, Jr., 18-18, RQ, D4; Kaleb Olson, Jr., 13-17, RQ, D4; Tyger Morris, Jr., 15-21, RQ, D4; Damian Quinonez, So., 31-11, D5.

What they are saying: “I think the team wants to bounce back very much so. A good number of them have been working out in the off season and I think they are fully aware that they were part of the worst season in our four-year history. While last year was a disappointment, I think many of them learned a lot. We had some injuries that really hurt us. but that's what happens. And, I think they have the right mindset heading into this year for sure.”

On the growth of this team: “I think a lot of them took ownership for what happened last year. Some of it was illness and some injury. Illness is something that they can work to avoid. Eating right, getting plenty of sleep, things like that. I think a number of them realized that last year that maybe they should start listening to what we're telling them. I think this is the most veteran team we have at this point of the season. We have 23 or 24 guys back from last year. We did lose six seniors, four of which were starters, and we're probably only going to start two seniors this year. But it's a good group. They do really well together. A lot of them have bonded together over different things. A bunch of them took a trip to Rhode Island in June, wrestled in a tournament there stayed in homes of families. It was a good trip in a lot of ways, team bonding especially.”

On coaching 40 years: “My mantra has always been everything we do is designed to make you a better person, and make you a better wrestler. You may not agree with it, you may not like it, but that's where we start and end with everything that we do. and a lot of kids, they certainly have bought into it over the years and we've been, pretty successful whether at the college level or the high school level. I have kids I coached 35 or so years ago who still reach out to me. I'm in constant contact with hundreds of them thankfully through social media and that's what makes it special.”

Outlook: After a disappointing season, the Hurricanes return a deep roster with some talented upperclassmen working to bring the younger guys up to speed. Look for a bounce back season for Mount Dora.