2A-1 Preview: Defending champion Pace looks poised to go for a repeat
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Pace won the district title with 229 points, 26.5 more than runner-up Gulf Breeze.
How did Kabra do?: We said that Pace was a team to watch and who had a squad that could win the district, but we weren’t smart enough to pick them to win it.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Dominik Baxter (Pace), Garrett Ferguson (Gulf Breeze), Gavin Samons (Gulf Breeze), Clay Nelson (Niceville), Bowen Iorg (Pace), Rome Kendrick (Fort Walton Beach), Ryder Cohen (Gulf Breeze), Keegan Deeds (Gulf Breeze), Gian Parrish (Pace), Eric Stouder (Fort Walton Beach), Leyton Collazo (Gulf Breeze).
The favorite: Pace. Last year’s district champion might be returning a huge part of that team for this year.
Team to watch: Gulf Breeze. The work being down growing the program from the youth up will start to show its progress this year.
District duals: Wednesday, January 7 at Crestview, 1 p.m.
District IBT: Tuesday, February 17 at Choctawhatchee, 11 a.m.
Pace Patriots (#16 IBT, #9 Duals)
Coach: Reggie Allen
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:1; 2024:2; 2023:3; 2022:3; 2021:3; 2020:1; 2019:1; 2018:2; 2017:1; 2016:2; 2015:3; 2014:1; 2013:1; 2012:5
Last state champion: Gabe Jacobs, 2020 (195)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Maeson Otwell, 37-14, SQ, R4, DC; Brandon Morhing, 29-12, RQ, D3; Jivaers Yacinthe, 26-9, RQ-BR, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Joshua Waring, Sr., 40-10, RQ-BR, D2; Tagg Strickenberger, Sr., 30-7, RQ-BR, D2; Bowen Iorg, Sr., 31-10, RQ-BR, D2; Gian Parrish, Jr., 36-14, RQ-BR, D3; Isiaha Rickling, Jr., 42-11, RQ, D2; Barrett Sauls, Sr., 27-13, RQ, D3; Aden Cortez, So., 24-7, RQ, D3; Dominic Iacobellis, So., 28-11, RQ, D3; Leon Jackson, So., 21-10, RQ, D3; Dominik Baxter, So.
Outlook: The returning roster is full of experience and this team will win some trophies this year.
The Florida High School Wrestling 2025-2026 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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Gulf Breeze Dolphins (#14, #11)
Coach: Jim Bird (2nd season, 35th overall)
Assistant coaches: Ryan Blackwell, Aaron Banko
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:2; 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:2; 2021:2; 2020:3; 2019:3; 2018:1; 2017:2; 2016:3; 2015:5; 2014:4; 2013:4; 2012:1
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Gavin Cohen, 51-6, 3rd, R2, DC; George Selmeister.
Notable returning wrestlers: Garrett Ferguson, Sr., 47-7, 4th, R3, DC; Gavin Samons, Jr., 53-6, 5th, R2, DC; Ryder Cohen, So., 43-4, SQ, RC, DC; Keegan Deeds, Sr., 35-12, SQ, R4, DC; Leyton Collazo, So., 34-17, RQ-BR, DC.
New wrestler: Owen Ingalls
What they are saying: “This year should be the start of the rise of the program. This team should be able to compete if we can stay healthy.”
Outlook: This team is starting to settle into Coach Bird’s vision and if they can find some talent in the upper weights, this team could go even higher.
Fort Walton Beach Vikings (NR, #23)
Coach: Tobi Marez (22th year)
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:3; 2024:4; 2023:2; 2022:1; 2021:1; 2020:2; 2019:2; 2018:6; 2017:7; 2016:5; 2015:1; 2014:5; 2013:3; 2012:4
Last state champion: Cedric Fairrow, 2022 (220)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Matthew Sinclair, 56-4, 2nd, RC, DC; Landon Burbidge, 46-13, SQ, R4, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: Rome Kendrick, Sr., 36-11, 6th, R4, DC; Eric Stouder, Sr., 20-3, RQ-BR, D2; Isaac Vosburgh, Sr., 29-16, RQ, D2; Mathew Martinez, Sr., 31-23, RQ, D3; Noah Reyes, Sr.; Cairo Kendrick; Jack Hanneken; Maxx Perez; Jude Merrell; Chase Atkins; Joseph Beal; Greysen Kuhl; Bryson Gay; Devin Lutz; Dominic Velez; Devin Velez; Aiden Reeves; Leo Mykicz; Joshua Batarao; Quendell Jones; Charles Fregger.
What they are saying: “Looking at the returners we have coming back and I'm kind of excited because there's some kids that really will hopefully step up and see their vision through.”
On team goals: “The one thing we really focus on a lot is that it doesn't matter if you're a freshman or not, your goal should always be to end up at state. We talk about placing at state, we don't talk about just going to state. Just because you're a junior or senior doesn't mean you automatically get to go to state, you’ve got to put in the work during the summer.”
On still having fun coaching: “They keep asking me how much longer you got, because my two sons went through and they've graduated and my last son, he's a swimmer and that's his thing and he's a senior this year and they're all like, ‘Are you leaving after this year?’ Nah, I said I'm having too much fun. With the region being as tough as it is now and the postseason to me is the most fun. I tell my kids all year long, I said I would love to win everything, I like to win, but it matters the most when it comes to the end of February and March. And if we can just make it all come together and enjoy the ride and hopefully you leave wrestling with more than just wrestling and maybe learn what wrestling's taught you about yourself, then we succeeded, and let's go get it.”
Outlook: The Vikings graduated a state finalist in Sinclair, but Kendrick, Stouder, Vosburgh, and Martinez are all back to try to make the trip to Kissimmee.
Arnold Marlins
Coach: Michael Lapadat (5th season/15th overall)
Assistant coach: Scott Korol
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:4; 2024:4-2A2; 2023:4-2A2; 2022:9; 2021:4-1A1; 2020:1-1A1; 2019:2-1A1; 2018:5-1A1; 2017:1-1A1; 2016:1-1A1; 2015:1-1A1; 2014:1-1A1; 2013:1-1A1; 2012:3-1A1
Last state champion: Brock Carlan, 2015 (132), Richie McClanahan, 2015 (126)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Christian McDonald, 36-19, RQ, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: David Crilly, Sr., 53-10, RQ-BR, DC; Tajay Richards, Sr., 44-24, RQ-BR, D2; Riley Thompson, Jr., 31-12, RQ, D2; Brandon Walsingham, Jr., 45-13, RQ, D3; Julian Razavi, Sr., 46-24, RQ, D4; Omar Lange, Sr., 39-28, D5; Noah McLendon, Jr., 21-27; Degen LaFriniere-Hill; Daniel Scoggins; Chris Walshingham; Gino Villani.
New wrestlers: Mike Maschek; Chase Martyja; Maverick Ordayne.
What they are saying: “This group of guys get along well, like each other, cheer for each other, practice hard, lift weights, and genuinely love the sport of wrestling. They are a pleasure to coach.”
Outlook: The Marlins are going to be improved from last season. This is also an easy-to-coach group that is embracing the hard work.
Mosley Dolphins
Coach: Jeremiah LaFountain
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:6; 2024:3-2A2; 2023:3-2A2; 2022:5; 2021:4-2A2; 2020:3-2A2; 2019:1-1A1; 2018:7-1A1; 2017:8-1A1; 2016:3-1A1; 2015:8; 2014:8; 2013:9; 2012:8
Last state champion: Adam Evans, 1998 (103)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Logan McAlister, 23-4, 7th, R3, DC; Elijah Nolan, 36-26, D5; Kyle Mahler, 27-29; Nicolas Bacot, 33-8; Alex Vasquez-Young, Jr., 44-20, RQ, D4 (Transfer to North Bay Haven); Corbin Timberlake, Jr., 29-24, RQ, D4 (Transfer to Bay)
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Tristen Steele, Sr., 40-17, RQ-BR, D2; Nathaniel King, So., 10-31, RQ, D4; Isaac Melendez, Sr., 43-13, D5; Ian Keith, Jr., 3-8; Wesley Price, Jr., 35-19.
Outlook: Mosley could return up to nine wrestlers from their postseason lineup this season.
Niceville Eagles
Coach: Jordan James
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:5; 2024:3; 2023:4; 2022:4; 2021:4; 2020:4; 2019:4; 2018:3; 2017:4; 2016:4; 2015:2; 2014:3; 2013:2; 2012:2
Last state champion: Jack Johnson, 2017 (160)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Malachi Lewis, 39-7, 5th, RC, DC; Garret Jarvis, 37-14, 8th, R3, D3; Colin Berkey, 22-18, RQ, D4; James Opitz, 30-9, RQ-BR, DC.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Ayden Davis, Sr., 19-15, RQ, D4; Jayden Fuller, Jr., 14-18; Jace Schmidt, Sr., 21-8.
New wrestlers: Clay Nelson, Jr., 32-3, SQ, RC, DC (Transfer from Rocky Bayou Christian)
Tate Aggies
Coach: Unknown at time of publication
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:8; 2024:7; 2023:5; 2022:8; 2021:7; 2020:5; 2019:7; 2018:5; 2017:3; 2016:1; 2015:7; 2014:9; 2013:6; 2012:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Julian Agosto, 11-6, RQ, D4.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Alexi McGowan, Jr., 39-18, RQ, D2; Colin Watson, So., 26-26, RQ, D4; Jayce Walker, Sr., 15-18, RQ, D4; Logan Robbins Jr, Sr., 16-14, RQ, D5.
Outlook: The Aggies could return as many as 10 wrestlers from their starting lineup.
Crestview Bulldogs
Coach: Robby Gaines
Recent district results: 2025:8; 2024:5; 2023:7; 2022:6; 2021:5; 2020:6; 2019:6; 2018:7; 2017:6; 2016:7; 2015:6; 2014:6; 2013:7; 2012:3
Last state champion: Eric Finchum, 2002 (189)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Kaden Blackerby, Jr., RQ, D3; Chasen Lawrence, So., RQ, D4.
Outlook: Blackerby and Lawrence are back from last year’s team.
Choctawhatchee Indians
Coach: Josh Carroll (4th season)
Assistant coach: Rodrigo Damore
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 7-7
Recent district results: 2025:7; 2024:6; 2023:8; 2022:7; 2021:6; 2020:7; 2019:5; 2018:4; 2017:5; 2016:6; 2015:4; 2014:2; 2013:5; 2012:9
Last state champion: Jon Bush, 1998 (189)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Antonio Daquep, 39-20, RQ, D2; Zerel Munn, 37-13, RQ, D2; Teerachood Mahawongnan, 24-16, RQ, D3; Bradack Carroll, 40-3, RQ-BR, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Jorge Xivir Quich, Jr., 26-20, RQ, D4; Travis Welch; Jackson Welch; Tegan Jeter.
What they are saying: “Compared to last year, I think we'll be struggling but there's a few good ones. I got two seniors, the twins that have been here all four years. Hopefully, they have a good senior year. I got a couple more upperclassmen, other than that, it's going to be pretty thin. So I guess outlook is going to be more on individual than it will be team standings.”
On twins Travis and Jackson Welch: “They're both military brats and I think their dad's pretty similar to me, so it's pretty easy to deal with me, I reckon. I wish I had more that would stick it out like they have.”
On kids trying the sport: “They realize that our practices are harder than anybody else in school's practices are going to be. And if they can make it through that, they should be tough enough to do what we're telling them to do on not giving up and working hard. I mean, whenever we get these kids from another sport or something like that, they're just like they can't believe how hard a wrestling practice is. I don't think I'm doing anything really different as far as a real wrestling practice than most the other coaches out there. I mean, it's just a tough sport.”
Outlook: Three district finalists and four region qualifiers are gone. This team will be light on wrestlers who have gone deeper into the postseason but does not have an empty cupboard.
Milton Panthers
Coach: Mario Lugo
Recent district results: 2025:10; 2024:8; 2023:6; 2022:10; 2021:8; 2020:8; 2019:8; 2018:8; 2017:8; 2016:8; 2015:9; 2014:7; 2013:8; 2012:6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Aidan Herbert, Jr., 25-9, RQ, D3; Timothy Griffith, Jr., 17-14, RQ, D4; Cayden Marshall, Sr., 29-14, RQ, D4; Connor Allen, Jr., 30-13, D5; Raymond Gonzalez; Josiah Fry; Ethan Vethita.
Outlook: The Panthers return three region qualifiers.
2A-1 Season Schedules
Crestview
Dec. 5-6: Murder Creek Duals at WS Neal (AL)
Dec. 13: Ryan Blackwell at Gulf Breeze
Dec. 17: vs. Choctawhatchee, Niceville (Senior Night)
Dec. 19-20: Beast of the Beach at Fort Walton Beach
Jan. 2-3: Panhandle Championship at Mosley
Jan. 9-10: Dog Pound Duals at Freeport
Jan. 14: at Niceville
Jan. 23-24: George Mulligan at Bay
Jan. 31: Pace Invitational at Pace
Girls
Dec. 17: vs. Choctawhatchee, Niceville (Senior Night)
Dec. 19-20: Beast of the Beach at Fort Walton Beach
Jan. 2-3: Panhandle Championship at Mosley
Jan. 10: Indigo Rain Memorial at Choctawhatchee
Jan. 17: Ryan Blackwell at Gulf Breeze
Jan. 23-24: George Mulligan at Bay
Jan. 31: Pace Invitational at Pace
Milton
Dec. 5: at Bayside (AL)
Dec. 6: Murder Creek Duals at WS Neal (AL)
Dec. 12-13: Bobcat Round Robin at Alachua Sports Complex
Dec. 19-20: Bear Brawl at Robertsdale (AL)
Dec. 29-30: Gulf Shores Scuffle at Gulf Shores (AL)
Jan. 2-3: Panhandle Championship at Mosley
Jan. 9-10: Ken Cole Invitation at Comeaux (LA)
Jan. 16-17: Gator Brawl at Wewahitchka
Jan. 21: at Pace
Jan. 30-31: Panther Pride Invitational
Feb. 6-7: Capital City Classic at Chiles