2A-8 Preview: Mount Dora looks to make a splash in new neighborhood.
BY BRANT PARSONS — Mount Dora won a district title in its first-ever season back in 2022 and has been chasing the top spot since. The Hurricanes move up to Class 2A this season and have a loaded roster that is looking to bring home the second district crown for the school.
State qualifier Damian Quinonez and blood round wrestler Kaleb Olson lead a deep group that will include 2025 state qualifier Cannon Sommer. Mount Dora will look to put it all together in February and March.
“The last couple years we've kind of peaked at the end,” Mount Dora coach David Kimmy said. “We've kind of done things so that we've been able to peak at the end. Last year we beat Weeki Wachee by like 50 points in the district to finish second to Hernando and I don't think anybody would have predicted that. That's kind of what we're going to shoot for this year. We want to peak team-wise for that district meet the same way we did last year.”
Teams chasing the Hurricanes will include Kissimmee Gateway, who won the district title last year, but loves the role of underdog.
The Panthers won their school’s first district title last season in at least 14 years (Kabra Wrestling’s archive doesn’t go beyond 2012) and have blood round wrestlers Jason Perez and Colin Gould back to lead the squad.
“I like being the underdog and that way we don't have all the spotlight and it doesn't go to like our heads and then we get complacent,” Gateway coach Travis Hill said.
Other teams in the mix will be Lyman and Edgewater.
Luis Lugo Riccitui and Mario Lugo will power the Greyhounds, who won the top spot in 2025.
“We just about keeping them healthy and then when the time comes tournament time or we got to score points when we can't leave any empty points on the board,” Lyman coach Chris Canale said. “We’ve got to go for the bonus points and I think if we do that at the tournament we're definitely in talks for taking districts back. That's always one of our team goals as a team. “
Edgewater could return more than half of its district points from a year ago, potentially led by state placer Parker Miller.
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Gateway won the five-team district race where the point difference from first-to-last was just 50 points.
How did Kabra do?: There was only one we were wrong on, and really, in a tight race like this one, that feels like a win.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Parker Miller, Sr. (Edgewater); Daniel Abreu, Sr. (Kissimmee Gateway); Damian Quinonez, Jr. (Mount Dora); Colin Gould, Sr. (Kissimmee Gateway); Kaleb Olson, Sr. (Mount Dora); Henry Vasquez, Sr. (Mount Dora); Jackson Keller, Sr. (Mount Dora); Cannon Sommer, Sr. (Mount Dora); Miguel Lugo, So. (Lyman); Jason Perez, Sr. (Kissimmee Gateway); Matias Cuevas, Sr. (Kissimmee Gateway); Luis Lugo Riccitui, Jr. (Lyman).
The favorite: Mount Dora. The Hurricanes come to Class 2A with a monstrously deep squad returning.
Team to watch: Lyman. The Greyhounds went from first-to-worst last year after an epic graduating class. They’re still a young group, but they’ll be in the mix this season.
District duals: January 15-16 at Lyman
District IBT: Wednesday, February 17 at Lyman
Mount Dora Hurricanes
Coach: David Kemmy (6th season, 40th overall)
Assistant coaches: Chris Navarro, Bob Gruner, Bill Larkin, Anthony Torres
Click here for 26-27 schedule
25-26 dual record: 9-7
Recent district results: 2026:2-1A6; 2025:5-1A6; 2024:2-1A6; 2023:2-1A6; 2022:1-1A6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Colton Fickett, 38-6, S6, R3, DC; Kollen Staab, 18-16, RQ, D2; Sam Mohammadi, Sr., 22-11, RQ-BR, D2 (Moved to North Carolina).
Notable returning wrestlers: Damian Quinonez, Jr., 24-13, SQ, R4, DC; Kaleb Olson, Sr., 20-17, RQ-BR, D3; Jonathan Figueroa, Jr., 24-15, RQ, D2; Henry Vasquez, Sr., 27-8, RQ, D2; Dallin Filetti, So., 23-13, RQ, D3; Sam Aponte, Sr., 9-8, RQ, D3; Tyger Morris, Sr., 10-9, RQ, D3; Jayden Rinehart, So., 17-24, RQ, D4; Bayro Vasquez, Sr., 10-13, RQ, D4; Brody Jeckovich, Sr., 16-17, D5; Cannon Sommer, Sr., 14-4; Bronson Clarke, Sr.; Payne Brunson, Jr.; Logan Falatach, Jr.
New wrestlers: Jonathan Matthews, Jr., 25-17, RQ, D3 (Transfer from Lake Brantley); Nico Medeiros (Transfer from California); Jackson Keller, Sr., 35-12, RQ-BR, D2 (Transfer from FA-Leesburg); Jai Graham, Sr. (Transfer from Titusville)
What they’re saying: "We have the most veterans returning we've ever had in our six years. That certainly provides a lot of optimism but we still need to get the work done on and off the mat. It's a great group. They've been working pretty hard the last few years. We've got a lot of seniors who have been around three or four years. So yeah, we are definitely looking forward to what this year will bring."
On building the depth: "We've certainly worked pretty hard trying to get these numbers up. We've done a lot of different things and fortunately, we've run the type of program that the kids are happy and they're staying in the program. Once you're able to get to that point, you're doing pretty good. We've got a lot invested in these kids and they have a lot invested in us. It's good to have veteran numbers. We had three seniors last year, all of whom were great and they did a great job for us, but having around a dozen of those seniors this year is a lot better than having three."
Outlook:
The Florida High School Wrestling 2026-2027 Season District Previews
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Kissimmee Gateway Panthers
Coach: Travis Hill (9th season)
Assistant coaches: Christopher Styker, Meison Broche, Frank Thomas
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:1; 2025:2; 2024:4-2A7; 2023:3-2A7; 2022:3; 2021:6-2A5; 2020:5-2A5; 2019:4-3A5; 2018:6-3A5; 2017:6-3A5; 2016:2-3A5; 2015:2-3A5; 2014:2-3A5; 2013:2-3A5; 2012:3-3A5
Last state champion: Christian Vazquez, 2013 (160)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Jose Davalillo, 35-14, SQ, R4, DC; Andre Andrade, 16-18, RQ, D2; Gabriel Hernandez, 14-26, RQ, D3; Carlos Figuera, 9-28, RQ, D4; Anthony Garcia, 15-30, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Jason Perez, Sr., 38-9, RQ-BR, DC; Colin Gould, Sr., 22-16, RQ-BR, D2; Daniel Abreu, Sr., 28-10, RQ, DC; Matias Cuevas, Sr., 32-16, RQ, DC; Enzo Fernandez, Jr., 16-11, RQ, DC; Diego Lopez, Jr., 17-18, RQ, D3; Ludyn Carias Rivas, Jr., 5-17, RQ, D4.
What they’re saying: “"It's a pretty solid group that I have coming back. Hopefully they can get the younger guys to come in and buy into the to the program and to our standard and how we do things. Hopefully, we can still defend these district champs and hopefully this time around we do better during district duals and place a lot higher in tournaments. I'm super excited about the team we have."
On the development of the team: "The drive to do it started around three years ago when we had like Meison Broche and I gave him a lot of responsibility as a team captain. When they came in, he was holding everybody accountable. He held his teammates accountable and showed the standard and what we expect as coaches and what he expects as a team captain. If people showed up late to practice, he made him do extra all kind of stuff. He's a firefighter now, but for him to come in and help with practices and then last year to come on full staff and put in his knowledge is huge. It helped out a lot and it was just the tide that everyone was hungry for it. "
On being counted out: "I like us being the underdog and trying to prove people wrong and I like to show that we're more than capable of wrestling with some of the top teams. I don't think anybody thought last year on the guys side that we would have came in second in our OBC's. I don't think anybody would have thought we had that many district champs or that many to make it to the the finals in districts."
Outlook: Last year’s district champions graduated some key cogs in the machine, but there is plenty left in the cupboard for the Panthers to make another run at district success.
Lyman Greyhounds
Coach: Chris Canale (6th season/12th overall)
Assistant coaches: JJ Contreras, Donny Simpson
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:5; 2025:1; 2024:2; 2023:3; 2022:6-3A3; 2021:7-3A4; 2020:8-3A4; 2019:10-3A2; 2018:9-3A3; 2017:9-3A3; 2016:5-3A3; 2015:6-3A3; 2014:2-3A3; 2013:1-3A3; 2012:3-3A3
Last state champion: Willie Campos, 1992 (130)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Steve Kabambi, 22-13, RQ, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: Luis Lugo Riccitui, Jr., 32-13, RQ-BR, D2; Tyson Warner, So., 19-17, RQ, D2; Benjamin Diaz, Sr., 24-22, RQ, D2; Dominic Canale, Jr., 17-15, RQ, D2; Urijah Santiago-Leiva, Jr., 26-13, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers: Jasper Stojic.
What they’re saying: "They put in the work in the offseason. They're dedicated and they've been wrestling every week this offseason. We do it every year. We try to get at least 50 offseason matches in and the majority of them have between practices at other schools and club workouts they've been religiously training with Longwood Wrestling Club and we really hit the weight room hard this year. A lot of some guys stayed the same weight, some made bigger jumps, but the weight room and drilling and seeking out a lot of competition they're dedicated and trying to get better and I see the improvement every year."
On gunning for another district title: "Our number one goal is always to get guys to state in place. That's what we want the most out of everybody. But team aspect wise what we want to do as a team, the district title is always on there and last year didn't sit too well with them. I know it was a big motivator for their offseason training because the captains bring it up all the time. They see the trophies in the wrestling room and there's nothing for last year. They want to kind of cement their legacy a little bit and I think with what they've been putting in and their mindset, they know what they want to do and that's a big thing to them is bringing that trophy back to our gym."
On coaching at Lyman: "I remember when I first came here, I saw what Lyman was there was maybe in the three years before I was here, maybe they had two or three guys qualify for regionals, and then we're sending 10 plus every year now. We're getting guys to state the last three years. We've had a couple placers. We have got bigger goals, but they're accomplishing their goals. So, this has been a great experience in coaching. It's just been a good fit for me and real happy with it."
Outlook: The Greyhounds have been building a program with depth under Canale and this year, Lyman will see that work pay off as the team will be a mixture of returning experience and young guys ready to make their mark.
Edgewater Eagles
Coach: Kyle Leisher (2nd season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:2; 2025:4; 2024:6; 2023:7; 2022:7; 2021:7-2A5; 2020:6-2A5; 2019:5-3A2; 2018:9-3A2; 2017:7-3A2; 2016:6-3A2; 2015:6-3A2; 2014:2-3A2; 2013:1-2A5; 2012:1-2A5
Last state champion: C.J. Hauser, 2006 (171)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Judah Miller, 19-4, RQ, DC; Nicholas Cook, 15-10, RQ, D2; Samuel Sa Conclaves, 8-7, RQ, D3.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Parker Miller, Sr., 27-4, S8, RC, DC; Noah Greene, Sr., 10-11, RQ, D2; Nyles Joseph, Jr., 15-12, RQ, D2; Wesley Hendry, Sr., 7-9, RQ, D2; Ahmari Vanslyke, So., RQ, D3; Miguel Baez, Sr., 6-11, RQ, D3; Casper Roberts, Sr., 15-10, RQ, D3; Devin Spees, So., 7-14, RQ, D4; Jack Harden, So., 12-12, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
East River Falcons
Coach: Anthony Gilbert
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:3; 2025:3; 2024:5; 2023:5; 2022:2; 2021:Qu; 2020:8-2A5; 2019:4-2A6; 2018:7-2A6; 2017:3-2A6; 2016:3-2A6; 2015:3-3A4; 2014:5-3A4; 2013:4-3A4; 2012:2-3A4
*Did not participate in 2021 postseason due to quarantine
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Isaiah Rivera, 39-8, SQ, R3, DC; Norris Mayo, 39-8, RQ-BR, DC; Isaiah Senn-Dones, 28-12, RQ, DC; Tuan Gross, 25-17, RQ, D2; Carlton Allen Jr., 15-10.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Ryan Leonardi, Jr., RQ, D3; Jahdiel Grobsmith, Sr., RQ, D3; Jerymiah Williams, Jr., RQ, D3; Aiden Colon, Jr., RQ, D4; Zaden Fleming, Sr., RQ, D4; David Decarvalho, Jr., RQ, D4; Greyson Peters, Sr., RQ, D4; Donald Hardial, Jr., RQ, D4.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Tavares Bulldogs
Coach: Gavin Jones (6th season)
Assistant coach: Trey Grant
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:3-2A5; 2025:5-2A5; 2024:3-1A6; 2023:4-1A6; 2022:6-1A6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Khairi Coleman, 12-10, RQ, D2; Ari Bentley, Sr., 37-4, S6, RC, DC (Transfer); Jelani Bentley, Sr., 36-6, S7, R4, D2 (Transfer)
Notable returning wrestlers: Gabriel Gandulla, Sr., 32-8, RQ, D2; Marcelo Ricardo, Sr., 16-18, RQ, D4; Jett Harris, Sr.
Outlook:
Wekiva Mustangs
Coach: Lenin Vazquez (12th year at school/24th overall)
Assistant coach: Anthony Imbriani
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:7-3A3; 2025:5-3A3; 2024:8-3A3; 2023:8-3A3; 2022:5-3A4; 2021:8-3A3; 2020:6-3A3; 2019:7-3A2; 2018:4-3A2; 2017:6-3A2; 2016:8-3A2; 2015:9-3A2; 2014:9-3A2; 2013:8-3A3; 2012:7-3A3
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Elijah Jean, 27-7, RQ, D2; Jeremiah Demosthene, 11-7.
Notable returning wrestlers: Landon Shultz, Jr., 13-21, RQ, D4; Derek Campos, Sr.
What they’re saying: “We are young and committed.”
Outlook:
Bishop Moore Hornets
Coach: Troy Reed (3rd season)
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2026:7-1A6; 2025:6-1A6; 2024:5-1A6; 2023:3-1A6; 2022:3-1A6; 2021:2-1A7; 2020:2-1A7; 2019:3-1A7; 2018:3-1A7; 2017:2-1A7; 2016:2-1A7; 2015:3-1A7; 2014:4-1A7; 2013:5-1A5; 2012:4-1A5
Last state champion: Max Wohlabaugh, 2014 (138)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Angel Prieto, 38-4, S3, RC, DC; Joseph Romano, 20-18, RQ, D2; Conner Williams, 23-16.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Mark Marino, Sr., 26-22, RQ, D3; Quinn Sweeney, Jr., 10-19.
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook:
Leesburg Yellow Jackets
Coach: Unknown
Click here for 26-27 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:8-2A5; 2024:7-2A5; 2023:7-2A5; 2022:8-1A6; 2021:6-1A7; 2020:5-1A7; 2019:4-1A5; 2018:5-1A5; 2017:5-1A5
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: None
New wrestlers:
What they’re saying:
Outlook: