3A-6 Preview: Hurricanes looking to continue stranglehold on top of standings
Kabra Wrestling Rankings are updated every week all season long for Kabra+ members.
Last season: Business as usual continued for Palm Harbor University, who won its sixth straight IBT title, but this one was closer with East Lake, Land O’ Lakes, and Steinbrenner giving valiant chase.
How did Kabra do?: We went with our instinct to pick PHU to continue their district dominance but East Lake certainly proved Kabra wrong in finishing second.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Alzider Ortiz (Steinbrenner), Caleb Gauthier (Palm Harbor University), Grayson Lopez (Land O' Lakes), Sheldon Fouche' (Palm Harbor University), Luke Palukaitis (Steinbrenner), David Cardullo (Palm Harbor University), Justin Rivers (East Lake), Zach Berry (Palm Harbor University), Ike Ganbayar (Palm Harbor University), Cristian Gilkes (Steinbrenner), Jackson Pearce (East Lake).
The favorite: Palm Harbor University. 10 of the 13 wrestlers from last season’s postseason roster are back as the Hurricanes go for No. 7 straight.
Team to watch: East Lake. With nine starters back and wrestlers ready to fill in some roles, the Eagles should be in the hunt.
District duals: Tuesday, January 6 at Sunlake, 4 p.m.
District IBT: Thursday, February 19 at Largo, 1 p.m.
Palm Harbor University Hurricanes (#12 IBT, #7 Duals)
Coach: Matt Avramidis (6th season)
Assistant coaches: Mark Prince, Terry Avery, Eric Reger, Ryan Westbay
Recent district results: 2025:1; 2024:1; 2023:1; 2022:1; 2021:1-3A7; 2020:1-3A7; 2019:2-3A8; 2018:1-3A8; 2017:1-3A8; 2016:2-3A8; 2015:1-3A7; 2014:1-3A7; 2013:1-3A7; 2012:1-3A7
Last state champion: Dylan Sparkman, 2021 (126)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Landon Bates, 62-3, 2nd, RC, DC; Lucas Vacchelli, 48-10, SQ, R3, D2; Zachary Horner, 45-7, SQ, R3, DC.
Notable returning wrestlers: Caleb Gauthier, Sr., 64-4, 3rd, RC, DC; David Cardullo, Jr., 41-8, SQ, R2, DC; Jeffery Hartley, So., 35-12, SQ, R2, D3; Zach Berry, Sr., 40-5, 8th, RC, DC; Chris Moore, Jr., 43-12, RQ-BR, DC; Sheldon Fouche', Sr., 37-13, RQ-BR, DC; Toby Horner, So., 26-13, RQ, D4; Christopher Marqueen, Sr., 30-12, D5.
What they are saying: “We have a great group of kids that have trained all off-season. They are looking to prove themselves and achieve their goals.”
On Caleb Gauthier: “I think that he's in the right weight class, he's going to win a state title.”
On a second straight region title: “I just think that we have a really good coaching staff. We're going to have another good year. We have some good kids coming in from the youth program and then everyone kind of doubts us and then we surprise people like last year winning the regional. I think that to be fair though, I think (George) Jenkins is kind of doing the same thing we are. I think that they're on the up and up and they're growing and they're doing better and their coaching staff is growing, but I think we have what it takes to win it again.”
Outlook: The Hurricanes bring back a ton of depth and have some young wrestling ready to break into the line-up. A repeat double and IBT district and region titles is certainly a possibility for this group.
The Florida High School Wrestling 2025-2026 Season District Previews
Click on link to see preview
Class 3A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class 2A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Class 1A: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
Girls: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16
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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East Lake Eagles (NR, #25)
Coach: Rob Golombek (5th as head coach, 12th at school, 20th total)
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 24-7
Recent district results: 2025:2; 2024:6; 2023:6; 2022:3; 2021:2-3A7; 2020:2-3A7; 2019:1-2A9; 2018:2-2A9; 2017:3-2A9; 2016:1-2A9; 2015:2-3A7; 2014:2-3A7; 2013:4-3A7; 2012:2-3A7
Last state champion: Dan Roberts, 1999 (160)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Connor Bowen, 27-8, RQ, D2; Matthew Werthmiller, 34-10, RQ, D3; Danny Mahoney, 29-7, RQ, D3; Adael Murillo, 27-17, RQ, D4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Justin Rivers, Jr., 35-11, RQ-BR, D2; Jackson Pearce, Sr., 24-8, RQ-BR, D2; Demo Vogiatzis, Sr., 36-11, RQ, D2; Max Perz, Sr., 26-16, RQ, D3; Gabe Abde, Sr., 34-12, RQ, D3; Parker Buckley, Sr., 28-14, RQ, D4; Walker McBride, Jr., 8-1; Jackson Golombek, Jr.
New wrestlers: Derke Nguyen, Nick Rimel, Lucas Pearce, Kyrylo Bezrukavyi, Cam Collora, Paul Swietlik, Joseph Arcese, Gadiel Murillo, Mykhailo Ivanunin
What they are saying: “The beauty of this team and this program is that we build our wrestlers from the ground up. These kids work hard and are dedicated. If they don't put in the work, the results will show. We don't typically get wrestlers with previous experience coming to this program, so it so rewarding to see where they start in their careers and where they finish.”
On team’s growth: “If everything lines up correctly, we will be stronger than we were last season. We have steadily gotten better every year and this season should be no different. The goal is to creep out of the shadows this season.”
Outlook: The Eagles took a big step last year with a second-place in the district and are looking to reach the top this year in 3A-6 and the country tournament.
Steinbrenner Warriors (#15, NR)
Coach: Paul Noble (17th season)
Assistant coaches: Jake English, Rich Worms, Chip Garahgty, Justin Moran, Conner Gilkes
24-25 dual record: 28-4
Recent district results: 2025:4; 2024:3; 2023:2; 2022:2; 2021:6-3A7; 2020:3-3A7; 2019:2-3A7; 2018:2-3A7; 2017:1-3A7; 2016:3-3A7; 2015:3-3A7; 2014:3-3A7; 2013:3-3A7; 2012:3-3A7
Last state champion: Colin Bradshaw, 2022 (120)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Freddie Pflueger, 44-12, 7th, R3, DC; Andrew Lin, 24-20, RQ, D4; Gabe Oden, 34-15, RQ-BR, D2; Darian Monserrate, 33-13, D6; Angel Rua, 6-4; Joey Vitale, 28-8.
Notable returning wrestlers: Alzider Ortiz, Sr., 55-4, 5th, RC, DC; Luke Palukaitis, Sr., 42-13, SQ, R4, DC; Cristian Gilkes, Jr., 43-15, SQ, R4, D2; Landon Hill, Jr., 37-17, RQ, D3; Brayden Newell, Sr., 33-17, RQ, D3; Tyler Novitzky, Jr., 10-11, RQ, D4; Cole Nedow, Sr., 25-9.
What they are saying: "I don't know what the high side is yet. if that makes sense. I kind of know where the floor might be if we drop out. But I don't know where the high side is just because we got three state qualifiers coming back and obviously one is high is highly ranked who we think can do really well. The other two I think can get medals. I mean they got to believe they can get medals."
More on outlook: "It's the same as every time, we just don't really worry about that. We just worry about getting better every week. Let's just get better. Fall in love with what you do and just get better at what you do. So, it's not really rocket science, if that makes sense."
Fast fact: Noble is just 12 dual meet wins away from 400 career victories.
On reaching 400 duals wins: "It's just another stepping stone. I mean, it's kind of about the kids really. You get to a point where it's just like, 'All right.' When you're young, your ego is kind of into it, I want to prove something to everybody. When you get to 400 wins, it's kind of like, I don't really got a lot to prove. I just want these kids to be good human beings and be good at wrestling. I mean, it'll mean something, I'm sure, that day. But it's just privileged to be able to have done it. The privilege to have been in it so long and created so many relationship with so many coaches and kids, that's the thing that you can't really buy. I think people don't realize that when they start coaching. It's hard. and I'll be honest, I wouldn't have been able to do it as long as I have if both of my kids didn't love wrestling. if they didn't love wrestling, then I'd have to do something else."
Outlook: Noble has lead a steady program at Steinbrenner and this year should be no different. Ortiz is a contender for the state title at 106 and Palukaitis and Gilkes will look to make it back to state and bring some teammates with them.
Land O’Lakes Gators
Coach: Edward Marley (15th at school/22nd overall)
Assistant coach: Stephen Kelle
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 18-4
Recent district results: 2025:3; 2024:1-2A5; 2023:1-2A5; 2022:1-2A5; 2021:3-2A8; 2020:6-2A8; 2019:5-2A8; 2018:7-2A8; 2017:3-2A8; 2016:4-2A8; 2015:5-2A8; 2014:7-2A8; 2013:3-2A7; 2012:7-2A7
Last state champion: Jacob Conrad, 2017 (138)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Wyatt LaDue, 39-7, 7th, R2, DC; Jet Griffis, 48-7, 7th, R3, DC; Charles Griffis, 36-12, SQ, R4, D3; Clay Henderson, 28-19, RQ, D4; John Muniz, 19-13, RQ, D4; Ernst Lacrete, 29-14.
Notable returning wrestlers: Grayson Lopez, So., 24-6, RQ-BR, DC; Logan Tedeschi, Sr., 22-15, RQ, D3; Tristan Murray, Sr., 35-18, RQ, D3; Dominic Minillo, Sr., 36-14, RQ, D3; Jose Nieves, So., 10-11, RQ, D4; Brayden Austin, Jr., 14-11, D5; Dylan Marklin.
What they are saying: “We are young and full of drive to get better.”
Outlook: The Gators are looking for their sixth conference title in a row and hoping to sweep the district titles this season.
Sunlake Seahawks
Coach: Sergio Matos (12th at school/15th overall)
Assistant coach: Rob Wiseman
Recent district results: 2025:5; 2024:4; 2023:4; 2022:7-2A5; 2021:6-2A8; 2020:5-2A8; 2019:4-2A8; 2018:3-2A8; 2017:10-2A8; 2016:8-2A8; 2015:11-2A8; 2014:11-2A8; 2013:3-2A8; 2012:2-2A8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Ashton Horvath, 44-14, SQ, R3, D2; Marco Rivera, 49-9, SQ, RC, D2; Tyler Baker, 20-11, RQ, D4; Daniel Locascio, 39-18, RQ-BR, D2; Konsantin Khaspekian, Sr., 35-8, SQ, R2, D2 (Transfer to Zephyrhills Christian); Trenton Lindsay, Sr., 44-11, 7th, R3, DC (Transfer to Boca Ciega)
Notable returning wrestlers: John Murphy, Sr., 26-16, RQ, D2; Ezekiel Johnson, Sr., 32-17, RQ, D4.
New wrestlers: Paul Patrocinio; Brandon Pantaleo.
What they are saying: “We are continuing the team culture of keeping it fun while working hard. We set the expectations and push each other to reach them.”
Outlook: This team will be looking at young wrestlers to fill some spots early, look for the team to improve as the season grows.
Mitchell Mustangs
Coach: Sean McHugh
Recent district results: 2025:7; 2024:8; 2023:8; 2022:5; 2021:7-2A8; 2020:8-2A8; 2019:10-2A9; 2018:9-2A9; 2017:9-2A9; 2016:10-2A9; 2015:2-2A9; 2014:3-2A9; 2013:5-2A8; 2012:5-2A8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Tyler Weiss-Fierro, 31-14, RQ, D3; Bishop Taylor, 29-4.
Notable returning wrestlers: Cooper Burden, Sr., 31-15, RQ, D4; Colton Mathey, Jr., 32-14, RQ, D5; Cameron Ciske, Jr., 34-14.
Outlook: McHugh takes over a young and hungry program.
Alonso Ravens
Coach: Michael Heldt
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:6; 2024:10; 2023:7; 2022:7; 2021:4-3A7; 2020:6-3A7; 2019:4-3A7; 2018:7-3A7; 2017:8-3A7; 2016:9-3A7; 2015:9-3A7; 2014:7-3A7; 2013:2-3A7; 2012:7-3A7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Benjamin Iorio, Jr., 30-9, RQ, D2; Titus Rasmussen, Sr., 19-11, RQ, D2; Chase Richardson, Sr., 25-15, RQ, D4.
Outlook: Three region qualifiers return for the Ravens.
Largo Packers
Coach: Vincent Crews (2nd at school, 5th overall)
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:9; 2024:13; 2023:12; 2022:9; 2021:6-2A9; 2020:5-2A9; 2019:9-2A9; 2018:10-2A9; 2017:10-2A9; 2016:9-2A9; 2015:9-2A9; 2014:8-2A9; 2013:2-2A10; 2012:4-2A10
Last state champion: Howard Hoffman, 1996 (135), Jason Taylor, 1996 (189)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Bryce Delos Reyes, So., 10-13, RQ, D4.
What they are saying: “This is a very young team that is enthusiastic and ready to get Largo buzzing. We have some returners from last year that have put in the work this offseason and looking to surprise people. There are a lot of 9th graders coming that are eager to learn and want to build a real program here.”
On team goals: “We're going to keep getting better every day. Our schedule is set up to travel more around the state, look for those tough matches and learn to grind brackets so we can get to the next level. We only had one boy and one girl go to regionals last season, and that left a bad taste in the mouth for our returners. Our goal is to bring a squad to regionals and get some of us who put the work in this offseason earn a spot in Kissimmee.”
Outlook: The Packers have one of the biggest number or starters returning this season.
Sickles Gryphons
Coach: Terry Brockland (28th season)
Recent district results: 2025:8; 2024:5; 2023:5; 2022:6; 2021:3-3A7; 2020:5-3A7; 2019:6-3A7; 2018:10-3A7; 2017:5-3A7; 2016:8-3A7; 2015:5-3A7; 2014:6-3A7; 2013:6-2A9; 2012:7-2A9
Last state champion: Jegan Gabbidon, 2002 (130)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Brandon Restrepo, 14-9, RQ, D3.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Pierce Haisten, Sr., 20-24, RQ, D4.
Outlook: The Gryphons could have as many as seven starters back this season.
3A-6 Season Schedules
Steinbrenner
Boys
Dec. 6: Ben Richards at Leto
Dec. 12-13: Fit2Win at Palm Harbor University
Dec. 19-20: Ten-Way at East Bay
Jan. 2-3: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 14: at Wharton
Jan. 17: King of the Island at Venice
Jan. 23-24: Moskowitz IBT at George Jenkins
Jan. 31: Live Greco
Feb. 4: vs. Newsome (Senior Night)
Feb. 13-14: HCC Championships
Girls
Dec. 5: Ben Richards at Leto
Dec. 13: Cougar Clash at Countryside
Jan. 2: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 23-24: Moskowitz IBT at George Jenkins
Feb. 5: HCC at Armwood
Mitchell
Boys
Dec. 6: Trinity Cup at River Ridge
Dec. 12-13: Weeki Wachee Tournament at Weeki Wachee
Dec. 19-20: Corey Hill at Springstead
Dec. 27: Bulls Duals at Parrish
Jan. 2-3: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 10: Tiger Duals at Palmetto
Jan. 14: v. Angeline Academy (Senior Night)
Jan. 17: Jerry Brisco at Sickles
Jan. 21: at Land O' Lakes
Jan. 23-24: Moskowitz IBT at George Jenkins
Jan. 31: Live Greco at Steinbrenner
Feb. 14: SAC at Sunlake
Girls
Nov. 25: Queens of the Nest at Fivay
Nov. 29: Ladies of the Ring at Parrish
Dec. 5: Ben Richards Memorial at Leto
Dec. 13: Cougar Clash at Countryside
Dec. 17: Susan Duval Bash at Springstead
Jan. 2: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 17: Jerry Brisco at Sickles
Jan. 24: Moskowitz IBT at George Jenkins
Feb. 4 or 5: SAC at TBD
Palm Harbor University
Boys
Dec. 5-6: Kiwanis at Hernando
Dec. 12-13: Fit 2 Win
Dec. 19-20: Knockout Christmas Classic at Silver Spurs
Jan. 2-3: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 9-10: Fivay Duals at Fivay
Jan. 23-24: Moskowitz IBT at George Jenkins
Jan. 31: Live Greco at Steinbrenner
Feb. 6-7: Ippolito at Brandon
Feb. 14: PCAC at Osceola Fundamental
Girls
Nov. 25: Queen of the Nest at Fivay
Dec. 6: Let Freedom Ring at Orlando Freedom
Dec. 13: Cougar Clash at Countryside
Dec. 19-20: Knockout Christmas Classic at Silver Spurs
Jan. 2-3: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 10: Rusted Jade at Hernando
Jan. 17: Sun Bash at Sunlake
Jan. 23-24: Moskowitz IBT at George Jenkins
Feb. 5: PCAC at Boca Ciega
Feb. 7: at George Jenkins
Sickles
Dec. 3: vs. Gaither, 6
Dec. 6: Ben Richards at Leto
Dec. 8: vs. Chamberlain, 6 (Senior Night)
Dec. 13: Seven-Way at Tampa Freedom
Dec. 20: Eight-Way at Gaither
Jan. 14: at Robinson, 6
Jan. 17: Jerry Brisco IBT
Jan. 28: at Alonso, 6
Jan. 31: Palmetto Pride IBT at Palmetto
Feb. 13-14: HCC Championships
Girls
Nov. 25: Queens of the Nest at Fivay
Dec. 5: Ben Richards at Leto
Feb. 5: HCC at Armwood
Sunlake
Dec. 4: Beauty and the Beast
Dec. 5-6: Windham Rotunda Memorial at Hernando
Dec. 12-13: Weeki Wachee Invitational at Weeki Wachee
Dec. 19-20: Rumble on the Range at The Villages
Jan. 2-3: Braves IBT at Advent Fieldhouse
Jan. 21: vs. Anclote (Senior Night)
Jan. 29: at Hernando
Jan. 31: Live Greco at Steinbrenner
Feb. 6-7: Ippolito at Brandon
Feb. 14: Sunshine Athletic Conference