G1A-1 Preview: Niceville working to be district first repeat champion
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Last season: Niceville put together a talented line-up and won by 58 points.
How did Kabra do?: We didn’t know much about Niceville, so we didn’t see it coming.
Last year’s district tournament results
Last year’s region tournament results
Wrestlers to watch: Camdyn Elliott (Gulf Breeze), Tor'rina Rushing (Mosley), Sayuri Caceres (Lincoln), Kendal Haynie (Wakulla), Kiiaana Gavere (Pace), Kelsey Marschka (Chiles), Payton Gaines (Crestview), Mary McKinney (Choctawhatchee), Kiara Nesmith (Florida High).
The favorite: Niceville. If the wrestlers who could come back are there, they’ll be tough to top.
Team to watch: Lincoln. The Trojans have a state champion back and a whole room of others.
District IBT: Saturday, February 14 at Niceville, 12 p.m.
Niceville Eagles (NR IBT, #10 Duals)
Coach: Rachel Groft/Matt Hanlon
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:1; 2024:3; 2023:6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Tracy Vause, 18-10, RQ, D2.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Brooke Arbic, Sr., 25-4, 7th, R2, DC; Mora Penberthy, Jr., 18-17, RQ-BR, D4; Kalysta Krumnow, So., 15-4, RQ, DC; Vionna Haertelt, Jr., 24-13, RQ, D2; Camila Robles, Sr., 26-9, RQ, D3; Gianna Muscarella, Jr., 26-8, RQ, D3; Harriett Sakis, Jr., 15-12, RQ, D4; Allie Irvine, Jr., 16-11, RQ, D5; Adeleigh Hannigan, So., 10-20, D5.
Lincoln Trojans (NR, #22)
Coach: Mike Crowder (31st season)
Assistant coaches: Jake Burch, Reggie Toombs
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:4; 2024:2; 2023:1; 2022:4
Last state champion: Sayuri Caceres, 2025 (100)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Stacey Martinez, 9-9.
Notable returning wrestlers: Sayuri Caceres, Sr., 37-5, SC, RC, DC; Amelia McKnight, Sr., 35-12, SQ, R2, D2; Abigail Neel, So., 17-18, RQ, DC; Abigail Reum, Jr., 7-10, RQ, D4; Karina Martinez, Sr., 6-13, D6; Amelia Pena, Sr., 20-12, D6; Zada Ball, So.
What they are saying: “Our numbers on the girls roster are huge right now. I think that we're going to be in great shape and the future looks really good. We've got a couple seniors on the team. I like their chances. I think Amelia McKnight's going to do a good job. I think Amelia Pena is going to do a good job. Abigail Neil was right there to qualify our girl that was our heavyweight at the beginning of the year last year, Zada Ball got hurt and she had beat girls that qualified for state. So, I like our chances on the girls side. I think it looks really good.”
On returning state champion Caceres: “I'm never really worried about Yuri because, she's done it so many times that for her, it's more of like when the chips are down, she's going to wrestle hard. She's medaled three times already at the state tournament. It's a hard ask to get them to perform at the very top of their game every weekend. I mean, we want it and we push for it, but I understand if there's a little hiccups in between now then. I want them to be pissed off and hungry at the end thinking that their backs against the wall she was last year, because we thought she could win it all year last year, but then she lost some matches during the year and I think those fueled the first at the end.”
Outlook: Caceres is on a quest to double up after winning her first state title last season. She’ll be battled in an ultra-tough weight class but has shown she can step up when it matters. The girls team also continues to thrive at Lincoln and could send a good number of wrestlers to Kissimmee this season.
The Florida High School Wrestling 2025-2026 Season District Previews
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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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Pace Patriots
Coach: Reggie Allen
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:2; 2024:8; 2023:12; 2022:8
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Lahela Turquest, 35-2, 3rd, R3, DC; Jayda Berry, 11-9, RQ, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kiiaana Gavere, Sr., 24-1, 2nd, RC, DC; Britheny Yacinthe, So., 19-7, RQ, D2; Hailey Bondi, Sr., 23-10, RQ, D4; Addison Blake, Jr., 25-12, RQ, D5; Eva Lee, Jr., 14-16.
Outlook: Gavere is back to chase a state title while the whole team tries to take home a district crown.
Florida High Seminoles
Coach: Anderson Stennett (2nd season)
Assistant coach: Cierra Stennett, Jasmine Godinez
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:9; 2024:6; 2023:11; 2022:11
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Kiara Nesmith, So., 13-15, SQ, R3, D2; Petra Croom, Sr., 21-11, RQ-BR, D2; Claire Ajose-Adeogun, Jr., 29-14, RQ-BR, D3; Kiersten Cawley, So., 11-18, RQ, D4; Michelle Fandy, 7th; Ainsley Rodgers, Fr.; Cailyn Jett, So.; Lillie Pepper, 8th; Ashley Hamlin, Sr.; Bailey Hamlin, So.
New wrestlers: Isabella Pepper, 6th; Kinsley Griffin, 6th; Torreya Croom, 8th; Hayden Twoomey, 8th; Pauline Fox, 6th; Ally Griffin, Fr.
What they are saying: “This year’s team is close-knit and already showing how hard they willing to work. As a young program, we are continuing to grow, learn, and discover the joy in what we do. At the same time, our leaders are stepping up, working to chase their own goals on the mat while pushing their teammates forward to make sure they are ready to compete and faces the challenges ahead.”
Outlook: The key to this group is going to be the big numbers they have. If the young wrestlers catch on quickly, this could be a district title team.
North Bay Haven Charter Buccaneers
Coach: Jeffery Estrada (1st year)
Assistant coach: Justin Neufeld
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 2-1
Recent district results: 2025:3; 2024:1; 2023:3; 2022:16
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Julia Falgout, 33-14, SQ, R4, D3; Larissa Elliott, 27-9, RQ, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Emily Myers, Sr., 29-10, RQ-BR, DC; Kylah Armstrong, Jr., 19-12, RQ, D2; Emylee Perez, Sr., 21-16, D6; Addison Neufeld, 8th, 19-23, RQ, D4.
What they are saying: “New coach and a new year. The girls lost two senior state qualifiers but are gaining some talent from the middle school, move-ins, and returning wrestlers taking the next steps in their development. This year, they might not make waves yet, but the future is bright.”
On Addison Neufeld: “She wrestled with the boys all year last year, she'll be with the girls this time and I'm excited for her on that end. It'll be nice for her. I think she gained a lot from wrestling boys. She got to be all county on the boys which is kind of impressive for a seventh grade girl. I'm really excited for moving forward as her body continues to get stronger and more mature because 100s are tough, and it's always going to be one of the toughest for girls.”
Outlook: The girls program lost a few wrestlers from last season to graduation and other reasons. While this is a reset year in some ways, there are also some wrestlers here that should go deep into the postseason.
Crestview Bulldogs
Coach: Robbie Gaines
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:5; 2024:7; 2023:2; 2022:3
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Sigrun Metzger, 6th, R3, DC; Laurieann Cavaco, RQ, DC; Alexis Brown, D5; Hannah Christmast, D6.
Notable returning wrestlers: Payton Gaines, So., 26-3, RQ, D2; Victoria Smith, Jr., 23-12, RQ, D4.
Outlook: Gaines has the talent to finish high on the podium and that’s what the Bulldogs are expecting.
Chiles Timberwolves
Coach: James Marschka (21st as head coach, 23rd at school)
Assistant coaches: Garrett Marschka, Ashley Shaw
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:7; 2024:4; 2023:10; 2022:7
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Molly Rogers, 19-8, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Kelsey Marschka, Jr., 36-6, 7th, R3, DC; Jordan Herron, Sr., 23-9, RQ-BR, D2.
On Kelsey Marschka: “Just keeping her healthy is key. She's a dual sport athlete. She plays softball too. She's doing travel softball year round and she's also trying to wrestle year round and getting you the competition just staying focused. When the wrestling season starts, softball's on the back burner for four months and she's actually wanting to do flag football this year as well. She might be playing three sports, but it's getting that focus and keeping her healthy. She's strong and she's maintaining weight, so I'm still not sure where we're going to end up at but we’ve got to get her tough competition.”
On Jordan Hutton: “I mean, our goal here again, I think she got the tools to qualify and even maybe place depending on where her weight ends up and her competition. She's a great girl and very smart and I just hope we can get her back there. It's just a matter of her getting the work done and getting the extra work in. So yeah, I'm excited about having her back and her and Kelsey training and if they push each other and iron sharpens iron and they both could have a good podium finish up states if everything works out.
Outlook: Chiles has an exciting 1-2 punch this year with Marschka and Herron leading the way.
Choctawhatchee Indians
Coach: Rodrigo Damore (5th season)
Assistant coach: Josh Carroll
Click here for 25-26 schedule
24-25 dual record: 4-2
Recent district results: 2025:8; 2024:9; 2023:5;2022:5
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Shilah Borden, 28-8, SQ, R4, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Mary McKinney, Sr., 23-11, SQ, R4, D3; Victoria Byrd, Jr., 31-9, RQ, D3; Isabella Tran, Jr., D5.
New wrestlers: Juliana Dequap; Gitsell Garcia; Bella Roberson; Jayla Rhodes; Evelyn Ulloa
What they are saying: “This team is filled with experience with eight returning wrestlers and lead by some of the hardest working student athletes on campus. These girls are ready for the season to kick off already so they can showcase their hard work this off-season.”
On how legacy was started with Alexea Larson, who graduated in 2024: “I think having Lex, what she's been gone a couple years ago, I think her mindset really helped to shape it for girls that were underneath her because she was a work machine and that's all she cared about. I mean, she worked harder than anybody else in there. So, I think she kind of set the pace for the couple ones that were decent girls below her and helped set the expectations of look, you work hard, you go to regionals, you make it state, so on and so forth.”
Outlook: McKinney reached the state tournament last year and will look to turn this year with a set of teammates as she goes for the podium.
Gulf Breeze Dolphins (#22, NR)
Coach: Austin Elliott
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:6; 2024:5; 2023:7; 2022:13
Last state champion: Camdyn Elliott, 2025 (105)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Lily Powell, 29-9, 8th, R4, D2; McKenna Green, 26-10, RQ, D2.
Notable returning wrestlers: Camdyn Elliott, Sr., 34-1, SC, RC, DC; Madison Carroll, Jr., 21-9, RQ-BR, D4.
Outlook: Elliott is looking for her second straight state title and fourth-trip to the finals.
Wakulla War Eagles
Coach: Nate Litowski (2nd season as HC, 4th overall)
Assistant coaches: Benny Litowsky, Jon Sanchez , Larry Reeves
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:13; 2024:11; 2023:16
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Kendal Haynie, So., 29-6, 4th, R3, DC; Julia Baggett, Jr., 13-14.
New wrestler: Kameron Easter, Jr., 23-18, RQ, D4 (Transfer from Wewahitchka)
What they’re saying: “Julia has been here for what is going to be her third year. She was a lone wolf before the hammer (Kendal Haynie) got here. I know she's excited and proud that the girls program's growing. They're trying every day to break that mold or that standard that wrestling's just for boys. It's their own fastest growing sport and they're real proud they all have the same goal and it's to win. They're working to win.
On Kendal Haynie: “First things first is she loves it. I don't think people understand that you have to love this sport. It sucks way too much. You;ve got to work, you got to do this, you can do all that and if you don't love it, you only go so far. She truly loves it. She works hard. She's Wakulla's homegrown hammer and we expect greatness from her as she always does.”
Outlook: Haynie was arguably one of the top girls in the state last season to not win a state title as she was in one of the hardest weight classes in the state. She’ll look to make some school history this year as she battles for her first title.
Wewahitchka Gators
Coach: Tracy Malcolm
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:15; 2024:14; 2023:9; 2022:1
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Kameron Easter, Jr., 23-18, RQ, D4 (Transfer to Wakulla)
Notable returning wrestlers: Kyndall Patterson, Jr., 13-21, RQ, D3; Avery Forehand, Sr., 22-14, D6.
Outlook: The Gators have a handful of girls in the lineup.
Mosley Dolphins
Coach: Jeremiah LaFountain
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:10; 2024:10; 2023:8; 2022:2
Last state champions: Valarie Solorio, 2022 (100); Henlee Haynes, 2022 (170)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Rowdy Johns, 29-13, SQ, R2, DC.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Tor'rina Rushing, Jr., 33-5, 6th, RC, DC; Brandy Robinson, Sr., 15-28, RQ, D4.
Bozeman Bucks
Coach: Robert Dobbs
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:17; 2024:13; 2023:17; 2022:9
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Abigail Tavernier, Jr., 11-5, RQ, D4; Ana Joyner, Sr., 6-10, D5.
Freeport Bulldogs
Coach: Carey Nick (4th at school/19th overall)
Assistant coaches: JR Grant, Rich Harsin, David Nunes
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:14; 2024:13; 2023:17; 2022:9
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: Allie Barker, Sr., 24-8, RQ-BR, D3; Tristyn McDermott, Jr., 6-17, RQ, D6; Kinsley Goodson, Jr., 16-10, D6; Kyre Garcia; Emma Layle.
Outlook: If some girls can join Barker with some success, this team should rocket up the district standings.
Fort Walton Beach Vikings
Coach: Tobi Marez (22th year)
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:16; 2024:15; 2023:14; 2022:6
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Amy Pham, 22-9, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Ava Atkins, Sr., 18-12, RQ, D6; Cherry Lewis.
What they are saying: “This year has been a phenomenal start so far. We kind of struggled to get girls out at Fort Walton because we have a very good weightlifting team. We have a very good girls soccer team and a very good girls basketball team. And when you look at 1500 students and you take 16-18 for each one of those sports it kind of becomes tough to find them. Right now I'm sitting at about eight or nine kids girls and I'm super excited for them.:
Outlook: Atkins are Lewis are back to lead a team that should see a good increase in numbers this season.
Bay Tornadoes
Coach: Anna Branch
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:11
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Oumou Diallo, 16-19, RQ, D3; Chloe Rasmussen, 5-20, RQ, D3.
Notable returning wrestlers: Sarah Branch, Jr., 33-9, RQ, D4; Anitia Smith, So., 17-21; Tamya Levertt, So.; Ashley Walden, Jr., 9-13.
New wrestlers: Gracielynn Janssen, Sr. (Transfer from North Bay Haven); Avery Hill, Fr. (Transfer from North Bay Haven)
Arnold Marlins
Coach: Michael Lapadat (5th season/15th overall)
Assistant coach: Scott Korol
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2024:16; 2022:17
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: None
New wrestlers: Sam Tierese
What they are saying: “Arnold is slowly improving with numbers and talent thanks to the dedication and hard work of coach Scott Korol.”
Outlook: The program is still growing and despite not competing in the postseason a year ago, they’re growing in numbers.
South Walton Seahawks
Coach: Kevin Beavers
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:12; 2022:14
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): Valeria Gamez, RQ, D4; Amira Ferreira, RQ, D5.
Potential notable returning wrestlers: Andrea Amador, So., D5; Katherine Castillo, Jr., D5; Genesis Ramos, Sr., D5.
What they are saying: “ We took two to the region. I know we have six or eight girls that returned and we're expecting some good things from them.”
Outlook: With Beavers taking over the girls program at South Walton, the team should benefit from his singular focus and it’s already paying off with more potential wrestlers coming through the door to try it out.
Milton Panthers
Coach: Mario Lugo
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Recent district results: 2025:18; 2024:12; 2023:4; 2022:10
Last state champion: Aireaana Gavere, 2023 (130)
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None
Notable returning wrestlers: None
Rutherford Rams
Coach: Joshua Richardson (1st season)
Click here for 25-26 schedule
Notable losses (Graduation/Transfer): None.
Notable returning wrestlers: Gracey Mitchell