On March 8, 2026, Miami Lakes celebrates remarkable achievements in high school wrestling, particularly from local teams that have made headlines at the state championships. Mater Lakes Academy and Somerset Academy have showcased their prowess, securing impressive placements and individual titles.
Mater Lakes Academy dominated the Class 1A wrestling state championship, amassing a remarkable 210.50 points to secure their victory over St. John Neumann by 46 points. This victory is a significant milestone for the academy, marking their second consecutive 1A IBT state title and their fourth overall, which includes two previous 1A Duals state titles. Coach Brandon Neifel expressed surprise at the championship being secured before the finals matches began, highlighting the strength of the team’s performance.
Outstanding Performances by Mater Lakes Academy
Among the standout athletes for Mater Lakes were Kellen Mesina and Kalias Nazario, who both claimed individual state titles in their respective weight classes. Other notable placements included Jack Cabrera (106 pounds), Keagan Mesina (132 pounds), Christopher Greene (138 pounds), Bruce Li (144 pounds), and Mason O’dell (150 pounds), all of whom contributed to the team’s overall success. The full list of placements showcases the depth of talent at Mater Lakes:
- Jack Cabrera (106) – runner-up
- Keagan Mesina (132) – runner-up
- Christopher Greene (138) – runner-up
- Bruce Li (144) – runner-up
- Mason O’dell (150) – 4th
- Cesar Aguilar (157) – 4th
- Richard Lugo (215) – 4th
- Darian Vargas (190) – 5th
- Jake Margolis (120) – 6th
Other champions in the 1A category included Ryan Rojo (106) from Miami Christian and siblings Peter (215) and Michael Mocco (285) from Cardinal Gibbons. The competition was fierce, with additional medalists making significant contributions to their teams.
Somerset Academy’s Strong Runner-Up Finish
In the Class 2A state championship, Somerset Academy finished strong in second place, narrowly losing to Lakeland Lake Gibson by just six points (179-173). This near victory is particularly impressive as Somerset had previously finished second to Lake Gibson at the state Duals tournament in January. Notably, Somerset crowned Tristan Sainz (157) and Mateo Martinez (190) as individual state champions, both of whom repeated their success from previous years. Sainz notably won with a tech fall against Casten Thacker from New Smyrna Beach.
Somerset Academy’s medalists further exemplified the strength of their wrestling program, achieving a school record with ten wrestlers on the medal stand:
- Caio (106) – 2nd
- Carlos Sainz (132) – 2nd
- Darion Shannon (144) – 3rd
- Dylan Fernandez (138) – 4th
- Sidney Katz (165) – 4th
- Eli Diaz (175) – 6th
- Cano Austin (113) – 7th
- Marlo Jimenez (150) – 8th
Other notable champions in the 2A category included Gary Mendez (113) and Lucas Barrios (132) from Mater Academy, along with several additional medalists who showcased their skills throughout the competition.
A Bright Future for Florida Wrestling
The success of Mater Lakes Academy and Somerset Academy at the state championships highlights the growing competitiveness of high school wrestling in Florida. As wrestling continues to gain popularity, it’s expected that more athletes will emerge from these programs, contributing to the future of the sport in the state. For more details on wrestling rankings and updates, visit Kabra Wrestling and SI.com.
In conclusion, the recent performances from these local teams not only bring pride to their schools but also inspire the next generation of wrestlers in Florida. Keep an eye on these athletes as they continue to hone their skills and aim for greatness in the competitive world of high school wrestling.