Wakulla wrestling celebrates season

Coach with seniors: Clayton Manzi, Blake Barodte, Aaron Robinson, Coach Nate Litowsky, Gavin Mitchell, Troy Thaxton, William Harvey, and Brady Jackson.

By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent

The Wakulla wrestling team and their families gathered last Thursday night at Wakulla High School to celebrate a spectacular season. At the beginning of the year, expectations were high for an experienced, senior-laden team and fans were excited for what looked to be a promising season ahead. The team went 28-1 in dual meets this season and advanced to the semifinals of the FHSAA State Dual Tournament.

As a team in the IBT postseason tournaments, Wakulla placed 3rd at Districts, 2nd at Regionals, and 8th at the State Tournament.
Individually, Wakulla had four district champions at the District 2 tournament: William Harvey, Brady Jackson, Troy Thaxton, and Blake Barodte.
At Regionals, Wakulla had two region champs in William Harvey and Brady Jackson.
Wakulla had 7 wrestlers qualify for the State Wrestling Tournament in total: William Harvey, Patrick Cooksey, Brady Jackson, Aaron Robinson, Troy Thaxton, Clayton Manzi, and Blake Barodte.
When all the dust was settled, 5 War Eagle wrestlers had reached the podium in their respective weight classes.

William Harvey, who was 64-4 on the season, was a runner-up in the 126 pound class.
Brady Jackson was 65-9 on the year and placed 6th at 138 pounds. Jackson also set single-season records for technical falls (38) and takedowns (239). The senior finished his career with 185 total wins.
Aaron Robinson (52-10) placed 5th at 144 lbs. Robinson led the team for the third consecutive year in pins with 41 on the season and finished his career with 156 wins.
Troy Thaxton (52-12) placed 7th at 150 pounds and finished his career with 144 wins.
At 215 pounds, Blake Barodte (45-17) finished in 8th place and ended his career with 121 total wins.

Gavin Mitchell with the Most Improved award.

Coach Nate Litowsky honored 4 wrestlers with awards for their outstanding performances throughout the year. For the wrestler who showed the greatest growth over the course of the season, Gavin Mitchell was given the Most Improved Wrestler award.

Aaron Robinson with Heart of the Eagle award.

Aaron Robinson was given the Heart of the Eagle, which is given to the wrestler who best represents the spirit and standards of the program.
The Iron Talon, which is given to the wrestler who displays true toughness, was awarded to Brady Jackson.

William Harvey was given the MVP award, which is awarded to the wrestler whose presence in the lineup makes the greatest impact on the team.
At the conclusion of the banquet, Harvey spoke to and about his teammates saying, “They have shaped who I am today. I am very grateful and honored to have been able to know them for the last two years.” He added, “I wouldn’t be where I am today without each and every one of them.” Harvey continued, “Everyone’s story is different and beautiful in its own way, so it’s important that y’all stop and smell the roses and enjoy it for what it is. It’s yours, and that’s what makes it special.”
Cervantes once said, “The journey is better than the inn.” Often we take trips to our favorite destinations and usually there are few, if any, surprises. In life and in sports it is not always as predictable. The journey is fraught with ups, downs, twists, turns, and pitfalls along the way. These young wrestlers have spent much of their lives trying to achieve goals that may not have been completely realized, but the lessons learned, the bonds that were forged, and the memories that they have made will last a lifetime.

WRESTLERS of the WEEK

Brady Jackson with the Iron Talon award.

Patrick Cooksey being named Team Captain.

COACH’S CORNER

COACH’S CORNER

“We look forward to the grind and chasing greatness. After spring break it will be on to next season.”

– Coach Nate Litowsky