Staff Report

The Wakulla High School Lady War Eagles are in the Final Four after a walloping of Paxon 13-2 on Thursday, May 14.

In the semi-final to be held this week on Thursday, May 21, the No. 2 Lady War Eagles will face the No. 3 Eustis Panthers at the Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood, in the Orlando metro area. The winner plays in the state championship game on Friday against the winner of No. 1 Coral Springs Charter and No. 4 McKeel Academy.
Because the semi-final is on Wakulla’s graduation day, a special graudation for the five seniors on the softball team will be held on Wednesday, May 20 at 11 a.m.

The Wakulla War Eagles, under new coach Derek Allen, traveled to Chiles to play halves against Tallahassee schools Lincoln and Rickards on Thursday. Photos by Ken Fields

In a game from a couple of weeks ago, Lady War Eagle Allison Stephens is safe sliding into home as Wakulla defeated Franklin County 14-4.

The team has gone on to win the district title, and shellacked the Suwannee Bulldogs 16-1 and moved up in the playoffs on Wednesday of last week with an 8-0 win over Wolfson. On Tuesday, the Lady War Eagles travel to Yulee to take on the Hornets in the regional semifinals.

By WALT JACOBS
Special to the Sun

On Tuesday, April 14th, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and festive at Wakulla High School, where the WHS Lady War Eagle wrestling team gathered to celebrate a wonderful season. Head Coach Jon Sanchez capped off an evening of food, fellowship, and frivolity, with the presentation of awards.

Sophia Barron was awarded The Heart of the Eagle, which is given to the wrestler who demonstrates a strong work ethic, determination, and resilience.
Rose Cooper was honored as The Rookie of the Year. This award is given to someone who is new to wrestling, demonstrates skill, performs well, and shows potential for becoming a great wrestler.
Kameron Easter received the academic award, given to the wrestler with the highest GPA.
Julia Baggett took home a pair of awards. She was chosen by her peers as the Queen of the Nest, which is awarded to the individual who is most friendly, supportive, personable, positive, and who fosters camaraderie. Baggett also received the PAFF award. The acronym stands for Perseverance, Attitude, Fight, and Focus which were qualities that were emphasized by former War Eagle Coach Will Pafford throughout his coaching career.
Kendal Haynie was honored with a couple of awards as well. She was selected as the MVP, which is awarded to the wrestler who was most valuable to the team and had an enormous impact on the team’s success. Haynie also received the Outstanding Achievement award, which recognizes exceptional performance and significant accomplishments.
Head Coach Jon Sanchez said, “It was a great banquet, filled with family and friends who were so supportive throughout this season.” Sanchez continued, Having the opportunity to celebrate these young ladies was an honor. They’ve put in so much work this season and collectively they’ve helped build the culture and environment that I’ve expressed a need for.” Sanchez elaborated, “A place where you work hard, earn what you put in, a place where you learn life lessons, the importance of teamwork, the value of accountability, and make lasting friendships.” Sanchez added, “I am beyond proud of what these girls have accomplished this year and we look forward to what they’ll do next year.”

Special to The Sun

The Wakulla War Eagles Varsity Baseball Team brought home a District Title on Friday, April 17th night!
The War Eagles built a 5-run lead in the first inning and then held off the Arnold High School Marlin’s charge in a 5-3 victory.

The War Eagles offensive charge started when Sam Bruce (Sr.) and Owen Klees (Sr.) collected hits that put them into scoring position on a wild pitch. A walk by Wesson Stanley (Jr.) and a line drive double by Kendall Wimes (So.) quickly put the War Eagles up 3-0. A big hit by Tucker High (Jr.), another by Fletcher Brown (Sr.), a walk drawn by Armon Lindsey (So.) and a hard hit by Jayce Hoffman (So.) advanced runners to allow the War Eagles to go up 5-0 in the top of the first. The hard-hitting War Eagles racked up a total of 8 hits on the night including one by Cason Marlow (Sr.) in the top of the third.
Kendall Wimes started on the bump for the War Eagles. The righty lasted 4 innings surrendering just 2 earned runs while walking 3 and racking up 3 strike outs. Landon Lawrence (Jr.) appeared in relief and finished the game out on the mound for the War Eagles and gave up only 1 earned run while striking out 2. The War Eagle defense was on full display with solid plays backing up their pitchers all night.
The FHSAA 4A District 2 Championship is the first for this new coaching staff headed by Coach Paxton Tomaini, and assistant coaches Aiden Driscoll and Joseph Perini. This solid staff brings a wealth of experience on the diamond with all three coaches coming off successful college baseball careers and the results speak for themselves. The team and the community are excited to see what the future holds for this talented group of baseball players.

By WILLIAM SNOWDEN
Editor

Four Wakulla softball players signed college scholarships at a ceremony at the high school on Tuesday, March 31.

• Abbigail Lawhon – Southeastern University
• Allison Stephens – Gulf Coast State College
• Brianna Stephens – Gulf Coast State College
• Makenzie Marlow – St. Johns River State College
  (A fifth player who intended to sign at the ceremony was sick and unable to attend: Aislin Hunter is a commit to Florida Southwestern State College.)
  Head Coach Sally Wheeler praised the players who, as freshmen, played on the team that went to the state championship.
  “Their work ethic is even greater than their talent,” Wheeler said.
  All of the players thanked their families for their support, and praised their fellow teammates.
  Superintendent of Schools Rick Myhre spoke briefly, saying of the girls that they were evidence that this generation are good kids. “Look at these girls,” he said. “The future is bright.”
  The signing was held in the new CTE building at the high school and was packed with friends and family.

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.

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 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.

Special to The Sun

Wakulla County Schools has named Derek Allen Jr. as the new Head Football Coach of the Wakulla High School War Eagles.
A Wakulla High School graduate and former student-athlete, Allen returns to his alma mater with coaching experience at both the high school and middle school levels. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation from Florida A&M University and is a certified Physical Education teacher.

Allen brings high school coaching experience as an Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at Blountstown High School, as well as Wide Receivers Coach/Pass Game Coordinator at Harris County High School.
Superintendent Rick Myhre said Allen’s connection to the community and commitment to student development made him a strong choice to lead the program.
“What excites me most about Coach Allen is his desire to not only lead our WHS program, but to expand and build a connection with younger athletes as well. Undoubtedly, that is what it will take to ensure this football-rich community continues to thrive. In his interview with me, I asked him to define success for the program, and while of course winning matters, he stated that he felt success is when every player, whether they are a starter or a substitute, feels they are achieving their best and knows they are important to the team. I couldn’t help but think to myself, that’s the team I would want my child to play on.”
Allen’s coaching philosophy emphasizes student-athlete development and building strong relationships.
“As a coach, I am first committed to player development at every level of their lives. I believe that creating positive, caring relationships is the foundation of their growth… It is essential to create an environment that is conducive to learning and the ‘want’ to grow.”
Allen takes over from Klees, who won 178 games and reached the state championship game in 2011 and 2015.
In Klees’ final season last year, the War Eagles reached the region quarterfinal round of the Class 3A FHSAA state playoffs, falling to Bishop Kenny of Jacksonville.

By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent

Last season, Kendal Haynie was faced with obstacles that were beyond her control: An injury kept her out of competition for 2 months. She returned to the mat in time for the post-season, but on the first day of the State Tournament she became ill. In spite of those challenges, she courageously battled to a fourth place finish.

State Championship

This season, her team of coaches made every effort to prevent another setback and Haynie got off to a blazing 13-0 start.
However, in the middle of December she suffered another injury and history seemed to be repeating itself. Haynie rested and rehabilitated for the next few months and made it back in time for the post-season. In dominant fashion, Haynie pinned her way through districts and regionals.
On March 5th-7th, at the FHSAA State Wrestling Tournament, Haynie was relaxed, healthy, and prepared.
Coach Jon Sanchez said, “At the beginning of the season we wrote all of our goals on the board and every day the kids read them out loud. I reminded them throughout the practice to remember what their goals are and why each rep matters. So going into the State Tournament, Kendal was very focused.”
That focus manifested itself on the mat as Haynie had two pins and a technical fall going into the championship finals. In the finals, Haynie continued her display of dominance with a second period pin over Fort Pierce Central’s Caitlin Boher.
Following the win, a large contingent of family and friends celebrated in the stands as Haynie celebrated in the corner with coaches Jon Sanchez and Tommy Haynie.

Kendal, who was overcome with emotion, embraced her coaches and said “Thank you for everything.”
Later, while reflecting on the investment others have made in her success, Haynie said, “My dad takes me to a club two hours away, three times a week and makes sure that I have everything I need to succeed.” She laughingly added, “Coach Sanchez often says he beats me up at practice so no one else beats me on the mat.”
She also reflected on the journey and the resilience it took to overcome the challenges along the way. “I’m just really happy that I was able to come back from injury and win a State Title.”
Haynie made history by becoming the first girl at WHS to win a state title in any sport.
Following the season, Haynie will begin training to make the USA world team for wrestling.
For anyone interested in making a contribution contact Tommy Haynie at stompknockernation@gmail.com for further information.

WAKULLA PLACES 8TH AT STATE TOURNAMENT

As a team, Wakulla placed 8th at the FHSAA State Tournament in Kissimmee. Individually speaking, the boys placed five wrestlers in the top eight, which is the most since 2020.
William Harvey finished his stellar season with a 63-4 record and a second place finish at 126 pounds.
Brady Jackson capped off his remarkable career with a 6th place finish, at 138 pounds.
This year, in addition to making the podium for the third straight year, Jackson set single season records for most technical falls in a season with 38 and most takedowns in a season with 239.
Aaron Robinson placed 5th at 144 pounds, Troy Thaxton placed 7th at 150 pounds and Blake Barodte placed 8th at 215 pounds.
Coach Nate Litowsky commented, “I’m very proud of these men this year, we did more than anyone ever thought we could. The only believers were the ones in that varsity room. We were the best public school dual team in the state and had 5 state placers.”

WRESTLERS of the WEEK

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

By WALT JACOBS
Correspondent

On February 28th, in spite of only having nine wrestlers competing, Wakulla placed second as a team in the 1A Region 1 Championship.

Wakulla finished 8 points behind Florida High, which scored 153 points with 13 wrestlers.
North Bay Haven, South Walton, and Suwannee rounded out the top five.
Individually, William Harvey and Brady Jackson won their second consecutive Region Championships each on Saturday.
Harvey defeated Stanton Prep’s Leonardo Torres 11-7 in the 128 pound finals.
Jackson defeated Mikah Ikeda of The Bolles School 8-7 in the 138 pound finals.
Clayton Manzi and Blake Barodte both placed second in their respective weight classes of 165 and 215 pounds.
Aaron Robinson and Troy Thaxton placed third in their weight classes of 144 and 150 pounds.
Robinson pinned Bishop Kenny’s Ryan Hancock. Thaxton won 8-5 over Ry Miller from Cornerstone Classical Academy.
Additionally, Patrick Cooksey placed 4th at 132 pounds.
All seven Wakulla wrestlers punched their tickets for the FHSAA State Championship in Kissimmee. The tournament will be held March 5th-7th.

WRESTLERS of the WEEK

COACH’S CORNER

“It’s been a great week for our guys that competed. We were down 5 guys, we competed hard, and we took second in the Region.”

– Coach Nate Litowsky

CORRECTION

Last week we mistakenly reported that Brady Jackson “set the all-time career takedowns record with 222.” On February 19th, Jackson set the record for the most takedowns in a season with 222. The previous record was set by Julian Harvey in 2022 with 212. We regret the error. Congratulations, Brady.