Mater Lakes Academy’s Bears wrestling team competed at the FHSAA state tournament on March 3–4 at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. The school congratulated the student athletes who qualified in the highest ranking in the wrestling program.
Cole Schwartzberg, junior, in the 220 lb. weight class, and Nestor Nunez, sophomore, in the 152 lb. weight class, both were Region Champions in their respective weight classes in the competition held at Cardinal Gibbons on February 24–25. Both Regional championships were a first for Mater Lakes in Wrestling. Omar Armengol, sophomore, was a regional runner-up and earned the opportunity to wrestle in the state tournament as well.
In the state competition, Schwartzberg placed 4th in the 220 lb. weight class, the highest ever in the wrestling program. Schwartzberg had to forfeit the match for third place due to an injury earlier in the tournament. “Unfortunately, I couldn’t wrestle in the third place match, because I know I could have won that match, but I cannot wait for next year. I know I will win! We have a lot of talented wrestlers next year, and I know more of us will place and we will win.” exclaimed Cole.
Nunez, ended the tournament 2-2 in 6th place in the 152 lb. weight class and Armengol finished 1-2 in the 120 lb. weight class.
“All three wrestlers will be back next season and we are looking to win a state title and reach the podium. Mater Lakes finished with the highest team score in the 1A state tournament out of all other 1A schools in Dade County and 19th overall in the state,” said coach Brandon Neifeld.
“Despite our challenges, we have built a competitive wrestling program at Mater Lakes Academy. All three wrestlers that competed will do it again next year and I know we will have more wrestlers in the state tournament and they will make it further,” said David Rovirosa, the school’s athletic director.