The Mater Lakes Academy’s Bears Wrestling team recently competed at the District 15-1A tournament. Two of the Bears won first place in their respective weight classes, sophomore Nestor Nunez at 152 lbs. and junior Cole Schwartzberg, in the 220 lbs. weight class. Omar Armengol, Haniel Suris, and Serguiz Velez, finished in second place in their weight classes.
“We are looking to qualify some of our wrestlers to compete in state competition. We have had state contenders in the past, and we expect nothing less this year,” said Brandon Neifeld, wrestling coach.
“Our coaches and student athletes have had to overcome challenges, but despite that we have built a competitive athletic program at Mater Lakes Academy. We are proud of our Bears’ Athletic Program and wish our wrestlers luck as they compete in these state series,” said Neifeld.
In other action, Mater Academy’s wrestling team won the Class 14-3A district championship in individual competition and headed to the regionals in their quest to advance to the state tournament for the second consecutive season.
The student-athletes who won district titles and their classes include Jonathan Ley for 106-pound division; Tarrell Wallace for 113-pound division; Steven Villalobos for 132 pounds; Carlos Vargas for 138 pounds; and Juan Mendoza for the 220-pound division.
Also, Hialeah Miami Lakes High and Barbara Goleman’s wrestling teams finished as district runners-up in their respective division and are headed to the regionals.
The FHSAA State Wrestling Tournament will take place March 3-4 in Orlando.