UPDATE: The Jensen Beach High School boys wrestling team has made a strong statement at the Class 2A IBT state championships, finishing fifth overall with 77.5 points on March 7, 2023, at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. Despite losing their star wrestler, Sebastian Degennaro, the team showcased incredible talent and determination.
Four Falcons stood tall on the podium, each earning a top-three finish. Head coach Tom McMath expressed pride in his team’s resilience, noting that their performance mirrored last year’s sixth-place finish. “They balled out,” he stated, highlighting the team’s ability to excel under pressure.
The standout of the day was freshman Kane Drake, who made his state debut, ultimately finishing as the runner-up in the 120-pound weight class. “I really had no clue I’d get this far,” Drake admitted after a fierce final match where he faced off against Riverdale’s Eric Bush. Despite suffering a third-round pin, Drake’s journey to the finals was marked by impressive victories, including a 21-8 decision over Lincoln’s Juan Torres and an 18-1 technical fall against East River’s Isaiah Rivera.
Drake’s semifinal match was a highlight, where he secured a 6-1 decision over Gulf Breeze senior Garrett Ferguson. “It was a nice, tough, hard match with some scrambling,” he reflected. With a final record of 41-7 in his inaugural season, Drake’s commitment to wrestling, after dabbling in various sports, is evident. “The mindset you have to have to get into the room every day and go as hard as you can, there’s no other sport that has pushed me as hard as wrestling,” he shared.
In addition to Drake’s achievement, the Falcons celebrated strong performances from Sair Lopez at 126 pounds, Tyson Reyes at 215 pounds, and Blake Elder at 285 pounds, all securing third place in their respective categories. Lopez concluded his freshman year with a 36-6 record after pinning Gulf Breeze’s Ryder Cohen, while Reyes pinned Braden River’s Freedom McDaniel to finish his season at 26-2. Elder, wrapping up his high school career with a 52-5 record, earned victory via medical withdrawal.
Coach McMath reflected on the season’s challenges, stating, “The season is a grind sometimes, but we show up at this tournament. I’m just super proud, super grateful for our program and our kids.”
Fort Pierce Central’s Skyler West also made headlines by securing a fourth-place finish at the Class 3A state championships, rounding out an impressive showing for local wrestlers.
As Jensen Beach continues to build on its legacy in wrestling, all eyes will be on Kane Drake, whose promising future is just beginning. With high aspirations and a drive to improve, this freshman’s journey is one to watch in the coming seasons.
