UPDATE: Jensen Beach High School’s boys wrestling team has just secured a remarkable fifth-place finish at the Class 2A IBT state championships, held at the Silver Spurs Arena on March 7, 2023. Despite losing their star wrestler, Sebastian Degennaro, to graduation, the Falcons showcased their strength with four athletes earning top-three placements.
The team accumulated a total of 77.5 points, finishing just 21.5 points shy of fourth-place Charlotte and 11.5 points ahead of sixth-place North Fort Myers. “They balled out,” said head coach Tom McMath, emphasizing the team’s impressive performance over the three-day event.
Leading the charge was newcomer Kane Drake, who made a stunning debut at the state level by finishing as runner-up in the 120-pound weight class. “I really had no clue I’d get this far,” the freshman admitted after a hard-fought match that ended in a third-round pin against Riverdale’s Eric Bush. Bush dominated the finals, scoring a takedown in the first period and securing the win with 1 minute, 28 seconds left on the clock.
Drake’s journey to the finals included a 21-8 majority decision victory over Juan Torres and an 18-1 technical fall against Isaiah Rivera. In a thrilling semifinal match, he triumphed over Gulf Breeze’s Garrett Ferguson with a 6-1 decision. “It felt great to go out on the mat, go against those older guys and dominate,” Drake said, reflecting on his impressive season record of 41-7.
Coach McMath praised Drake’s commitment, stating, “He’s got high goals and he’s just going to continue to work and get better.” After transitioning from various sports to wrestling, Drake has found his passion in the sport. “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 success, teammates Sair Lopez (126 pounds), Tyson Reyes (215 pounds), and Blake Elder (285 pounds) also earned third-place finishes. Lopez concluded his freshman season with a 36-6 record, while Reyes finished with 26-2 after pinning Braden River’s Freedom McDaniel. Elder, wrapping up his high school career, won via medical withdrawal against Jayshawn McLeod to finish the season at 52-5.
McMath expressed immense pride in his team, stating, “I’m just super proud, super grateful for our program and our kids.”
In related news, Fort Pierce Central’s Skyler West (138 pounds) also made headlines by placing fourth at the Class 3A state championships, securing a remarkable 59-4 record this season.
As Jensen Beach’s wrestling team reflects on their achievements, all eyes will be on next season as they look to build on this year’s impressive performance. Fans and supporters are eager to see how Kane Drake and his teammates will continue to rise in the state rankings.
