KISSIMMEE – The 2026 FHSAA Florida State Championships kicked off at Silver Spur Arena in Kissimmee on Thursday. Wrestlers from across Florida converged to compete in their respective weight classes. Hernando County sent 13 wrestlers from five public high schools, with Hernando sending the largest group of five athletes, Weeki Wachee and Springstead sending two and four wrestlers respectively, and Nature Coast and Central each represented by one player.
On day one of the tournament, one win is needed to advance. If a wrestler loses their first bout, they must win their next match in the consolation round to remain in play. Thursday saw nine of the in-county athletes advance as four wrestlers and one school (Nature Coast) were eliminated. Additionally, two wrestlers who live in Hernando County but attend schools outside of the county moved on to the quarterfinals. SLAM! Tampa sophomore Noah Leota (150 lb, 1A) defeated Taz Kinghorn of Baker County by decision, 11–4, to secure his place in the quarterfinal round. Lake Gibson sophomore Jeremiah Chavis (215 lb, 2A) also moved on after pinning Matt Moise of Heritage.
Full results for day one include: Hernando High: 105 G – Emerson Webber pinned Foundation Christian Academy’s Jaiden Hight in the first period to advance to day two (Fall 1:31). 106 1A – Corbin Helm pinned Union County’s Aiden Hancock in the second period (Fall 2:43). 155 G – Addison J
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
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