- December 26, 2024
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Matanzas boys wrestling coach T.J. Gillin is excited about the 2021-22 season for a number of reasons.
The Pirates return three state qualifiers and add a two-time state champion to the coaching staff. And they began the season Dec. 4 with a strong showing at their duals tournament.
Matanzas finished second at the Matanzas Southern Paint Scuffle, winning three of four matches. The Pirates defeated Mainland (66-9), Jacksonville Wolfson (60-21) and Oviedo (48-30) before falling to Creekside 51-23 in the final.
"We're a small school," Gillin said. "But our kids buy in."
Four Matanzas wrestlers went undefeated at the tournament. Bradyn Cox, at 160 pounds, dominated his competition with four pins, all in the first period. Carter Wilder (120), Toryion Stallings (126) and Jordan Mills (170) also went 4-0 on the day. Landon Wright (182) and Adyn Cox (220) went 3-1.
Wilder, Tyson Mills and Jordan Mills all advanced to the Class 2A state tournament last year. Gillin said they all have a chance to place in the top six at state this season.
Tyson Mills (152) missed the duals after getting wisdom teeth removed. Wilder and Stallings each wrestled up a weight class. Wilder, a junior, plans to compete at 113 during the season. Stallings, a sophomore, is slated to compete at 120.
Gillin is beginning his third year as the Pirates' head coach and his 10th year in coaching. He was an assistant with the Pirates for three years and was also an assistant at Flagler Palm Coast for four years.
This season, he added former Seabreeze head coach Mike Fries to his staff. Fries was a four-time state finalist and two-time state champ when he wrestled at FPC.
"Bringing in Mike has been huge. He knows the formula for winning championships," Gillin said.