Arnold wins District 1-1A wresting title (See Results)

PANAMA CITY BEACH — The district wrestling round is a lot like feasting at a buffet. Some may eat more, but everyone has ample opportunity to get their fill.

All seven of the teams competing in Saturday’s District 1-1A tournament at Arnold’s gymnasium had successful finishes. Each team had no fewer than five regional qualifiers. The top four placers in each weight class moved on.

Arnold ran away with the team title with 248 points. The Marlins competed in 13 weight classes, save heavyweight, and advanced every wrestler. They also accomplished the feat last year and won a district title for the third straight year.

South Walton, which advanced nine wrestlers to regionals, was second with 158½ points. Bozeman (128½), with two district champions, was third, followed by Wewahitchka (91), Rutherford (88), Bay (81) and Marianna (63).

Arnold’s Joel Ensminger (112-pound weight class), Doug Miner (119), Jayme Atkins (125), Colby Baker (130), Keenam McAdams (152) and Dillon LaMont (189) secured district titles. Miner improved his record to 39-0, all by pin, including beating Marianna’s Angel Candelaria in 32 seconds. Arnold also had five runner-up finishes.

The 13 wrestlers placed Arnold in a solid position to contend for a team title next week in Green Cove Springs. The aim is to improve on last year’s showing of only two of 13 qualifying for state.

Bozeman standouts Brandon Reyes (103) and Charles Vincent (135) gave the Bucks two titles. Bozeman also had seven other wrestlers qualify for the regional through the consolation round. Its two championships tied with Bay for third in the tournament behind Arnold (six) and South Walton (three).

Bay’s two were from Cornelius Booker (171) and Tyrell Biggs (heavyweight). Bay had three other wrestlers move on, one each at second, third and fourth place.

The 189-pound weight class was without Bay County champion Nick Smith, who was taking the SAT on Saturday. Rams’ 215-pounder Marcus Roberts won an individual title with a pin of Arnold’s Will Bruce in 1 minute, 20 seconds. Six Rutherford wrestlers, including two runners-up, will compete in next week’s two-day regional tournament.

Wewa and Marianna were the only two teams without a district champion. Wewa still advanced eight wrestlers, including heavyweight runner-up Ryan Waldin. Marianna had five wrestlers take the next step.

The top four placers at regionals advance to the Class 1A state tournament Feb. 19-20 at The Lakeland Center.