Brooksville - Hernando High School won big this past weekend at the FHSAA Florida Wrestling State Championship held in Kissimmee - nabbing both an individual and the team championship in girls wrestling, having six athletes place! The Hernando High girls team not only won, but they took the title by a landslide - scoring 104.5 points, which was 20.5 points more than the second place team! Also, for the second consecutive year, HHS junior Grace Leota won first place and is now a two-time State Champ. The HHS boys also did well, with two athletes placing in their divisions. Those who placed include:
Girls Wrestling - Grace Leota (1st place - State Champion), Emma Bauknight (3rd place), Mackenzie Eltzroth (3rd place), Chole Sinnett (4th place), Sydney Bridenstine (5th place), and Mariah Earl (6th place).
Boys Wrestling - Shaw Garrett (5th place) and Morgan Johnston (8th place).
This is the first time in Hernando High history that a wrestling team has won a state championship, and the first time in 27 years that any Hernando High team has won a state title. “The girls wrestling team's performance this past weekend was truly outstanding,” said Kenneth Day, HHS Girls Wrestling coach. “Grace’s achievement as a 2-time state champion showcases her dedication and talent. She’s undefeated (66-0) in the state of Florida. I am incredibly proud of the girls wrestling team. Congratulations to all the team members on this well-deserved recognition.”
Hernando High School Principal Leechele Booker added, “Grace is such an amazing young lady whose hard work is evident in everything she does on and off the court. We are so proud of her!”