Gulf Breeze High wrestling team the smartest in state

Photo courtesy of Maria Weisnicht Gifted grapplers The Gulf Breeze High wrestling team were recently named the Florida High School Athletic Association's Academic State Champion for Class 1A. Their 3.336 team grade point average was also the highest in all of Florida. Shown after winning the inaugural Andrews Invitational meet are (front row, from left): Tanner Eagley, Erich Reitz (Captain), Kyle Chavers (Captain), Taylor Retherford and Head Coach Matt Alt. Second row (from left): Steven Houser, Chris Gary, Harrison Garrett, Jesse Parsons, George Weisnicht and Kyle Magnes. Third row (from left): Deven Dunlop, Scott Behrens, Tyronne Covyeow, Rett Ellis and Gus Houser. Fourth row (from left): Kevin Ryan, Mike Reitz, Brandon Buchalter, Jeff Smith, Ian Beard and Jack Hoehn. Fifth row (from left): Coach Al Glienicki, Coach Ray Eagley, Spencer Sternung, Mathias Bergan, Kyle McKissack, Coach Alby Lindon and Coach Burke Wellborn. "We are so proud of our young men for winning the Academic Team Champion Award," Coach Alt said. "They are your true student-athlete, making a commitment for excellence in both the classroom and on the wrestling mat." Two of the wrestlers - Kyle Chavers and Taylor Retherford - competed at state this year. They're the first two to ever do so.