2023 was a banner year for Key West boys wrestling, as the team secured its 14th district title and every athlete advanced to regional competition. Adding to the Conchs’ successes this season was the inaugural year of the Lady Conch program which, in its first year, sent three athletes to the state tournament. With his arsenal of seasoned wrestlers, head coach Chaz Jimenez will have a solid chance to make it 15 straight district titles in 2024. At the other end of the Keys, Coral Shores wrestling has a very promising future. Their top five regional-qualifying athletes are all freshmen who, according to coach Dante Jiovenetta, steadily improved throughout the season.
From all of our staff at the Keys Weekly, congratulations to the All-Keys Wrestling Team!
BOYS
MVP
Andre Otto
Senior, Key West
With 23 wins and just three losses on the season, district and regional champion Andre Otto helped solidify the Conch stronghold in South Florida wrestling. Otto finished third in the state, making him a two-time state medalist who often made short work of his opponents. Coach Chaz Jimenez explained that Otto “will go down as one the all-time greats in Key West wrestling history. Besides his 1-0 state semifinal loss, he was dominant this season, with most of his matches ending with a first-period pin.”
Abram Canet
Sophomore, Key West
Abram Canet racked up a 32-22 record, including the district championship. The state-qualifying sophomore has his best wrestling yet to come, according to Jimenez. “Abram really turned it on at the end of the season. He has potential to be an amazing wrestler.”
Dost Bakhtiyorov
Junior, Key West
The district champion boasts a record of 47-12 and led the Conchs for the most pins, with 36 falls to his name this season. Bakhtiyorov’s success is no secret; Jimenez called him, “The most consistent and hardest-working guy in the room.”
Ralph Riche
Junior, Key West
Riche brought home a district championship along with a solid 47-13 record. After qualifying for states, he finished fifth in his weight class. Riche’s strong work ethic and drive impressed Jimenez, who said, “Ralph really came into his own this year and we expect great things from his next season as he looks to win a state title. He is a leader in the classroom, on the football field and on the wrestling mat.”
Sebastian McCoy
Freshman, Coral Shores
McCoy’s first year on the varsity roster showed him steadily improving throughout the season, ending with a winning 18-16 record and a trip to regionals after placing third at districts. Coach Dante Jiovenetta described him as “a first-year wrestler who really bought in to our mentality. With hard work, adversity and perseverance, (he) found a way to dial in and became a top competitor for the ’Canes.”
Finn McDonough
Freshman, Coral Shores
Finn McDonough ended his successful season with a 34-12 record, making it to the district final and bringing home a second place medal. A regional qualifier, McDonough set the tempo for his next three seasons on the mat for the ’Canes. “One thing I love about Finn is his ability to bring accountability into our wrestling program,” said Jiovenetta. “When Finn stayed after practice, others stayed after practice. He has a natural leadership quality about him.”
GIRLS
MVP
Shannon Briggs
Senior, Key West
Shannon Briggs made school history for Key West, earning the first district championship for Lady Conchs wrestling. The state runner-up athlete racked up a 13-5 record on the season, laying the foundation for Key West girls wrestling. “Shannon was one of our most talented wrestlers,” said Jimenez. “She is a straight-A student who is a natural leader. She leads without realizing; people just gravitate towards Shannon. She was such a huge asset to our whole program.”
Sheyla Figuiera
Sophomore, Key West
Figuiera was a state qualifier for the Conchs, amassing a 25-13 record. Jimenez has high expectations for the next two seasons with her, explaining, “Sheyla just continues to improve; her work ethic and determination is amazing. I’m really excited about what the future holds for her.”
Ailee Briggs
Freshman, Key West
Ailee Briggs made school history when she brought home a state medal as a freshman. Her 20-6 record makes her a force to be reckoned with in the next few years for the Conchs. “Ailee is super talented, but what makes her really special is her heart and will to win,” said Jimenez. “She never gives up and finds a way to win. The sky’s the limit for what Ailee can accomplish in her high school career.”
