LAKELAND, Fla. -- Appalachian Athletic Conference titles and national qualification spots will be on the line this weekend as No. 3 Southeastern heads to the 2026 AAC Wrestling Championships at the Fernandez Family Center on the campus of St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Fla.
Competition begins Friday at 12 p.m., with championships concluding Saturday. The winner in each weight class earns an automatic berth to the 69th Annual NAIA Wrestling National Championships, set for March 5–7 at the Hartman Arena in Wichita, Kan. Additional at-large bids will be awarded based on season performance and national rankings.
Southeastern enters the weekend ranked No. 3 in the NAIA and brings one of its deepest lineups of the season into the conference's premier event.
Strength at the Top
The Fire feature three No. 1-ranked wrestlers in their respective weight classes:
Lucio has been steady throughout the season, controlling matches and delivering consistent results in conference competition. Voiles has been particularly efficient, remaining unbeaten while limiting opponents' scoring opportunities. De La Torre adds experience and composure in high-leverage bouts and has been flawless in AAC dual action.
Together, the trio gives Southeastern a strong foundation in the lower and middle weights.
Middleweight Depth
At 165, Southeastern sends two nationally ranked competitors:
Federico has been efficient in limited appearances, while Mitchell has shown the ability to generate bonus points with a mix of technical falls and dominant decisions. Their depth at 165 provides flexibility and scoring potential as the bracket unfolds.
At 174, the Fire again boast two ranked entries:
Rodriguez has been effective in conference action, and Mustafa's 14 wins—including multiple falls—give Southeastern another proven option in the weight class.
Upper-Weight Firepower
The Fire remain strong in the upper weights, beginning with 184-pounder #11
August Batson (11-3, 6-2 dual), who has consistently provided bonus-point potential through major decisions and technical falls.
At 197, Southeastern brings two nationally ranked wrestlers:
Smith has been reliable in conference competition, while Grape's ability to produce technical falls gives the Fire added scoring upside.
At heavyweight (285), #15
Bryce Wheatley (15-9, 8-4 dual, 5-0 AAC) enters the championships with strong conference credentials and seven pins on the season. His ability to finish matches quickly could prove valuable in team scoring scenarios.
Team Outlook
Southeastern's overall body of work reflects both balance and depth. The Fire hold a 318-188 overall record, including a 91-47 dual mark and a 51-12 record in AAC competition. Production has come from every weight class, with multiple wrestlers contributing pins, technical falls, and major decisions throughout the year.
With ranked competitors across nearly every contested weight and multiple legitimate title contenders, Southeastern enters the weekend positioned to challenge for both individual championships and the overall team crown.
The conference tournament format rewards advancement and bonus points as much as top finishes. While automatic national bids go to champions in each weight class, placement throughout the bracket will determine the final team standings.
How to Follow
Fans can watch the championships live through
streaming links provided by St. Thomas.
Wrestling begins at 12 p.m. Friday and continues through Saturday's championship matches in Miami Gardens.
