Bayside High School Wrestling Season Preview

The Bayside High School Bears Wrestling Team wrapped up a season full of resilience, growth, and historic milestones, thanks to the leadership of Head Coach Clay Folsom and a hungry roster of young grapplers. With two state qualifiers and their first state placer since 2016, the Bears are building something special in Palm Bay, Florida. Stars on the Mat This year’s top contributors were Gary Bradley (190 lb) and Justice Hield (175 lb). Bradley, a three-time state qualifier, broke through in his senior year to become the program’s first state placer in nearly a decade. Meanwhile, Hield battled all season and became a regional runner-up, finishing in the top 12 in the state tournament. “These two seniors were the heart of our team,” said Coach Folsom. “They showed everyone else what it means to be a leader.” Turning Point of the Year While Bradley and Hield earned their accolades, one of the most electric moments of the season came from an unexpected hero. With one dual meet match remaining and the team down by four, a first-year wrestler with a 0-15 record stepped up. In a dramatic finish, he pulled off a pin to secure the win—Bayside’s first dual meet victory of the year. “The whole gym went absolutely nuts,” said Folsom. “It was the kind of moment you never forget, and it brought the whole team closer together.” Leadership Emerging Two underclassmen—Kylen Oye (215 lb) and Wyatt Perhealth (285 lb)—embraced leadership roles as the season progressed. Despite tough regional losses, both displayed maturity and accountability beyond their years, mentoring younger wrestlers and setting a high bar for the team culture. “I preach leadership and accountability,” Folsom added. “These two showed it every day.” Looking Ahead With both seniors graduating, the spotlight shifts to the rising senior class, which Folsom believes is ready to carry the torch. Bayside Wrestling has already launched an AAU club to give athletes more mat time during the offseason, essential for the growth of a still-developing roster. “We have a good, solid foundation,” Folsom said. “Now we need experience. The more these guys wrestle, the better prepared they’ll be to elevate this program even further.”