Coaches

Coach Chris Smith

Coach Chris Smith hails from Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he was a standout wrestler at the traditional powerhouse Parkersburg South High School. During his high school career, Coach Smith was a four-time state place winner and a two-time state champion. He also earned an eighth-place finish at the prestigious Ironman Wrestling Tournament during his junior season.

In addition to wrestling, Coach Smith excelled in baseball and golf, earning four varsity letters in each sport. He was also named a First-Team OVAC selection in baseball.

Coach Smith currently serves as an assistant coach on the JBHS wrestling staff, where he brings his competitive experience and passion for developing young athletes to the next generation of wrestlers.

Coach Kyle Kirkham

Coach Kyle Kirkham is one of the most accomplished wrestlers to come out of Jensen Beach. During his high school career, he was a three-time state place winner and an NHSCA All-American.

Following high school, Coach Kyle continued his academic and wrestling career at Southeastern University, where he earned a degree in Criminal Justice. He was a four-year starter and a three-time NAIA National Qualifier.

During his senior season, Coach Kyle achieved All-American honors and captured the 165-pound NAIA National Championship in Wichita, Kansas.

Outside of wrestling, Coach Kyle serves as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the St. Lucie Fire District. He brings his competitive experience, leadership, and commitment to serving others to his role as a coach.

Coach Bailey

Coach Bailey started wrestling his freshman year. Coach Bailey graduated from Wellington High School in 2015. He was a county champion and a state qualifier. Coach Bailey started coaching right after he graduated, volunteering at the Wellington High School practices and the kids club. He is currently a firefighter paramedic for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and volunteers in the Team Barracuda wrestling club with his son.

Coach John

Coach John graduated from Fort Pierce Central High School in 2002, where he was a 2-time district champion and 3-time regional qualifier. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served for 10 years with the 82nd Airborne Division, including three deployments—two to Afghanistan and one to Iraq.

Now living in Jensen Beach, Coach John continues to share his passion for wrestling by giving back to the sport he loves. Since 2020, he has volunteered with the kids’ club alongside his two boys, helping develop the next generation of wrestlers both on and off the mat.

Coach Anthony Calzadilla

Coach Anthony began wrestling in seventh grade at Jose Marti Middle School in Miami-Dade County before graduating from Barbara Goleman Senior High School in 2006.

After moving to the Treasure Coast in 2007, Coach Anthony began coaching as a volunteer at Treasure Coast High School and later joined Fort Pierce Westwood, where he went on to become Head Coach.

Since 2021, Coach Anthony has served as the Strength Coach for Jensen Beach Wrestling and Team Barracuda, helping athletes build the strength, conditioning, and physical foundation needed to compete at their highest level.

Today, Coach Anthony works as a school administrator and continues to give back to the sport through Team Barracuda, where he enjoys coaching alongside his son and daughter. His goal is to help athletes develop not only as wrestlers, but also as disciplined, confident, and resilient individuals.

Coach Zach Strunk

Coach Zach Strunk, originally from Grand Haven, Michigan, was introduced to wrestling at a young age by his parents, who hoped the sport would help channel his energy while developing discipline, focus, and perseverance. He quickly developed a passion for wrestling and embraced the valuable lessons the sport teaches both on and off the mat.

Following a successful high school wrestling career, Coach Zach continued his academic and wrestling career at Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where he earned degrees in Psychology and Nutrition.

In 2022, Coach Zach, his wife, and their three children relocated from Littleton, Colorado, to Stuart, Florida. Stuart holds special significance for the Strunk family, as his wife, Kate, was born and raised in the area.

In 2023, Coach Zach’s middle son attended the Barracuda Summer Camp and developed a passion for wrestling of his own. Today, both Coach Zach and his son proudly represent Team Barracuda, where they enjoy coaching, competing, and helping introduce the next generation of wrestlers to the sport they love.

Coach Marco Vespa

Coach Marco, a native of Monroe, New York, is a highly accomplished wrestler and coach who brings a wealth of competitive experience and a passion for developing athletes and young people.

Coach Vespa is a graduate of Penn State University, where he had the opportunity to learn under legendary wrestling coach Cael Sanderson. Being exposed to one of the most successful coaching minds in the sport helped shape his approach to wrestling, leadership, discipline, and athlete development.

Before becoming a coach, Vespa established an impressive competitive resume. During his high school career, he was a 5-time New York State qualifier and 3-time New York State medalist, while earning a place in the prestigious 200-win club and recording an incredible 100 career pins.

Coach Vespa was inspired to enter coaching by the coaches who invested in him throughout his own wrestling career. Their influence taught him that coaching is about more than developing successful wrestlers; it is about making a lasting impact on the lives of young people.

Coach Tony Williams

Coach Tony grew up in Stevensville, Michigan, where wrestling and baseball shaped his foundation as an athlete and leader. He was a three-time state wrestling place winner, a two-time state champion in baseball, and team captain his junior and senior years. He competed at elite events including Fargo, Super 32, and the Grappler Fall Classic, where he earned All-American honors.

Tony continued wrestling at Stanford University while earning dual degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. He trained alongside national champions and world medalists under coaches Robb Kohl and Jason Borrelli.

Today, Tony works as a nuclear reactor engineer in Florida. He brings discipline, composure, preparation, and continuous improvement developed through wrestling into both his professional career and coaching.

As a coach, Tony’s goal is simple: help create successful men and women both in and out of wrestling.

Coach Wyatt Kirkham

Coach Wyatt Kirkham is a former 3X Florida state place winner under Coach McMath at Jensen Beach High School. After a successful high school career, Wyatt continued wrestling collegiately at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, where he also earned his degree and qualified for the NAIA National Championships in 2022.

Today, Wyatt serves his community as a Deputy with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. He is happily married and brings the same discipline, work ethic, and commitment that shaped his wrestling career to both his professional life and coaching.

Coach Ryan Heck

Coach Heck wrestled at Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach from 2000–2004, where he was a four-year varsity wrestler, three-time District Champion, Regional Champion, and finished his high school career with 102 victories. He was also a three-year varsity football letterman.

Ryan earned a Business degree from Florida State University and an MBA from Lynn University. He currently works for NextEra Energy in Juno Beach, Florida.

Ryan and his wife, Erin, live in Palm City with their two children, who inspired his return to wrestling and coaching. Since 2024, Ryan has been coaching Team Barracuda, sharing his experience and passion for the sport while helping develop the next generation of wrestlers.

Coach Konnor

Coach Konnor McHale is a proud product of Team Barracuda, having wrestled with the club during its early years. At Jensen Beach High School, Konnor became a 2X state place winner, winning 195 matches, and capping his senior season by capturing a Florida State Championship.

Now, Coach Konnor is giving back to the program that helped shape him. He is passionate about paying it forward, developing the next generation of wrestlers, and helping young athletes become not only better wrestlers, but better people.