Middleton, Fla. – The Villages High School wrestling team recorded a podium finish at the 2026 Rob Herman Cup Duals on Saturday in Inverness.

The Buffalo went 5-1 overall in the head-to-head duals competition, eventually finishing in third place as a team.

VHS opened with four straight wins, kicking off the event with a 45-27 victory over South Lake. The Buffalo then rattled off three straight wins, knocking off University (54-29), Forest (46-30) and Mariner (43-30). 

The Villages then suffered its only defeat of the day in the event's semifinal round, falling short of Hollins in a 54-17 decision.

But the Buffalo were able to rally against the tournament's host, as VHS toppled Citrus, 45-33, to finish in third place overall.

DJ Dunn finished undefeated at 6-0 individually, while Wyatt Gladdin earned the team's Most Outstanding Wrestler honor with a 5-1 mark and multiple pinfalls. Aerin Phillips and Cameron Martin also went 6-1 on the day for the Buffalo, respectively.

The Villages will next take the mat on Jan. 31, when they travel to Timber Creek High School for the Wolf Pack Invitational in Orlando.


Cody Hills can be reached for questions or comment via email at cody.hills@tvcs.org.