CLERMONT, Fla. — South Lake High School has appointed Manny Costa, an esteemed wrestling coach with a legacy of success, as the new head of its wrestling program. Costa recently retired after a celebrated 34-year career as head wrestling coach at St. John’s Preparatory High School in Danvers, Massachusetts, where he amassed an extraordinary dual record of 876-149-6.

(Coach Costa got acclimated to South Lake High in Groveland where he will look to build upon South Lake High’s recent success.)

Costa’s accomplishments at St. John’s Prep are unparalleled. Under his leadership, the team secured six dual meet state titles, three Division 1 state titles, two all-state titles, and one New England title. Over the years, Costa has coached 20 all-state champions, 40 Division 1 state champions, and 113 academic All-Americans. His impact on the sport was honored with his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2015.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Coach Costa joining South Lake High,” said South Lake High Athletic Director Travis Alderink. “His dedication to excellence and focus on academic achievement make him a terrific addition to our athletic department.”

(Coach Costa was one of the top high school wrestling coaches of all time in Massachusetts. He brings his knowledge to South Lake High. This is a very exciting hire!)

Costa’s journey in wrestling began in Peabody, Massachusetts, where he graduated from Peabody High School in 1983. He went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Salem State University and a master’s degree from Anna Maria College. His wrestling accolades extend beyond coaching; he was a two-time high school All-American in judo and a national team member from 1981 to 1990, competing in international tournaments and securing medals, including a gold at the Junior Pan-Am Games.

Costa took the reins at St. John’s Prep in 1990, building the program into a powerhouse with a consistent record of success. His teams captured numerous Division 1 North titles, Top-10 state finishes, and an impressive list of individual accolades, including seven New England champions and 53 academic All-Americans. Costa’s commitment to education was equally strong, with his 2015 team achieving an average of a 3.98 GPA.

St. John’s Wrestling coach Manny Costa directs players during the Div. 1 North Final against Methuen.

Throughout his career, Costa has garnered numerous coaching honors, including runner-up for Wrestling USA Magazine’s National Coach of the Year in 1999, and multiple Boston Globe and MIAA Coach of the Year awards. He has been inducted into several Hall of Fames, including the Massachusetts Interscholastic Wrestling Coaches Association, New England Council, and St. John’s Prep.

In addition to his coaching achievements, Costa has served as a dedicated member of the Peabody Police Department and currently works as a School Resource Officer at Peabody High School.

As he begins this new chapter at South Lake High School, Costa remains committed to fostering excellence on and off the mat. “I’m honored to continue my journey with South Lake High,” Costa said. “I look forward to instilling the values of hard work, teamwork, and academic success in our wrestlers, and building a program that the entire community can be proud of.”