Come join SoWal Elite and learn about the sport of wrestling!

Come join SoWal Elite and learn about the sport of wrestling!

President

Travis Laxton

Coach Travis Laxton was born in Live Oak Florida and began wrestling at the age of five. During his high school career Laxton was able to obtain 5 state medals, placing third in 07’ and 08’, while winning two state titles in 09’ and 10’, along with a team state runner up medal. Laxton was a 5x high school All-American placing 7th and 5th at NHSCA High School Nationals, and placing 3rd , 2nd, 2nd at Disney Dual Nationals. During his high school career Laxton amassed an FHSAA record of 151 wins and 7 losses while winning the Russ Mauger Mental Attitude award for the FHSAA in 2009.

Laxton received a scholarship to Newberry College and wrestled four years with the Wolves while earning a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Transferring to Coker College (University) in 2014 to wrestle a 5 year Laxton became the Cobras second NCAA DII National Qualifier in school history while earning a master’s in athletic administration.

Laxton currently resides in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida and has been the head wrestling coach for South Walton High School since 2019.

Vice President/ Head Coach

Thomas (TJ) Lambiotte
Grew up in Mineral Wells, WV and started wrestling at the Jr. Patriot Wrestling Club at the age of 2 years old. Won 6 Junior State Championships, Brute nationals placer, Eastern world nationals finalist WCC MOW and was a Cliff Keen All American. Went to Parkersburg South High School (at the time, #1 public school in the country) where the team won 3 team state titles. Captured individual high school state titles in Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco. TOC champ, Winners Choice champ, OVAC champ with 144 wins. Wrestled 4 years at Ohio Valley University, West Virginia intercollegiate champ, academic All American, graduated with a bachelor’s in Business administration, bachelor’s in Integrated marketing, associate’s in communication, and an associate’s in biblical studies.

Associate Head Coach

Zane Hinzman

Grew up in Ritchie County, WV and started wrestling at the age of 3 for Team Black Dog. Won two WV Junior State Championships, placed at Dixie Nationals, placed at Eastern world nationals, Brute nationals finalist, LKC MOW, and 2x WCC MOW. Graduated in 2019 from Parkersburg South High School(at the time, #1 public school in the country) and was part of 4 team state title teams. Three time state finalist where he captured multiple folkstyle state titles and a freestyle state title with 147 wins. Won OVAC, Powerade placer, suffered injury in blood round at Fargo, USA wrestling all american. Went on the wrestle at West Liberty University. Previously coached multiple state qualifiers at Bloomingdale High School.