WRESTLING
Lady Hornets finish third
In what is believed to be the most dominant performance in team history at district, the Azle Hornets captured the District 4-5A championship on their own mats on Jan. 31.
The Hornets scored 312 points, easily outdistancing runner-up Benbrook with 189 and third-place Saginaw Chisholm Trail with 163. In all, Azle qualified 13 boys for the Region I Tournament in Lubbock this weekend, Feb.
7-8, including eight district champions.
The top four finishers in each weight class qualified for regionals and the same is true for advancing from regionals to state at the Berry Center in Houston Feb. 14-15.
“I believe this is the most dominant performance we have ever had at the district tournament,” Azle coach Tyler Harrison said.
Meanwhile, the Lady Hornets will be well-represented also. As a team they finished third in district and will have seven competitors at regionals, including three district champions.
Leading the individual district champions was Lady Hornet Mariah Dillard in the 114-pound weight class. She is seeking a second straight state championship, having won in the 120 division a year ago, and is 81-0 over the past two seasons - including 35-0 this season.
Dillard is chasing a third state tournament berth in four seasons.
Also winning district titles for the Lady Hornets were Noah Kovach in the 100-pound division and Elly Yelle in the 165 class. Kovach is also looking for a return to state helping the Lady Hornets to a runner-up finish in Class 5A in 2024.
Winning district championships for the Hornets were Mark O’Neil, 106-pound division; Kolby Moreland, 113; Tyler Yancey, 132; Chase Yancey, 138; Landin Evans, 150; Elijah Bryan, 175; Roman Fraser, 215; and Devin Wingfield, 285.
Chase Yancey finished third in the state in the 132 weight class in 2024, while Evans, Bryan and Wingfield also advanced to state, along with Wyatt Hicks, who placed second in the 157 division at district this season.
Also placing second in district for the Hornets was JW Gilbreath in the 190 division. Kaylie Groot took second in the 107 class for the Lady Hornets.
Third-place finishes for the Lady Hornets were recorded by Natalie Petit and Neveah Altringer in the 126 and 145 divisions, respectively. Waylon Gray placed third in the 126 division for the Hornets.
Karissa Espinoza was fourth in the 132 division for the girls, while Tyler Hicks (157) and Tye O’Neal (165) were fourth among the boys.
Sadie Baker placed sixth in the 120 class for the Azle girls.
“I am proud of the way our kids competed this weekend. Their success is indicative of their hard work in the practice room and the extra time that they devote to the sport,” Harrison said. “Taking 20 kids to regionals as a program is an accomplishment that our coaching is very proud of. We look forward to this momentum carrying into the regional tournament next week.”
SPRINGTOWN QUALIFIES TRIO Three members of the Springtown Porcupines qualified for the 5A Region I Tournament following their performances in the District 3-5A Tournament at Canyon Randall on Jan. 30.
James Snyder and Dominic Contreras placed third in the 285 and 138 weight classes, respectively. Also, Daniel Wilson was fourth at 144.
Klarissa Espinoza is overcome with emotion after coming from behind to win her match, enabling her to move on to regional competition in Lubbock. PHOTOS COURTESY CHAPA PHOTOGRAPHY
Noah Kovach wins her championship match to become the 4-5A district champ. PHOTOS COURTESY CHAPA PHOTOGRAPHY
Nevaeh Altringer poses with her dad after winning her match. PHOTOS COURTESY CHAPA PHOTOGRAPHY
