Sunday, March 16, 2025
AZLE — Azle High School wrestlers and coaches came home to bask in their success after wrapping up a historic season. At a Feb. 24 board of trustees meeting, the group was recognized for its accomplishments and head coach Tyler Harrison spoke about everything his teams had been through during the year.
“We’re just very grateful for the opportunities and the fact that this district puts what’s best for kids first,” Harrison said. “That support enables us to do our job and build a successful program.”
This season, the Azle boys’ wrestling team traveled across Texas and beyond, securing major wins. They took first place at the Ultimate Warrior Duels in San Antonio and dominated the Bring the Hammer Invitational in Cabot, Arkansas, where they competed against 32 teams from seven different states. The Hornets won their district championship by a large margin and secured eight individual district titles. At regionals, they finished second in Region 1 for the first time in school history, advancing seven wrestlers to the state tournament in Houston. The team cracked the top 10 at state, finishing eighth overall, with two individual state finalists. The team was also named the Texas High School Wrestling Coaches Association Dual State Champions.
The coaching staff worked closely across both the boys' and girls' programs, a factor that Harrison believes has contributed significantly to the team’s achievements. Harrison said Azle sent more students to the state competition than many much larger schools. Harrison also highlighted Azle ISD’s commitment to multi-sport participation, with several wrestlers competing in baseball and other activities.
“Azle ISD is a destination district and we’re proud that our program is part of that,” Harrison said. “In our wrestling village, we've got a great group of kids and parents in our program that work together. They support each other, they run around from gym to gym and cheer for our kids, and so that's what contributes to our success.”
A special moment from the season included Coach Michael Mitchell singing the national anthem at both the regional and state tournaments, earning an invitation to perform a second time. The event also saw strong school support, with AHS Principal Nate Driver cheering from the front row during the finals and AISD Athletic Director Michael Sain joining the team on the floor at the state tournament. This year, AHS also hosted a district tournament at Azle High School for the second time ever.
“The amount of work organization and coordinating, and amount of information and all the things that got put together, these coaches knocked it out of the park,” Harrison said.
The future looks bright for next season’s returning students and new wrestlers benefiting from the district’s support.
Team members recognized at the meeting include:
