EDDY PRATHER
The Azle Lady Hornets claimed the 2026 UIL State Wrestling Championship, while the Azle boys finished as state runner-up, capping a historic showing for the Hornets at the state tournament Feb. 13–14 at the Berry Center, home of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD.
The 2026 tournament opened a new chapter in Azle ISD history. For the first time, the Hornets crowned five individual state champions and brought home a school-record eight medals overall. The Lady Hornets’ team title marked just the second girls state championship in school history.
Among the standout performances was Noah Kovach, a three-time state finalist who earned a second state championship. Tyler and Chase Yancey, who both just missed gold last year, climbed the top step of the podium this year to become state champions.
Freshman Zaylyn Woods completed an undefeated season at 49-0, capturing a state title in her first trip to the tournament. Woods’ championship carried special meaning for the program, since her mother, Montana (Stewart) De La Rosa, was a member of Azle’s previous girls state championship team and was inducted into the Azle Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.
Azle sent six wrestlers into state championship matches, with five emerging as gold medalists.
Senior Chase Yancey set the tone early, opening the finals with a decisive championship win. Elizabeth Yelle followed with one of the most dramatic bouts of the night, rallying in the third period and winning in a tiebreaker to secure her state title. In his excitement over Yelle’s win, coach Jayson Conger jumped into the arms of assistant coach Tristan Bradshaw.
Defending state champion Noah Kovach added another gold medal, repeating as champion and continuing an impressive career with another finals victory. Woods’ gold medal came next, preserving her perfect season.
The featured bout of the evening matched two wrestlers who finished as state runners-up as freshmen in 2025, Tyler Yancey of Azle and Jaxson Johnson of Melissa. With his gold medal-winning brother Chase in his corner, Tyler Yancey delivered a great performance to earn his first state title.
The Lady Hornets won three gold medals, one silver and one bronze to secure the team championship over Melissa. Freshman Mackenzie Harris earned a silver medal, while Sage Mosier added crucial points with a third-place finish.
On the boys’ side, Azle added to its medal count with championships from Chase and Tyler Yancey. Jordan Durrett placed fifth at state, while Camron Latham and Wyatt Hicks also competed. Colby Moreland served as an alternate.
Moments after her overtime victory, Yelle reflected on the moment.
“I’ve put in all this work, and none of this feels real,” Yelle said through tears. “I stay in the moment, I listen to my coaches and teammates, and they’re the ones who got me here. It wasn’t just me.”
Chase Yancey said winning a state championship was the culmination of years of work.
“It feels great,” Yancey said. “That’s what I’ve been working for all year — really for four years, ever since I was a freshman.”
Asked how his brother would fare moments before Tyler’s final, Chase Yancey didn’t hesitate.
“He’s going to win a state title,” he said.
Conger said the championship is something the athletes will carry with them for life.
“The 2026 state title never gets old,” Conger said. “That’s something they’ll have for the rest of their lives. They showed out on the biggest stage and handled their business.”
Conger also credited Azle strength and conditioning coach Matt Holt for the program’s success.
“Without him, these kids wouldn’t be where they are physically,” Conger said.
Azle boys coach Tyler Harrison said the program’s consistency continues to pay dividends.
“The last five years we’ve produced a state champion,” Harrison said. “Last year we had two, and this year we have five individual state champions.”
Led by Conger and Harrison, along with assistant coaches Michael Mitchell and Tristan Bradshaw, the Azle wrestling program continues to operate at a championship level.
“Azle versus everybody,” Conger said. “Because we’re state champs.”
Eddy Prather |The Azle News
