They got there early before practice had started. After it ended, they stayed late. Whether they are watching film, getting in an extra workout or asking for feedback from their coaches, these wrestlers are not going to remain stagnant.
That’s what it takes to be first in the state.

Sophomore Noah Kovach and senior Mariah Dillard both took home gold in their weight class at the UIL State Wrestling Tournament Feb. 15. Sophomore Elly Yelle took home fourth, and the girls placed third as a team.

Kovach and Dillard are ranked first in the state in the 100- and 114-pound weight classes, respectively.

“Those two really are the epitome of hard workers,” head girl’s wrestling coach Jason Conger said. “Their dedication is relentless. They are constantly making sure that they’re doing the right thing.”

Dillard also got first at last year’s state tournament and has an 85-match win streak. She and Kovach also have a 96% bonus rate for this season, meaning they won 96% of their matches by eight points or more or a pin.

“That’s not just winning, that’s dominating,” Conger said. “That’s asserting yourself as one of the best.”

To be as good as they are, both Dillard and Kovach said they lean on each other for support and help each other in practice in any way they can.

“I look up to her,” Kovach said. “We’re not just really good friends, but also training partners. The dynamic is just really nice and it’s nice to have someone to be there. She’s always in my corner and always supporting me.”

This partnership also drives the teamwork within the wrestling room. Conger said the leadership they bring to the team has helped strengthen everyone on the mat.

“We got third with only three girls wrestling,” Kovach said. “So, if you have just a small group of girls who just really want to work hard and do well, then you can go so far. You don’t even need a big team.”

Even though they’re both ranked first, Conger said they have to continue working and can’t expect to win without putting the work in.

“Anything can happen, but I trust in my technique, my coaches and all the hard work I’ve put in,” Dillard said. “I know I’m the better wrestler than most of these girls.”

Conger also said staying grounded is important when realizing the hard work the wrestlers put in can’t stop.

“If you start getting ahead of yourself and thinking that you’re number one or you’re the best, that’s when you start losing the drive to compete and get better,” Conger said. “That fire inside has to stay lit and the way that you do that is by realizing that there’s always somebody chasing you. There’s always somebody climbing the mountain, there’s always somebody trying to beat you and knock you off. That’s what keeps you motivated to continue to be better.”

They also have more still yet to come. Kovach plans on trying out for a women’s national team this summer. Because of the high level they compete at, Conger said it is important to talk about pressure and how to handle the expectations of outsiders.

“I know the result is going to be the result, so I kind of just trusted my ability to wrestle,” Kovach said. “I try not to think about the pressure because I don’t have to win, you know. I’m just going to work hard and the result is going to come with it.”

While Dillard is graduating this year, she said she expects that the girl’s wrestling team will continue to grow and that specifically, Kovach will continue to improve and impress.

“I would tell [Kovach] to just keep her head up,” Dillard said. “She’s an amazing wrestler, and she has big things coming, so never settle for less. She knows she’s the best, I know she’s the best and everyone around her knows she’s the best. She has so much potential to be whatever she wants in life. She’s just an amazing wrestler.”

She also said she can see Yelle being very successful in the future.

“[Elly] has a big heart and loves the sport,” Dillard said. “She had a little setback, but everyone needs a setback for a huge comeback. It has to happen. You have to lose in order to be successful.”

To be as dominant as they are, Conger said it takes a mindset of confidence and perseverance to get to the top and to stay there.

“It becomes a personal battle with yourself and it becomes an internal battle for you to fight those naysayers and those negative thoughts,” Conger said. “It takes the ability to keep pushing forward and be the best version of yourself.”