Building a Foundation: Mahomet-Seymour Girls Wrestling Shows Grit, Growth, and Promise in 2025 Season
The 2025 winter season marked a significant chapter in the journey of Mahomet-Seymour High School's girls wrestling team—a story not just of competition, but of transformation. Under the guidance of Head Coach Jeff Castor, a roster of mostly first-time wrestlers came together to defy expectations, support one another, and lay the groundwork for a bright future.
From a team that began with little experience and a lot of questions, to one that ended the season with five sectional qualifiers, one IHSA state qualifier, and two IWCOA state placers, the growth was both measurable and inspiring.
A Team Led by Example
At the heart of the team’s early progress was Lily Daniels, the only returning wrestler from the previous season. Lily embraced her role as team captain with grace and determination, becoming the glue that held the group together.
“Lily led by example,” said Coach Castor. “Her presence gave the other girls something to look up to, and her experience provided a foundation for the rest of the team to build upon.”
Yet it wasn’t just the veterans making waves. Freshman Jaycee Weitekamp turned heads by qualifying for the IHSA State Tournament—a rare and impressive accomplishment for a first-year high school athlete.
“Jaycee was an inspiration,” Castor added. “To see someone so young and new to the team break through and qualify for State—that set the tone and raised the bar for everyone.”
Turning Trials into Triumph
The season didn’t start smoothly. Coach Castor was candid about the early growing pains.
“We were a very green team. Most girls had either no experience or had just come out of junior high with maybe a year under their belt,” he explained.
But through consistent hard work, grit, and a strong sense of team unity, the Bulldogs transformed from a group of novices into a legitimate force. Their progress culminated in multiple postseason successes, including two standout performances at the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA) State Tournament.
“From where we started, I think we made a great base for the up-and-coming season,” said Castor.
Defining Moments on the Mat
Every good season has its pivotal moments, and for Mahomet-Seymour, many of them came in the form of redemption matches. Several wrestlers were able to avenge earlier season losses by defeating those same opponents later in the year.
“These weren’t just victories—they were statements,” Castor reflected. “They proved that our girls were improving and that they were mentally ready for the challenge.”
Such moments, while perhaps small on the surface, symbolized the steady upward trajectory of the team. Each one added a layer of confidence and belief.
Newcomers Rising to the Challenge
Among the biggest success stories of the season were Madilyn Becker and Siera Tuttle, two athletes who grew into major roles.
Madilyn, a junior with no prior wrestling experience, started the season with challenges but refused to be discouraged. Through relentless effort, she ended the year as an IWCOA State placer—a testament to her growth and perseverance.
“She had a rocky start, but she worked hard, and now she’s continuing to wrestle in offseason tournaments,” Castor noted. “She’s laser-focused on preparing for her senior year.”
Siera, a freshman with a bit of junior high experience, followed a similar path. By the season’s end, she too stood on the IWCOA State podium.
“Both girls are committed to wrestling offseason and going to summer camps,” Castor added. “That kind of dedication is what elevates a program.”
Strength in Unity
While wrestling is often viewed as an individual sport, the Mahomet-Seymour girls proved the power of team unity. Whether it was injuries, tough losses, or emotional lows, the girls consistently leaned on one another.
“The way they banded together—especially in the tough moments—was incredible to witness,” said Castor. “That support system they built is what I believe carried us through the season and helped lead to our success.”
With a team composed entirely of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, the Bulldogs had no senior presence this year. That void was filled by collective accountability, mutual encouragement, and a shared desire to prove themselves.
Future Looks Bright
Looking ahead, Coach Castor has plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Of the nine wrestlers from this year’s roster, most are expected to return. Add to that an incoming group of six girls from the junior high program, and Mahomet-Seymour’s depth is poised to grow significantly.
“We’ve come a long way,” Castor said. “A few years ago, I only had one girl. Then five. This year, nine stayed through the full season. I have no doubt we’ll be in double digits next year.”
In addition to retaining and adding talent, Coach Castor is actively working to bring back a few former wrestlers who may be ready to return to the mat. It’s all part of a larger plan to turn Mahomet-Seymour into a program to be reckoned with.
Offseason Goals and Growth
For now, the focus is on the offseason—an essential time for young wrestlers to sharpen their skills and build strength.
“We’re looking to strength train and work on our technique,” Castor said. “A lot of the girls are planning to attend summer camps together and compete in offseason tournaments.”
This period of development will be crucial, not just for individual growth but for building momentum into what promises to be a highly competitive 2026 season.
Track the Bulldogs' Progress
For those interested in following the team’s performance, full stats and tournament results can be found on TrackWrestling:
https://www.trackwrestling.com/seasons/StatsReport.jsp?TIM=1744849615302&twSessionId=ygrzzoximg&reportId=559433132
Conclusion: A Program on the Rise
The 2025 season wasn’t just a milestone year for Mahomet-Seymour girls wrestling—it was a mission statement. A statement about resilience. A statement about leadership. A statement about the power of belief, even when the odds aren’t in your favor.
What Coach Castor and his team have built is more than a roster. It’s a family. A culture. And, most importantly, a program with a future that looks brighter by the day.
As the team heads into the offseason with renewed purpose, one thing is certain: Mahomet-Seymour Girls Wrestling is only just getting started.
 State Tournament.
“From where we started, I think we made a great base for the up-and-coming season,” said Castor.
Defining Moments on the Mat
Every good season has its pivotal moments, and for Mahomet-Seymour, many of them came in the form of redemption matches. Several wrestlers were able to avenge earlier season losses by defeating those same opponents later in the year.
“These weren’t just victories—they were statements,” Castor reflected. “They proved that our girls were improving and that they were mentally ready for the challenge.”
Such moments, while perhaps small on the surface, symbolized the steady upward trajectory of the team. Each one added a layer of confidence and belief.
Newcomers Rising to the Challenge
Among the biggest success stories of the season were Madilyn Becker and Siera Tuttle, two athletes who grew into major roles.
Madilyn, a junior with no prior wrestling experience, started the season with challenges but refused to be discouraged. Through relentless effort, she ended the year as an IWCOA State placer—a testament to her growth and perseverance.
“She had a rocky start, but she worked hard, and now she’s continuing to wrestle in offseason tournaments,” Castor noted. “She’s laser-focused on preparing for her senior year.”
Siera, a freshman with a bit of junior high experience, followed a similar path. By the season’s end, she too stood on the IWCOA State podium.
“Both girls are committed to wrestling offseason and going to summer camps,” Castor added. “That kind of dedication is what elevates a program.”
Strength in Unity
While wrestling is often viewed as an individual sport, the Mahomet-Seymour girls proved the power of team unity. Whether it was injuries, tough losses, or emotional lows, the girls consistently leaned on one another.
“The way they banded together—especially in the tough moments—was incredible to witness,” said Castor. “That support system they built is what I believe carried us through the season and helped lead to our success.”
With a team composed entirely of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors, the Bulldogs had no senior presence this year. That void was filled by collective accountability, mutual encouragement, and a shared desire to prove themselves.
Future Looks Bright
Looking ahead, Coach Castor has plenty of reasons to be optimistic. Of the nine wrestlers from this year’s roster, most are expected to return. Add to that an incoming group of six girls from the junior high program, and Mahomet-Seymour’s depth is poised to grow significantly.
“We’ve come a long way,” Castor said. “A few years ago, I only had one girl. Then five. This year, nine stayed through the full season. I have no doubt we’ll be in double digits next year.”
In addition to retaining and adding talent, Coach Castor is actively working to bring back a few former wrestlers who may be ready to return to the mat. It’s all part of a larger plan to turn Mahomet-Seymour into a program to be reckoned with.
Offseason Goals and Growth
For now, the focus is on the offseason—an essential time for young wrestlers to sharpen their skills and build strength.
“We’re looking to strength train and work on our technique,” Castor said. “A lot of the girls are planning to attend summer camps together and compete in offseason tournaments.”
This period of development will be crucial, not just for individual growth but for building momentum into what promises to be a highly competitive 2026 season.
Track the Bulldogs' Progress
For those interested in following the team’s performance, full stats and tournament results can be found on TrackWrestling:
https://www.trackwrestling.com/seasons/StatsReport.jsp?TIM=1744849615302&twSessionId=ygrzzoximg&reportId=559433132
Conclusion: A Program on the Rise
The 2025 season wasn’t just a milestone year for Mahomet-Seymour girls wrestling—it was a mission statement. A statement about resilience. A statement about leadership. A statement about the power of belief, even when the odds aren’t in your favor.
What Coach Castor and his team have built is more than a roster. It’s a family. A culture. And, most importantly, a program with a future that looks brighter by the day.
As the team heads into the offseason with renewed purpose, one thing is certain: Mahomet-Seymour Girls Wrestling is only just getting started.)
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