Azle High School Boys Wrestling: A Championship Season Built on Leadership, Dominance, and Determination
The 2025 season for the Azle High School Boys Wrestling Team was nothing short of extraordinary. Under the guidance of Head Coach Tyler Harrison, the Hornets not only met expectations — they exceeded them, capturing a State Dual Championship, finishing as District and Regional powerhouses, and sending seven athletes to the state tournament.
From freshmen phenoms to seasoned seniors, the Hornets exemplified resilience, teamwork, and grit on their path to one of the most successful wrestling seasons in school history.
Two Brothers, Two Finalists, One Family Legacy
At the forefront of Azle’s remarkable season were two standout athletes: Tyler Yancey (9th) and Chase Yancey (11th). The Yancey brothers dominated their respective weight classes, each claiming district titles, finishing as regional finalists, and ultimately earning silver medals at the state tournament.
“They were dominant all season long,” Coach Harrison shared. “They led by example in both performance and attitude.”
Tyler, only a freshman, stunned the wrestling community with his maturity on the mat. Meanwhile, Chase, an 11th grader, showcased both physical prowess and leadership, serving as a cornerstone of the varsity squad. Their impact went beyond wins — they galvanized the entire team.
The Black Shirt Standard: Leadership in Action
While titles and medals are tangible signs of success, Azle’s program also emphasizes intangible qualities — leadership, work ethic, and accountability. Coach Harrison implemented a “black shirt” designation, awarded to wrestlers who embody these values.
This season, Eli Bryan (12), Chase Yancey (11), and Wyatt Hicks (11) earned this honor. These athletes didn’t just win matches — they set the tone in the practice room, demonstrated consistency, and pushed their teammates to higher standards.
Eli Bryan, in particular, stood out for his growth into a leadership role. Though his wrestling improved throughout the season, it was his transformation into a vocal, reliable figure in the locker room that earned him his black shirt late in the year.
A Historic Season: Championships and Milestones
Azle’s 2025 campaign was stacked with milestones, culminating in one of the most decorated seasons in program history:
State Dual Championship Title, defeating Frisco Centennial 42-32
Undefeated dual season (14-0)
District 4- 5A Champions, winning by over 100 points
13 regional qualifiers and 8 individual district champions
Region 1- 5A Runner-Up Finish (Azle’s highest finish to date)
7 state tournament qualifiers
8th-place team finishes at State
Coach Harrison highlighted one unforgettable moment: the first match of the State Dual Championship final against Centennial High School. Freshman Tyler Yancey was up first, facing the undefeated, #1-ranked wrestler in his weight class. He stunned everyone with a dominant 8-1 win.
“That match set the tone for the remainder of the duel,” said Harrison. “It gave our team the momentum and belief they needed to go out and finish the job.”
Overcoming Pressure and Performing Under Fire
With the No. 1 seed at the state dual championships came a new type of pressure. Last year, Azle entered as an underdog and finished third. This year, the expectations were different — they were the team to beat.
But instead of being weighed down by expectations, the Hornets rose to the occasion.
“We teach our kids that they have to be their best even on their worst day,” said Harrison. “They didn’t let the pressure or expectations phase them — they went out and performed.”
This mental toughness was forged through hours in the wrestling room, facing adversity, and leaning on each other through injuries and tight matchups.
A Senior Class That Set the Bar High
This year’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership and contributions of a strong senior class, which included five varsity lineup members. They were not only some of the top point scorers throughout the season but also brought heart, discipline, and big-time wins in critical duals.
“They brought a great level of energy and consistency,” Harrison reflected. “They led by example and helped shape the team culture we’re building for the future.”
Looking Ahead: The Future of Azle Wrestling
With a top-tier senior class graduating, the obvious question is — what’s next?
According to Coach Harrison, the answer is: more success.
“We are excited to return our two state finalists who will both be training to stand on top of the podium next season,” he said. “We also return two other state qualifiers and have young talent coming up from our junior high program and underclassmen ready to step into key roles.”
There’s a clear focus on sustained excellence, not just a single standout season. With a deep roster and a culture rooted in accountability, Azle is poised to remain a force in Texas wrestling for years to come.
Offseason Priorities: Back to Basics and Building Strength
For the Hornets, the offseason isn’t about rest — it’s about getting better.
“This offseason, we’re placing a huge emphasis on the weight room and getting stronger,” Harrison explained. “Our wrestling focus is on developing fundamentals and mastering the basics.”
Strength, conditioning, and technical mastery are at the heart of the program’s next phase of development. For a team already competing at the highest level, these incremental gains could be the difference between silver and gold.
Where to Follow the Hornets
Fans, recruiters, and supporters looking to follow Azle’s continued rise can find full results and statistics on TrackWrestling.com. Coach Harrison is also available to provide specific season results at tylerjharrison1992@gmail.com.
Final Thoughts
What the Azle High School Boys Wrestling Team accomplished in 2025 goes beyond records and titles. It’s a testament to buy-in, belief, and brotherhood. From a freshman stunning the top wrestler in the state to a senior class that gave everything to leave the program better than they found it, Azle’s season was a model of what high school athletics can and should be.
As Coach Harrison looks to the future, the mission is clear: continue to build champions — on and off the mat.
With a loaded roster, proven leaders, and a coaching staff committed to excellence, the Hornets are more than just contenders. They’re the standard.
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