WHS Girls Wrestling: A Season of Highlights

Waller High School’s (WHS) girls wrestling team wrapped up one of the most successful sports seasons in the history of the school with a fifth place finish at the UIL State Championships Feb. 22-23. The Lady Bulldogs qualified six wrestlers (second most in the state behind five time champion Amarillo Caprock) out of 10 weight classes with five wrestlers placing in the top eight.
     The team started its successful run by taking fourth place against a tough field in the Lone Star Duals at South Grand Prairie High School. The girls were recognized not only for their grit, but also their class as they were awarded the annual Lone Star Duals Sportsmanship medal for their efforts both on the mat and off.
     The season continued with WHS’ first ever athletic State championship when the Lady Bulldogs captured the Texas High School Wrestling Coaches Association (T.H.S.W.C.A.) State Duals title Jan. 19 in Katy ISD’s Merrell Center. The ladies defeated teams in a statewide competition to reach the finals where they collided with Houston rival Cy-Ridge in an action packed final. While not all wrestlers on the team saw mat time, the energy and excitement displayed on the bench displayed the true spirit of the Bulldog wrestling program; its chemistry and depth.
     After a week off to rest, the girls’ returned to action at the District 22-5A tournament at Katy Taylor High School. The girls brought nine entries into the tournament and placed all nine wrestlers en route to reclaiming the District title from rival Katy High School in a closely contested tournament. Head Coach Jason Thurston was named District 22 Coach of the Year.
     The Lady Bulldogs headed back to the Merrell Center for their season goal; win the UIL Region III Championship. All six wrestlers placed in the top four to earn a trip to Austin for the State tournament. Thurston was named Region III Coach of the Year as the girls again defeated District rival Katy High School, this time for the Region III crown.
     This years team has several leaders in the form of seniors Courtney Bates, Whitney Disotelle, Amanda Kelso, and April Parmigiani; junior Meagan Fellers; and sophomore Shelby Fellers.
     Bates, at 165 pounds (lbs.), finished 35-18 this season. She went 2-2 at the State tournament to finish top eight in Texas. Bates’ gutsy performance against State bronze medalist Kendra Lewis of Cy-Ridge at the State Duals helped to secure the State Dual Title for the Lady Bulldogs.
     Team captain Disotelle, at 138 lbs., finished at 38-6 this season and holds the school record for most pins in a career at 119. Her 129 career wins sits fourth all-time in Texas high school wrestling history. Whitney has won 18 tournaments including five this season. Her career is highlighted with three District gold medals including two District MOW awards, two Region III gold medals along with one Regional silver medal. Disotelle has been named All-State three times; taking fifth in 2006, sixth in 2008, and the State silver medal in 2007. She was named team co-captain in her senior season, and is also a three time team Most Outstanding Wrestler (MOW).
     Team captain Kelso, at 128 lbs., finished 42-6 on the season. Her 140 career victories stand as second most in Texas high school wrestling history. Kelso has won 17 tournaments, including six this season. Her career is highlighted with three District gold medals, one Region III gold medal in addition to two Regional silver medals, and the 2007 UIL State bronze medal. She has been the team captain for three years and also a three year team MOW.
     Parmigiani, at 215 lbs., finished 25-18 this season including several runner-up finishes to the number one wrestler in the state. She accomplished her goal of being a State qualifier in a very tough field. Parmigiani finished her career as the District runner-up, Region III bronze medalist, and a State qualifier.
     Maegan Fellers, at 185 lbs., finished 31-9 and has surprised many opponents on her route to winning six tournaments including the District 22 and Region III 185 lb. title. She has worked very hard both on the mat and in the classroom; improving her grades throughout the season. Maegan was named All-State at 185 lbs. with her sixth place finish at the State tournament
     Shelby Fellers, at 148 lbs., finished at 31-13. Shelby is a second year wrestler who came on strong at the end of the season. Her athleticism helped her to earn silver medals at the District tournament and Regional tournament. Shelby continued her rise by pinning Region II champion Karra Stratton from Frisco–Wakeland in the State semi-finals to finish as the 2008 148 lb. State Silver Medalist.
     These wrestlers were able to shine thanks in part to a cast of teammates that worked hard at tournaments, dual meets, and especially practices.  Wrestlers Chelsea Stanley, Shyann Miller, Kristi Hansen, Shannon Bronikowski, and Ashton Broadrick brought tremendous work ethic and character to the team.  The girls became famous at tournaments for their crazy socks, unusual ways of warming up for matches, and just plain having fun together. The Lady Bulldogs have been known to play duck-duck-goose, build human pyramids and play chicken moments before some of the biggest matches of the year. There would be no other way to end a seasonal wrap-up story than the way the wrestling team ends every practice and every tournament, with the renowned Waller Wrestler’s Prayer. Congratulations on a great season Bulldogs!!
     The Wrestler’s Prayer: Winning isn’t a sometime thing. It’s an all the time thing. You don’t win once in a while. You don’t do things right once in a while. You do them right all the time. There isn’t any room for second place. There’s only one place, and that’s FIRST PLACE!