Helena Capital wrestler Taylor Lay has once again proved her prowess on the mat, capturing the state championship for the second time in just three years. Competing in the girls 130-pound weight class earlier this month, Lay fought hard to reclaim her title after finishing as runner-up last year, demonstrating her commitment and determination through tireless training and rehabilitation.
Reflecting on the achievement, Lay expressed her disbelief and excitement, stating, “It just felt unreal, I don’t know. It felt great to experience... again. You know, especially after last season.” Indeed, her previous year's disappointment fueled her relentless quest for redemption, leading to numerous post-season workouts and additional practice sessions to hone her skills.
“I wrestled from the moment it ended, all the way up until now,” Lay recalled, emphasizing her dedication. Helena Capital head wrestling coach Shawn Graham praised Lay's hard work and the challenges many student-athletes face, such as weight cuts and injuries. He remarked, “You’ve seen firsthand the amount of work they put in... It takes a lot to get to the point to win the last match of the season.”
Success at the state level is not just about individual accolades; it also has motivational resonance for aspiring wrestlers. Coach Graham highlighted how Lay's achievements would serve as inspiration for future generations of athletes. “Even our camps... we hold quite a few young girls,” he noted. The sight of Lay’s picture on the wall of champions—a wall dedicated to showcasing all Bruin state wrestling champions—represents hope and ambition for young wrestlers. “Every four years... it’s going to really inspire them to want to be there,” Graham added.
For Lay, who started wrestling before girls' divisions were established, her achievements symbolize growth and progress within the sport. She remembers her initial years competing against boys and feels proud to have contributed to the expansion of girls wrestling. “I’ve been wrestling for so long... it’s just good feeling to help it grow,” she stated, highlighting the increased opportunities now available to female wrestlers.
Meanwhile, another inspirational story unfolded at the section semifinals, where Zumbrota-Mazeppa junior Noah Schaefer faced off against Rex Ashford of Kasson-Mantorville. A nail-biting match saw Schaefer trailing 2-0 with 30 seconds remaining. With no options left, he executed a desperate takedown just before the clock ran out—initially ruled out, the referees conferred, awarding him the points to secure a 3-2 win. “I've been working for this one all year,” Schaefer said, recalling previous losses to Ashford. “That one was big. Came down to the wire.”
After overcoming Ashford, Schaefer advanced to the section title match against Cannon Falls' Adam Parrish, where he demonstrated impressive control, winning 8-1. Despite his victory, Schaefer made it clear how important teamwork and camaraderie are by choosing to watch his teammates compete before his own final match. “I'm a captain. I have to watch my boys win out there,” he stated, solidifying his role as both leader and teammate.
Schaefer's triumphant performance at the section titles means he will share the spotlight at the state meet with fellow section winners Sam Moore (114) and Wilson Nordquist (172). Runner-ups Carl Murray (107) and Jent Beyer (121) also qualified for state, showcasing the depth of talent within their team. Schaefer expressed his desire to shift his narrative from being consistently second to achieving victory, stating, “I'm tired of getting second... We're hoping to switch [to state championships] next year.”
These narratives of determination, struggle, and eventual success serve to highlight not only the significant achievements of Lay and Schaefer but also the broader experiences of high school wrestling across the country. Their journeys encapsulate the spirit of competition, resilience, and growth, providing hope and inspiration to new generations of wrestlers aiming to leave their own marks on the sport.