WY high school had a wrestling tournament on December 19-20, 2025, as teams rolled into Worland for the Battle in the Bighorn. For two straight days, the mats stayed busy, the stands stayed loud, and every match felt like it mattered just a little more than the last.
Wrestlers faced long brackets and tough competition, especially with so many athletes they’re likely to see again at State.
Within the larger tournament, the Lady Hawk Rumble showcased some of the toughest girls’ wrestling Wyoming has to offer. From the opening whistle to the final match, every bout was physical and fast-paced, testing endurance, technique, and mental toughness. Wrestlers pushed through early-morning weigh-ins, late-night matches, and the pressure of wrestling opponents they know could stand across from them again in February.
For some athletes, the weekend marked major milestones. Oakley Hepworth expressed, “The tournament was great, there was good competition and it was fun to wrestle girls we will see at State. The tournament was great for me, it was my first win and that was a very cool experience.” That first victory came after hard practices and long hours in the wrestling room, making it a moment she—and her teammates—won’t forget.
The team as a whole had plenty to celebrate as well. A word from Carlee Angell, “The Battle in the Bighorn was really fun! I took third Individually at my weight class. I was close to getting in the finals. The team did great! We got first place and we have a pretty good hardworking team. I feel like we are all just family and i love being with them all! It was a good experience to wrestle some of the wyoming girls and to see what Wyoming Competition is like. We are hoping to be 4 timers as a team for state!”
By the time the final matches wrapped up, the Lady Hawk Rumble had done exactly what it was meant to do—prepare wrestlers for what lies ahead. It wasn’t just about medals or placements, but about growth, confidence, and learning where you stand against the best. In Worland, those two days on the mat set the tone for the rest of the season.
