The Melissa High School Wrestling teams won State Champions and State Champion Runner-Ups at the UIL State Wrestling Tournament this past weekend, February 12-13, 2026.
The Melissa High School Boys Wrestling Team finished the State Meet as the Boys 5A Wrestling State Champions. With the nine wrestlers that qualified for competing in the State Meet, seven of those wrestlers placed in their respective weight classes. Out of the seven wrestlers who placed, the MHS Boys Wrestling Team ended the meet with two State Champions, and three State Champion Runner Ups.
Competing at their first UIL State Wrestling Tournament, Melissa High School’s two UIL Boys State Champions were freshmen Vinny Ferrari and Maddox Fields. The three State Runner-Ups are sophomore Jaxon Johnson, sophomore Kiron Neves, and sophomore Connor Surrette.
“We cannot say enough about the dedication our kids have put into this sport. We want to thank our admin for allowing us to run a program that is second to none.” MHS Boy’s Wrestling Head Coach, Oliver Pierce said, “Our kids were put through a tough competition schedule throughout the year which allowed us to perform well in the post season. We also want to thank the parents of our athletes for trusting the process our staff put together this season. We are excited about the direction of our program and will continue to do the necessary work that it takes to be a championship program.”
The Melissa High School Girls Wrestling Team had nine wrestlers that qualified to compete in the UIL State Meet. Out of the five wrestlers who placed, the MHS Girls Wrestling came home with one State Runner-Up and one State Champion!
The Melissa High School Girls Wrestling Team’s State Champion, junior Malia Griffin, claimed her second State Champion title. She has qualified for state three years in a row alongside this year’s State Runner-Up, junior Mary Griffin.
Girl’s Head Coach Rick Gagarin spoke highly of the team and their accomplishments this season, saying, "What an exceptional season and what a remarkable team I had this year. As impressive as this team was at wrestling, they were even more notable as a group of compassionate individuals who cared about each other's success and well-being, which ultimately fortified our team to achieve their objectives."
"We didn't just share a mat: We shared a vision from the first whistle in the room to the final podium in the Berry Center.” Said Senior Scarlet Hillis, “We proved that when iron sharpens iron the result is pure gold. The season wasn't just about the hardware. It was about the sisterhood that built it."
As the season wraps up, our senior wrestlers close out an impressive chapter in Melissa wrestling history. Senior Tessa Tighe reflected on achieving the goal she set for herself last year, saying, “I met my goal set at the end of last season by making the podium! I ended my last season celebrating 2nd place with my teammates.” Her accomplishment is one of many that contributed to the team’s success this season.
Congratulations to the MHS Wrestling Teams for their outstanding accomplishments and to everyone who has supported them through their Road to State.
MHS Boys Wrestling Team State Placers
Vinny Ferrari (State Champion)
Maddox Fields (State Champion)
Jaxon Johnson (State Runner-Up)
Kiron Neves (State Runner-Up)
Connor Surrette (State Runner-Up)
Johny Lastinger (3rd)
Ray Ndanzia (4th)
MHS Girls Wrestling Team State Placers
Malia Griffin (State Champion)
Mary Griffin (State Runner-Up)
Tessa Tighe (6th)
Payten Gutierrez (6th)
Scarlet Hillis (6th)