By Kyle Roberts
LAKE CHARLES, La. — In just its third year of existence, Triad Wrestling Club turned in its most successful showing to date at the state tournament, highlighted by a state championship, four runner-up finishes and a deep roster of point scorers.
Triad brought its largest group ever to the state stage and produced eight podium finishes, signaling continued growth for the Ruston-based program.
Leading the way was Amelie Hebert, who captured the club’s first female state championship with a team-high 26 points. Owen Hebert added a runner-up finish with 25.5 points, while Conner Jackson (18 points), Robyn Harris (15), and Laila Cauley (14) each placed second in their respective divisions.
Brynn Hightower (9 points) and Laini Holloway (11) earned third-place finishes, and Sawyer Madden added a fourth-place showing with eight points.
Triad’s depth proved critical, with additional contributions from Mychael White (6 points), Robert Taylor (5.5), Blayden Daniel (4), Robert Stevens (3.5), Brett Brown (3), and William-James Campbell (3).
Several other wrestlers represented the club at the state tournament, including Austin Jackson, Brennen Jackson, Kate Medders, Bryson Patrick, Drake Russell, SJ Wilson and Brant Youngblood.
“I’m just really proud of this group,” Triad Head Coach Jeremy Hebert said. “We took our biggest state team yet, and they gave us our best state tournament we’ve had as a club. That says a lot about the work these kids and families have put in all season.”
While the medalists headlined the results, Hebert emphasized the importance of experience gained by first-time qualifiers.
“It’s easy to focus on the medalists, and we’re proud of every one of them, but some of our biggest wins this weekend came from kids who just went out there and competed hard on that stage for the first time,” Hebert said.
The milestone performance reflects the program’s rapid rise in North Louisiana.
“We’re still early in this thing, but you can feel the momentum,” Hebert said. “Wrestling is growing in Ruston, and Triad is becoming a big part of that. We’re building something special in the community.”
The weekend also carried personal significance for Hebert, who coached both of his children during the event.
“As a coach, this weekend was really special for me personally because I got to experience it with my own son and daughter,” he said. “That’s something I don’t take lightly. There’s a different level of pride, emotion and perspective that comes with getting to walk through this journey with your own kids.”
The performances also added to the club’s brief but growing history. A year after Owen Hebert became Triad’s first male state champion, Amelie Hebert added another milestone.
“As a dad and a coach, that’s hard to put into words,” Hebert said. “Those are moments our family will always remember, but they’re also moments that mean a lot for the history of this club.”
