Kady Theriot’s routine is unlike most high school underclassmen.
Or upperclassmen for that matter.
The sophomore grappler practices twice a day, including with her Bronco teammates after school and then with her club team in the evenings. Only those who have taken part in or watched a wrestling practice understand how grueling that can be.
It doesn’t bother Theriot, however. Mustang’s up-and-comer has officially become enamored with the sport.
“It’s 24/7,” she said. “I have fallen in love with it.”
Theriot qualified for the 6A State Tournament last week with a runner-up finish at the 6A West Regional at Yukon High School. It’s her first trip to the Big House for state and a moment she has been working for over the last three years.
“I just want my coaches and teammates to know how much it matters to me,” she said. “We’ve all put a lot of hard work into this and honestly, I’m really proud of myself. It’s really rewarding being able to show the coaches what they’ve taught me and execute.”
Theriot received an opening round bye before pinning Putnam City West’s Ashley Linares and Norman’s Daviann Morris to reach the semifinals on Feb. 13 at YHS. She then battled her way to a 10-7 win over Altus’ Nataly Gloria for a shot at the West’s top seed.
She lost by fall to Norman North’s Coty Sessions in the finals – a pin at 1:44 – however, Theriot now has more of a gameplan for this weekend.
Kady Theriot stands up against Altus’ Nataly Gloria during the 6A West Regional semifinal at Yukon High School last week. Theriot won a 10-7 decision before losing by fall in the finals. She wrestles tonight in the first round at Jim Norick Arena in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Trey Hunter)
“I had her a few times,” Theriot said. “It was my fourth time wrestling her, so I have an idea of what she likes to do. But I thought about it too much and kind of caught myself. I’m looking forward to getting a shot to wrestle her again.”
Theriot’s love for the sport sprouted three years ago when she first joined the team in middle school. At first, she was afraid of being mocked by other wrestlers and classmates. That feeling evaporated thanks to coaches and certain teammates who had her back.
“My mom wanted me to start when I was seven, but we all just though ‘girls don’t wrestle,’” she said. “But my uncles wrestled, and they encouraged me to do it as well as my middle school coaches. They were really supportive.”
Now Theriot is one of the best young wrestlers in the state. She is already setting a standard according to her coaches.
“She is one of the younger members of our team, but one of the hardest working and most dedicated,” MHS coach Will Staats said. “She practices with us and then outside of the building and is always trying to get better.
“It’s exciting to coach someone who loves the sport so much.”
Theriot is excited to have the chance to wrestle for a state title, however, she also understands the life lessons she is learning along the way.
“You have to make sacrafices,” she said. “Nothing is going to come easy, especially in this sport. What you put into it is what you’re going to get out of it. It’s one of those sports where whether you win or lose, you still have to get on the mat again.
“You have to keep moving and keep learning about life.”
Theriot’s first matchup will be against Ponca City’s Marli Lieb tonight in the first round. Lieb finished third in the East Regional Tournament. The session is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.
“We’re really excited for both girls,” Staats said. “We are glad that MHS is being represented well at state this year. It’s only our second year as a staff and with no girls qualifying last year, you can see the growth taking place.
“Kady, Nevaeh, and the other girls in the room have been at the forefront of that growth for us. We’re excited to cheer them on this weekend.”
