Seaman wrestling's Taylie Heston is 'ready whatever is out there' on the mat
TOPEKA — Seaman’s Taylie Heston is a kind, soft-spoken individual who radiates with a smile. It doesn’t take long for all those qualities to change with a fierceness that intimidates her opponents on the mat.
“This sport is physically tough and mentally tough,” Heston said. “It’s just a great sport to be in.”
Heston has emerged as one of the top wrestlers for the Vikings this season. She holds a 25-8 record in the 120-weight class and is coming off a dominant performance in the United Kansas Conference Championship on Saturday.
The junior won all three matches en route to the conference title. It was a back-to-back conference title for Heston, who pinned all three of her opponents. Heston pinned Shawnee Heights’ Addison Cooper in her final match at the 5:17 mark, showcasing her endurance and grit.
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Heston focuses on two important attributes when she is needed late in wrestling matches. It’s about being physically and mentally tough.
“Probably both,” she laughed when asked which aspect was more important.
Wrestling has been in Heston’s life for as long as she can remember. She is the daughter of professional fighter Scott Heston, who owns Heston’s Gladiator Academy.
Not only is Heston influenced by her father, but she has also learned from her older sister, Kaidence. The elder Heston claimed fifth place in last year’s state wrestling tournament before graduating from Seaman. With her family helping, Heston has learned plenty in terms of strength and mental resilience.
Heston also doubles as an 800-meter runner in the spring to add to her repertoire of grueling sports. All of these experiences have allowed her to succeed in tough moments.
“When you’re put on your back and if you lose the part of not being able to get up, you’re just giving up,” Heston said. “Wrestling’s mental part is all about not giving up.”
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Seaman finished the UKC Championship in third place with 129 points. Shawnee Heights won the team title with 217. Heston was the only Seaman wrestler to win an individual title, but four other wrestlers grabbed second place.
Ellie Ayres (100 pounds), Vanessa Scott (115), Margo Crismas (130) and Abagail Soppe (190) finished as runners-up in the conference meet.
Heston has focused on improving her wrestling game while also looking out for the rest of the Seaman roster. Practices have been filled with helping new girls enjoy the sport and succeed at new things.
“There have been a lot of new people and it has been fun to see them learn and get better,” Heston said. “I’ve made a lot of new friends and it has just been fun to be around them.”
The next meet for Heston and Seaman will be the Class 6A-5A regional tournament hosted by Bonner Springs on Feb. 10. Wrestlers must reach the top four in each weight class to qualify for the state championship from the regional. The Class 6A-5A state tournament will begin on Feb. 22 in Park City.
Heston has qualified for the state tournament in her first two years. This year, she hopes to place in the top six, which she has never done. Heston is currently the No. 4 ranked 120-pound wrestler in the state, but she knows that more work needs to be done to achieve her goal.
“I need to train harder and be ready and on my feet,” Heston said. “I need to be ready for whatever is out there.”
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Seaman's Taylie Heston is a fierce competitor on the wrestling mat
