On Saturday, March 1, under the bright lights of Jim Norick Arena, surrounded by a sea of viewers, history was made as Cordell sophomore Baylor Moore became the school's first female state wrestling champion. Competing in the 120-pound division, Moore (34-4) secured her title with a decisive pin over Jolee Thomas of Plainview (18-2) to bag Cordell Public Schools' first-ever girls' wrestling state championship. This victory makes her the eighth overall state champion in Cordell wrestling history but the first female to achieve the honor.
For Moore, this victory was more than just a win—it was the pinnacle of years of hard work, sacrifice, and an unbreakable will to achieve her dream.
She described what it meant to fulfill a promise she made to herself at just 10 years old.
'It feels awesome to be Cordell's first state champion, especially because this has been my goal since I started wrestling back in pewees,' Moore said. 'The moment I realized I had won, I started crying because it hit me that I had actually [done] it and that my hard work had paid off. I will never forget the feelings I had while standing on that podium.'
Moore's coach, Jacolby Mitchell, played a vital role in her successful season. He spoke about the nerves and excitement of watching her compete in the finals.
'The whole match, I was up and down and all over the place because it was extremely intense! I sat down one time and was shaking uncontrollably because I knew how important winning that match would be for her,' Mitchell recalled. 'When she got the pin and [I] watched her jump up and scream in victory, it was like watching her finally letting go of the weight and pressure that has been on her shoulders since placing fourth last year. To see all those long practices, road trips, sore muscles, and hungry nights finally pay off for her, and to prove to herself that everything she has sacrificed paid off.'
Mitchell attributes Moore's success to her coachability, determination, and strong support system.
'She wasn't satisfied with just making it to state and placing last year. She wanted to be at the top and be a state champion. To do that, we had to find tough tournaments that would keep pushing her to improve and get her ready for the toughest tournament of the year,' Mitchell said.
'Baylor has a very small group of supporters that have been there for her from the start, and they are [the ones] who remind her that she is not alone and [that] people care about her. Being a wrestler is rough on someone, not just rough on their body, but also on them mentally. We talk about how it is just you out there, no one else, but without the support behind you to celebrate every win or pick you up after every loss, it makes it harder. From parents, friends, competitors, teachers, other coaches, and community members, it takes a whole village to support an athlete, not only during their season but also during the off-season!'
She credits Coach Mitchell with much of her growth as a wrestler. 'When I doubted myself, he was there supporting me anyway. Whether I lost or won a match, he was there to tell me good job and that he was proud of me. During practice, he always pushed me to wrestle my best and helped me work on things I did wrong in my matches. I am beyond grateful to call him my coach and very thankful I had him in my corner throughout this season.'
Moore's parents, Leigh Campbell and Michael Moore expressed their immense pride in their daughter's historic accomplishment.
'Watching Baylor's wrestling journey has been incredible! The amount of self-discipline and motivation she has is unbelievable,' Leigh said. 'Winning state has always been a dream of hers. She has worked so hard for this dream, and to witness your own child accomplish those dreams and make history is just so amazing! She is an incredible young lady and athlete, and we are so proud of her!'
Michael echoed the same sentiment, recalling the moment the referee declared Moore the winner.
'Words can't describe how proud I am of her for finally accomplishing the goal she set out to do when she very first started wrestling! She told me she was going to make history by being Cordell's first girl wrestler to win state and watching her finally achieve that goal Saturday night was unreal,' he said. 'It almost seemed like I was dreaming [watching] Baylor battle so fiercely against a girl that had beat her a week ago in regionals and to show such determination to make it to the end of the match on top. When the referee slapped the mat and raised Baylor's hand, it meant the world to me, knowing that all the time, sweat, and blood she had poured into this sport finally paid off. I believe no matter what she decides to do in life, she will conquer it just like she has on the mat.”
Moore isn't finished yet, with two more high school seasons ahead of her. She has already set high goals for herself.
'My goals for the rest of my high school career [are] to be a two-time regional champion and a three-time state champion,' Moore said.
Her coach is also looking to build on this coaching milestone. 'This milestone has been a dream come true,' Mitchell said. 'I look back at the help and support I have had as a coach and those that have helped shape me as a coach that helped make this possible! I am glad I get to share this memory with Baylor. With this milestone, though, my focus shifts to making sure we can bring home another state champion and get more wrestlers to the state tournament next year. Hopefully this milestone is not the last one anytime soon, and we can build this program back up and be competitive like it once was!'
Moore's victory has made history and inspired the next generation of female wrestlers in Cordell. Young athletes like Vera Burch, who recently won a state title in the 8U division, were influenced by Moore to try wrestling and now see a path forward thanks to her success and love for this sport.
The Cordell community celebrates her achievement, watching her push the limits, set the bar higher, and knowing she has set a new standard for excellence in the sport. She has inspired not just those who look up to her but everyone around her.
As the first female wrestling state champion in Cordell's history and the eighth overall in the school's noted wrestling program, Moore's legacy is just beginning.