Centralia’s star wrestling freshman Jayci Shelton is making moves on the mat and in the record books. This wrestling wonder woman remains undefeated and recently became the first ever girls district champion for Centralia – dominating the competition at the Class 1 District 2 tournament.
Shelton is the top-ranked girl at 155 pounds for good reason. She fearlessly takes down experienced upperclassmen with her killer instinct and polished technical skills. Let’s see how Shelton’s stellar season is shaping up:
| Season Record | Undefeated |
| Ranking | #1 at 155 pounds |
| Recent Wins | District champion, 4 pins, a 16-0 technical fall |
| Next Stop | Class 1 State Tournament |
A Force Since Age 5 With All the Right Tools
Shelton has been honing her wrestling talents on mats across the country since she was just 5 years old. With over a decade of experience under her belt, this young athlete possesses both the physicality and mentality needed to come out on top.
According to coach Tyler Forsee, Shelton’s well-rounded skillset makes her difficult to defeat: “She’s good enough that it’s going to take somebody to catch her or go big. I don’t want her to give them that opportunity so just piece them up one point at a time.”
The Key to Her Dominance? Patience
Foresee emphasizes staying patient and disciplined in matches. Shelton took this advice to heart in her surgical 16-0 win over district tournament semifinalist Allison Vacek, who herself had 30 wins this season.
Rather than get over eager chasing pins against tough opponents, Shelton sticks to getting points through her precise, technical style. As Foresee reminds her, “One point at a time.”
Unpopular Opinion: She Makes Winning Look Too Easy
Shelton makes dismantling experienced upperclassmen look easy. Her first victim at districts – Sidney Zimmerman, a 30-match winner – lasted less than one period on the mat with Shelton.
While some may find Shelton’s effortless excellence boring, true wrestling fans recognize they are witnessing the rise of a generational talent in women’s wrestling.
Mad Dog Mattison Hits Above Her Weight
Districts showcased the increased depth of Centralia’s girls roster. First-year wrestler Lyla “Mad Dog” Mattison (what a perfect wrestling name) battled valiantly in her debut tournament.
Despite being undersized at 170 pounds, the tenacious young Mattison went hold-for-hold against the eventual district champ Ellyse Lorenson of Palmyra. Her courageous performance demonstrates the bright future for Centralia girls wrestling.
“She got significantly better and was way undersized for her weight class,” praised Coach Forsee. Watch out for this Mad Dog to make some noise next season.
People’s Champ Shelton Wants Gold for Her Team
With the state championships around the corner, Shelton is staying focused through rigorous preparation. She recognizes that a state title would not just be an individual accomplishment, but a victory for her entire community.
The phenom freshman says it best herself: “Representing your team well is one of the big parts. You want people to know who you are and who you represent — the name that’s on your singlet.”
Centralia has produced plenty of grappling greats over the years. But none with the once-in-a-generation talent and championship mentality of the one and only Jayci “The Phenom” Shelton. Keep making history young queen.
