Lady Dogies close season — Caster, Matthews earn sixth-place medals
Photo by Ivy Bau
Editor's note: This story has been updated to add quotes form Coach Halle Pillen.
The Newcastle Lady Dogies closed out their 2025-26 season at the Wyoming State Wrestling Championships in Casper with two podium finishes and a weekend that head coach Halle Pillen said reflected the team’s growth and resolve.
“This weekend showed how hard work and dedication can pay off,” Pillen said. “On the girls side, there were a lot of tough opponents and upsets. I think our girls were eager to make their mark, lineups were solid, but our girls didn’t shy away from good competition.”
Sophomore Brylee Caster earned a sixth-place finish at 140 pounds, marking her second consecutive trip to the state podium.
“As a sophomore, Brylee has two state placings under her belt and I have high hopes that she’s going to step higher on that podium in years to come,” Pillen said.
Caster battled through the consolation side of the bracket to secure her medal, finding her rhythm as the tournament progressed.
“Saturday was an emotional rollercoaster watching two of the girls get beat out, but the other two were hunting and caught a flow state that made them unstoppable,” Pillen said.
Courtney Matthews capped her senior season with a sixth-place finish at 125 pounds. Pillen praised her veteran leadership and determination throughout the year.
“As for Courtney, she cashed in all that she had to give which paid off in the end for her senior year,” Pillen said. “She set a great example to these younger girls that if you want something, you have to set your heart and mind to it and the results will show.”
Also competing for Newcastle were Netanya Prell at 135 pounds and Laila Lopez at 235 pounds. Though neither advanced into the placing rounds, both gained valuable experience against some of the state’s toughest competitors.
With four state qualifiers and two medalists, the Lady Dogies concluded the season having demonstrated steady progress and competitive grit. With key underclassmen returning — including Caster — Newcastle heads into the offseason with momentum and high expectations for continued success.
State results
125: Courtney Matthews, 6th.
135: Netanya Prell, did not place.
140: Brylee Caster, 6th.
235: Laila Lopez, did not place