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After Pinning Down a 3^rd State Title, KHS junior Aulani Davis

Now Shifts Her Attention to Earning a National Championship

Kokomo High School junior Aulani Davis made Wildkat history when she claimed her third Indiana State Girls Wrestling Association Championship Title Friday, January 14^th. Ms. Davis is no stranger to the winner’s podium as she finished her third consecutive high school regular season undefeated. In the 2022 state competition, Ms. Davis opened with a bye that was earned with a regional title. Aulani scored three consecutive victories, all by pin, that secured the gold medal in the 145-pound weight class. The third State title was a huge accomplishment, but Ms. Davis now has her sights set on a larger stage … a National title!

According to Kokomo High School Wrestling Coach Jacob Bough, Aulani’s wrestling season is not over yet.

“Aulani is still coming into the wrestling room at least two to three times a week,” Coach Bough explained. “Before the State tournament, I asked Aulani to promise me that we were not done since we both want a national title. These state titles are great – but now, we want that national title. Aulani is the type of athlete, who knows that if we work hard and stay committed, she can do it. Aulani has the talent.”

Ranked 10^th in the nation in her weight class, the National competition is set for June in Fargo, North Dakota. Ms. Davis is ready to make her presence known. She is a regular in the wrestling room and is committed to putting in the work it takes to be the best. Coach Bough is excited to continue working in the wrestling room with Ms. Davis, but Mr. Bough is quick to credit his assistant coach, Thad Tyra, with much of Aulani’s successes.

Coach Tyra has been working with Ms. Davis since Aulani was 6 years old and he was happy to share his thoughts about why Aulani has been successful on the wrestling mat.

“I have been coaching wrestling for 34 years,” Coach Tyra explained. “I met and began coaching Aulani when she was 6 years old and we instantly made a connection. I knew right away that Aulani was going to be something special.”

Coach Tyra went on to explain that Ms. Davis was beating up on the boys when she was wrestling as a youngster, and even during middle school. This 2021-2022 season is the first wrestling campaign where Aulani has wrestled against only female opponents during competition. Ms. Davis still trains with some of the boys during wrestling practice in the wrestling room to help prepare Aulani for her tougher upcoming opponents.

“Aulani works hard,” Coach Tyra added. “She is dedicated during the off-season, and is always working hard to be a better wrestler. Aulani is very competitive and dedicated to being successful. I think Aulani has what it takes to compete at the next level and even in the Olympics some day. Aulani has worked out with three different female wrestlers from Team USA, and they have become great role models for her.”

Coach Tyra plans to accompany Ms. Davis and her family to the Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota this summer.

“I am usually the first person she calls after a match to ask for instructions and advice since I watch her matches online,” Coach Tyra explained. “Aulani always tells me that she needs me in her corner on the mat; so this year, we are going to make that happen. I do coach very seriously during her time on the mat; but usually, I simply have to give her a look and Aulani knows what to do.”

With an Indiana history-making legacy already secured for Kokomo High School, Ms. Davis is ready to work hard during the next few months that stand between Aulani and her chance to wrestle in the National Championships.

All photos provided by Kokomo Wildkat Wrestling fan, Adam Hartsough