When Legacy Ranch High School opened its doors last year, it did so with only a freshman class. Now in its second year, with freshmen and sophomores, the school is beginning to compete at the varsity level in select sports.

Last month, two underclassmen Legacy Ranch athletes stood on the podium at the University Scholastic League (UIL) state level. Principal Mark Koller said, “The beauty of high school athletics is that these two students may have podiumed, but there are countless teammates and supporters they represent that make us all feel a sense of pride.”

Let’s chat with these medal-winning athletes about their sports, practice schedules and advice for future Wranglers.

David McNally, UIL state wrestling medalist

David McNally moved to Liberty Hill two years ago from the Boston area, bringing years of wrestling experience. Now a sophomore, he has competed at the UIL state meet both years and earned a medal each time. As a freshman, he won a bronze medal in the 120-lb weight class. This year, he took bronze in the 144-lb weight class.

McNally wrestles as part of the school’s athletic program and with the 512 Outlaw Wrestling Club. He also practices at home on a mat. Some days, he trains for up to six hours, combining school and club practices with additional work at home.

He hopes to win a gold medal next year in the 165-lb weight class and would like to wrestle in college. Koller praised his dedication, “David is a tremendous athlete. This is his second year on the podium, and I do not think it will be his last.”

McNally’s advice to future Wranglers: “Just work hard. You can achieve what you want to achieve if you work hard.”

Peyton Brown, UIL state swimming medalist

As a freshman, Peyton Brown earned a spot on the podium at the UIL state swim meet last month. She placed third in the 100-meter butterfly and eighth in the 100-meter backstroke.

Brown’s family moved to Liberty Hill when she was in first grade, around the time she began swimming competitively. Because Liberty Hill does not have a pool that would meet her training needs, she trains at San Gabriel Aquatics in Georgetown. She practices an average of two hours a day, five days a week. She also plays on the school’s basketball team.

In her first year of high school, Brown said she is learning time management and how to balance her responsibilities in the pool, on the court, and in the classroom. She hopes to see more medals added to the school’s trophy case.

“Keep working and don’t let the upperclassmen intimidate you,” she said. “Keep being confident and just do what you know you can do.”

Koller is proud of both students and the example they set for the school community. He said, “They outwork, respect, empower, collaborate and stay kind. Peyton and David Wreck'd State the only way Wranglers know how.”

Way to go Peyton and David! You make all of Liberty Hill proud.