Midland Christian's Olliff, YWLA's Phillips named Athletes of the Week

Wrestler Jameson Olliff and swimmer Emily Phillips recognized for standout performances

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Midland Christian wrestler Jameson Olliff and Young Women's Leadership Academy (YWLA) swimmer Emily Phillips have been named the Midland Reporter-Telegram's Athletes of the Week for the period of February 9-14. Olliff placed second in the 144-pound weight class at the TAPPS Wrestling State Championships, while Phillips won two gold medals and a silver at the UIL Class 4A Swimming and Diving Championships, helping YWLA to its first state title.

Why it matters

These awards highlight the impressive achievements of young student-athletes in the Midland area, showcasing their dedication, talent, and sportsmanship. Olliff's runner-up finish at the state wrestling tournament and Phillips' dominant performance at the state swimming meet demonstrate the high level of competition and skill in the region's high school sports.

The details

Olliff's state runner-up finish was highlighted by a 14-5 major decision over the No. 2-seeded wrestler in the semifinals, though the MCS coaching staff believed Olliff had pinned his opponent twice earlier in the match. Olliff also beat another opponent with a pin in the quarterfinals before falling 9-5 in the state title match. Phillips won the 500-yard freestyle state championship with a time of 5:02.19, swam the second leg of YWLA's 200 medley relay that won gold, and was the second swimmer for the school's second-place 400 free relay. She also finished fourth in the 100 breaststroke.

  • Olliff placed second in the 144-pound weight class during the TAPPS Wrestling State Championships on February 14 in League City.
  • Phillips competed at the UIL Class 4A Swimming and Diving Championships on February 12-13 in San Antonio.

The players

Jameson Olliff

A sophomore wrestler at Midland Christian School who placed second in the 144-pound weight class at the TAPPS Wrestling State Championships.

Emily Phillips

A freshman swimmer at Young Women's Leadership Academy (YWLA) who won two gold medals and a silver at the UIL Class 4A Swimming and Diving Championships, helping her team to its first state title.

Josh Olliff

The wrestling coach at Midland Christian School.

Steve Flato

The swim coach for Midland Independent School District.

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What they’re saying

“He was leading in that third period against the kid for the state championship. It was a heartbreaking way to lose, but I was so impressed with how well he did. He exceeded my expectations.”

— Josh Olliff, Midland Christian wrestling coach (Midland Reporter-Telegram)

“She's very unselfish. She swam the breaststroke on the relay because she is our fastest breaststroker. But on her individual event, her second-best event is the 200 free or 200 IM. Probably her third or fourth-best event is the 100 breaststroke, but she did that because we didn't have anybody. She is very unselfish and she thought she could score in the top eight for the team.”

— Steve Flato, Midland ISD swim coach (Midland Reporter-Telegram)

What’s next

The Midland Reporter-Telegram will continue to recognize the top high school athletes in the area through its weekly Athlete of the Week awards, which are sponsored by Midland Meat Company.

The takeaway

The success of Jameson Olliff and Emily Phillips demonstrates the depth of talent in Midland's high school sports programs, with both athletes excelling at the state level in their respective sports. Their achievements highlight the hard work and dedication of student-athletes in the region.