Name: Grayson Mahla
School: Richland
Age: 18
Grade: 12
Sports: Football and wrestling
Parents: Jason and Kristin Mahla, of Richland
Athletic achievements: In football, 2025 Pennsylvania Football Writers’ Class 2A all-state team, 2025 Pennsylvania Football News’ coaches select all-state first-team selection, 2025 The Tribune-Democrat defensive player of the year, 2025 District 6 Class 2A champions, 2025 Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference West first-team defense and second-team offense, 2024 The Tribune-Democrat All-Area honorable mention and 2023 LHAC West honorable mention; in wrestling, 91-42 record and 2025 state qualifier; in track and field, 2025 LHAC javelin champion.
Coach’s quote: “The stats tell part of the story, but his impact on our culture tells the rest. Grayson’s work ethic and leadership set the tone for everyone. His peers have ultimate respect for him, and there isn’t a guy on this team who doesn’t love going into battle alongside him. Leading a team to the PIAA District 6-2A championship game three years in a row doesn’t happen by accident. Grayson is the backbone of our squad, and when the bright lights are on, he delivers.”
– Richland football coach Brandon Bailey
Favorite subject: Applied business concepts
Favorite movie: “300”
Favorite book: “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite teacher (subject taught): Mr. Reynolds (applied business concepts)
Favorite song: “Missed Call” by Treaty Oak Revival
Favorite app on your phone: Instagram
Outside interests: Hunting, lifting, working and spending time with my family and dogs.
If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?: I would be a lion because I think I’m very independent, but I also value my friends and family.
Favorite athletic team: Penn State
Athlete most admired: Former NFL linebacker Reuben Foster
Most influential person on my athletic career: My father, Jason
Most impressive athlete that you have competed against: Farrell graduate and Slippery Rock University football player JuJu Johnson
Proudest athletic achievement: Being a PIAA wrestling state qualifier
How I got my start: I started playing sports when I was very young because my parents encouraged me to be a part of a team and learn what it means to be a leader. They both also encouraged me to be aggressive and work extremely hard toward my goals, so I believe that is why I play football and wrestle.
Future goal: My future goals are to be a better son, brother and friend to everyone around me. I want to make sure that I don’t wonder “What if?” when it’s too late and always stay in constant pursuit of my goals and ambitions.
- Jake Oswalt