Wolbert, Whiting Lead Historic Championship Performances at 2026 WIAA State Wrestling Tournament
MADISON, Wis. – The 2026 State Individual Wrestling Tournament concluded Saturday at the Kohl Center, crowning champions in three boys’ divisions and one girls’ division. Milton captured the girls’ team title for the second consecutive year.
Record-Breaking Performances Highlight Tournament
Fifty-four individuals earned championships, including 42 boys and 12 girls. The tournament was marked by exceptional achievements, most notably the crowning of multiple four-time champions.
“Fifty-four champions were crowned on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the 2026 WIAA individual state wrestling tournament,”
Four-Time Champions Emerge
Seniors Kellen Wolbert of Oconomowoc (52-0) and Haakon Peterson (50-0) of Dodgeville joined 32 other boys to achieve the rare feat of winning four individual state championships. Senior Taylor Whiting of Lena (16-0) became the first girl in tournament history to accomplish the same.
Wolbert secured his title with a 19-3 technical fall at 150 pounds in Division 1. Peterson won his title bout with a 16-4 major decision at 165 in Division 2. Whiting captured gold with a 10-5 decision at 114.
Multiple Champions Crowned
In addition to the four-time champions, several wrestlers earned their third or second state titles.
- Three-Time Champions: Liam Crook (Kaukauna), William DuChemin (Wilmot), Madilyn Peach (Milton), Lillianna Banks (Menasha), Brooke Huffman (Wittenberg-Birnamwood)
- Two-Time Champions: Camden Rugg (Union Grove), Carson Neubert (Luxemburg-Casco), Kolten Bollig (Evansville), Ethan Immel (Kewaskum), Garett Kawczynski (Port Washington), Blake Underwood (Marathon)
Undefeated Seasons Add to the Drama
Several wrestlers completed undefeated seasons while claiming their championships.
In Division 1, Maximus Hay of Brown Deer/Messmer/Shorewood Hay (32-0), Declan Koch of Neenah (51-0), and Reed Falk of Middleton (51-0) remained unbeaten. Division 2 saw William Christopher of New London (57-0), Bryston Scoles of Kewaskum (44-0), Eli Leonard of Mount Horeb/Barneveld (57-0), and Cael Leisgang of Seymour (41-0) complete undefeated runs. Braden Johnson of Cumberland (52-0) and Karrsen Bussan of Pardeeville (54-0) achieved the same in Division 3.
Girls’ Division Highlights
The girls’ division also saw impressive performances, with Riley Hanrahan of Black River Falls (27-0) winning her second championship. Brynlee Vaughan (Wautoma/Wild Rose) and Laynie Vaughan (Wautoma/Wild Rose) also claimed undefeated seasons, and championships. Izabella Riebe of Wisconsin Lutheran finished the season at 44-0 after a 4-0 decision.
Team Success
Milton captured the girls’ team title, while Aquinas, Evansville, Iowa-Grant, Kewaskum, and Mount Horeb/Barneveld each won multiple boys’ individual championships. Wautoma/Wild Rose was the only girls’ program to win multiple titles.
The boys’ team titles will be determined at the State Team Wrestling Tournament at the La Crosse Center on March 6-7.
State Individual Boys & Girls Results | Girls Team Results
FAQ
- When and where was the tournament held? The 2026 WIAA State Individual Wrestling Tournament was held February 26-28 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
- How many champions were crowned? Fifty-four champions were crowned: 42 boys and 12 girls.
- Who won the girls’ team title? Milton won the girls’ team title for the second year in a row.
Did you know? Kellen Wolbert of Oconomowoc became the 32nd four-time individual state champion in WIAA history.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the State Team Wrestling Tournament next week for more exciting action!
What were your favorite moments from the 2026 WIAA State Wrestling Tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below!