MADISON, Wis. – The 2026 State Individual Wrestling Tournament concluded Saturday at the Kohl Center, crowning champions in three boys’ divisions and one girls’ division. The tournament also marked a historic moment with the crowning of the second girls’ team champion in its history, as Milton secured the title for the second consecutive year with 81.5 points, followed by Wautoma/Wild Rose with 60 points. But beyond the team scores, the weekend belonged to a trio of wrestlers who etched their names into Wisconsin high school wrestling lore: Kellen Wolbert, Haakon Peterson, and Taylor Whiting, each winning their fourth individual state championships.
The achievement is rare, even in a state with a rich wrestling tradition. Wolbert, of Oconomowoc, and Peterson, from Dodgeville, joined 32 other boys who have accomplished the feat. Whiting, wrestling for Lena, became the first girl in tournament history to reach the four-title milestone. Their dominance underscores a dedication to the sport that spans their high school careers, culminating in a weekend of unforgettable performances. The tournament saw a total of 54 individual champions crowned, with 42 in the boys’ divisions and 12 in the girls’ division.
Four-Time Champions Shine
Kellen Wolbert’s path to his fourth title was decisive. He secured the crown in the Division 1 150-pound weight class with a 19-3 technical fall at 3:21. His previous championships came at 120 pounds in 2023, 132 pounds in 2024, and 144 pounds last season. Haakon Peterson, competing in Division 2 at 165 pounds, delivered a 16-4 major decision to claim his fourth championship. Peterson’s previous victories were at 106 pounds in 2023, 113 pounds in 2024, and 144 pounds in 2025. He finished his career undefeated with a remarkable 174-0 record.
On the girls’ side, Taylor Whiting’s victory at 114 pounds came via a 10-5 decision, adding to her previous titles at the same weight class last year, and at 107 pounds in both 2024 and 2023. Whiting concluded her high school career with an impressive 69-1 record, cementing her place as a pioneer in Wisconsin girls’ wrestling.
Repeat Performances and Rising Stars
Beyond the four-time champions, several wrestlers demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency. Liam Crook of Kaukauna earned his third State title in Division 1, winning the 175-pound weight class with a 15-0 technical fall at 5:33. William DuChemin of Wilmot secured his third consecutive championship in Division 2 at 126 pounds, defeating his opponent with a 22-5 technical fall at 2:12.
Six boys’ wrestlers claimed their second individual titles. In Division 1, Camden Rugg of Union Grove won at 113 pounds with an 11-4 decision, following his triumph at 106 pounds last season. Carson Neubert of Luxemburg-Casco secured the 144-pound title with a narrow 3-2 decision, building on his previous win at 126 pounds. Kolten Bollig of Evansville won the Division 2 120-pound championship with a 10-0 major decision, after winning the 113-pound title last season. Ethan Immel of Kewaskum (144 pounds) and Garett Kawczynski of Port Washington (215 pounds) also secured their second titles, whereas Blake Underwood of Marathon won his second title in Division 3 at 120 pounds with a fall at 3:29.
Undefeated Seasons and Team Success
Several wrestlers completed the tournament with unblemished records. 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) all emerged victorious without a single loss. 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) maintain perfect seasons en route to their championships. Braden Johnson of Cumberland (52-0) and Karrsen Bussan of Pardeeville (54-0) achieved the same feat in Division 3.
In the girls’ division, Madilyn Peach of Milton (40-0) defended her titles at 126 pounds, Lillianna Banks of Menasha (51-1) won her third straight championship at 132 pounds, and Brooke Huffman of Wittenberg-Birnamwood (53-0) repeated as champion at 185 pounds. Riley Hanrahan of Black River Falls (27-0) won her second championship at 145 pounds, while Daelin Cody of Princeton/Green Lake (48-0), Brynlee Vaughan of Wautoma/Wild Rose (44-0), Laynie Vaughan of Wautoma/Wild Rose (46-0), and Izabella Riebe of Wisconsin Lutheran (44-0) all secured their first titles with undefeated seasons.
Aquinas, Evansville, Iowa-Grant, Kewaskum, and Mount Horeb/Barneveld each won two boys’ individual championships, while Wautoma/Wild Rose was the only girls’ program to win multiple titles.
The focus now shifts to the State Team Wrestling Tournament, scheduled for March 6-7 at the La Crosse Center, where the boys’ team champions will be determined. Complete results from the individual tournament and girls team results are available on the WIAA website.
The 2026 State Individual Wrestling Tournament showcased not only exceptional athletic talent but also the dedication and perseverance of these young athletes. As the season concludes, the wrestling community looks forward to the team competition and the continued growth of the sport in Wisconsin.
