BILLINGS, Mont. — Billings Senior High School’s wrestling team secured its fourth consecutive Montana High School Girls State Wrestling Championship on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at the First Interstate Arena in Billings. The Broncs finished with a commanding 232 points, well ahead of Miles City, who took second place with 148.5 points. The tournament, now in its sixth year, showcased fierce competition across all classes, with several athletes vying for repeat titles and a new generation of champions emerging.
The state wrestling tournament saw participation from schools across Montana, ranging from Class AA powerhouses like Billings Senior and Kalispell Flathead to smaller Class C programs. Laurel finished third overall with 108 points, followed by Kalispell Flathead (102) and Ronan (99). Fort Benton claimed the Class B championship, while Simms took the top spot in Class C. The event highlighted the growing popularity and competitive spirit of girls wrestling in the state, with increasing participation numbers and a rising level of skill.
Billings Senior Dominates in Class AA
Billings Senior’s victory was built on a strong performance across multiple weight classes, with several wrestlers reaching the finals and securing individual championships. The Broncs’ consistent success is a testament to their dedicated coaching staff and the talent within the program. Miles City secured the Class A championship, demonstrating their strength in that division. Complete team scores are available, showing a wide range of participation and competitive spirit across Montana high schools. Billings Senior’s team score of 232 points significantly outpaced their competitors, solidifying their position as the top team in Class AA.
Individual Champions Crowned
Several individual wrestlers distinguished themselves throughout the tournament, with some achieving the rare feat of winning their third consecutive state title. Cali Gorder of Wolf Point emerged victorious in the 100-pound weight class. Wai Fandrich of Billings Senior won at 105 pounds, while Hayley Petersen of Simms claimed the title at 110 pounds. Piper Gershmel (Billings Senior) took the 115-pound crown, and Taylor Lay of Helena Capital won at 120 pounds. Madalyn Deiter from Great Falls CMR was victorious in the 125-pound division, and Julia Kay of Kalispell Flathead won at 130 pounds. Cadence Weis of Laurel secured the 135-pound title, and Meadow Mahlmeister of Billings Senior won at 140 pounds, continuing her pursuit of becoming a four-time state champion.
Tita Fandrich (Billings Senior) won the 145-pound weight class, while Lucy Armstrong of Conrad took the 155-pound title. Jayda Harbaugh of Baker was crowned champion at 170 pounds, and Madilyn Juelke of Miles City won at 190 pounds. Scarlett Hoiness of Laurel secured the 235-pound championship. For a comprehensive list of individual results, including bracket information, a PDF document is available for download here.
Repeat Champions and Rising Stars
The tournament showcased not only established champions but also emerging talent. Meadow Mahlmeister’s victory at 140 pounds keeps her on track to develop into one of Montana’s first four-time girls wrestling champions. Hayley Petersen of Simms also continues her quest for a third-straight title, winning her semifinal with a second-round pin. These athletes represent the dedication and skill that are driving the growth of girls wrestling in Montana. The success of these repeat champions underscores the increasing level of competition and the commitment of athletes and coaches to the sport.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 state wrestling tournament concludes, attention now turns to the upcoming season and the continued development of girls wrestling programs across Montana. The success of Billings Senior, Miles City, Fort Benton, and Simms sets a high standard for future competition. The complete results from the tournament are available for review, providing a detailed record of the achievements of all participating athletes and teams. The Montana High School Association will likely commence planning for the 2027 tournament in the coming months, with details to be announced at a later date.
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