Wolbert, Whiting and Peterson Build History with Fourth State Wrestling Titles
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, compiling 81.5 points, although Wautoma/Wild Rose finished as the runner-up with 60 points. A total of 54 individuals earned championships, including 42 boys and 12 girls.
Four-Time Champions Crowned
The most celebrated champions of the tournament were Kellen Wolbert of Oconomowoc, Haakon Peterson of Dodgeville, and Taylor Whiting of Lena, all achieving the rare feat of winning four individual state titles.
Kellen Wolbert’s Historic Run
Oconomowoc senior Kellen Wolbert became the 32nd wrestler in Wisconsin history to win four individual titles, securing the crown at 150 pounds in Division 1 with a 19-3 technical fall victory over Slinger’s Samuel Gehring. WIAA. He previously won at 144 pounds last season, 132 pounds in 2024, and 120 pounds in 2023. Wolbert finished his final season with a perfect 53-0 record. WIAA. He expressed immense joy and gratitude for the support of his teammates and coaches. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Peterson and Whiting Join Elite Company
Haakon Peterson of Dodgeville and Taylor Whiting of Lena also secured their fourth state championships. Peterson won his title bout with a 16-4 major decision at 165 in Division 2, concluding his career undefeated with a 174-0 mark. WIAA. Whiting became the first girl in tournament history to win four championships, winning her title match with a 10-5 decision at 114 pounds after previously winning at the same weight a year ago and at 107 in 2024 and 2023. WIAA. Whiting completed her career with only one loss at 69-1. WIAA
Other Notable Champions
Kawczynski Repeats in Division 2
Port Washington senior Garett Kawczynski repeated as champion in Division 2 at 215 pounds, defeating Max Matthias of Two Rivers with a 7-1 victory. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Kawczynski emphasized the importance of giving back to his community and growing the sport in his town. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Ramage Secures Come-From-Behind Victory
Lake Country Lutheran senior McAllister Ramage won the 132-pound title in Division 3 after a stalling penalty against his opponent in the final seconds of regulation led to an overtime period, where he secured a 7-4 sudden victory. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. This victory marked Lake Country Lutheran’s first individual title in program history. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Beal and Grulke Claim Division 1 Titles
Arrowhead sophomore Zahn Beal secured his first individual title in Division 1 at 126 pounds with a 19-1 tech fall victory. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Hartford senior Ayden Grulke won the 285-pound state title in Division 1 with a 4-2 decision. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Hay and Riebe Overcome Challenges
Brown Deer/Messmer/Shorewood senior Maximus Hay and Wisconsin Lutheran senior Izabella Riebe also captured titles after overcoming previous disappointments and injuries. Hay won the D1 126-pound title with a 4-3 decision, while Riebe secured her first state title in the 235-pound girls bracket with a 4-0 decision. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel