The individual high school state wrestling tournament begins today at the Kohl Center, in Madison.

There will be champions crowned in 14 weight classes in three divisions for boys and 12 weight classes in one division for girls. Wrestlers who finished first or second in each weight class at last weekend’s boys’ seven sectionals in each division, as well as the eight girl’s sectionals qualified for the State Tournament. There are 196 qualifiers for the championships in each boys’ division for a total of 588. The girls have 192 qualifiers. There are 222 programs represented at this year’s individual championships for the boys. There are 124 programs represented in the girls tournament. 

Hartford Union High School’s Ruby Neitzel will represent the Orioles at state. 

"I'm excited to go to state. I at least want to win one match this time. Last year I went, and unfortunately I didn't win at all. I'm more confident this year."   

Ruby Neitzel earned a sectional championship and she's one of three wrestlers from the Hartford girls wrestling team that qualified for state.

Hartford’s Jacob Kidder, also a sectional champ, qualified for the state tournament and told WTKM Sports that everyone on the team has been working hard.

"I'm definitely looking to place this year. Last year I had a rough run as a four seed. We have been working hard all season. It's super competitive in practice. Going to state, there is nothing like it. It's electric."

The Orioles boys wrestling team sends five wrestlers to state this year.