The WIAA Individual State Wrestling Tournament was held February 26 to February 28 at the Kohl Center, in Madison.
There are 54 state champions. The finals for boys cover three divisions and 14 weight classes, with 12 weight classes for the girls.
It was another talented group of wrestlers from Hartford Union High School. Ayden Grulke (285) was impressive on his way to a state championship. Jacob Pekrul (215) earned a 6th place finish, Jacob Kidder (175) was 5th while Parker Neu (157) wrestled to 6th. Ruby Neitzel (185) finished 5th.
A few highlights this season for the Orioles include Parker Neu securing his 100th win by fall in a dual victory over Germantown, Jacob Pekrul earning his 100th win by fall in a dual victory over Mukwonago and Jacob Kidder recording his 100th pin at team sectionals. Gavin Wolters secured his 150th win with a fall in the semi-final at team sectionals. Three talented wrestlers from the girls team qualified for state, including Ruby Neitzel, Alexis Burback and Destiny Loss. They sent six wrestlers to the Beaver Dam Sectionals.
A four-peat. It's rarely brought up in the sport and doesn't happen that often. Not many wrestlers celebrate four state titles. In fact, there are only 32 individual champions in WIAA history. Oconomowoc senior Kellen Wolbert (150) earned his fourth with a win over Samuel Gehring (150) of Slinger. It was recorded as a 19-3 tech fall in the Division 1 finals match. Wolbert earned the top spot on the podium at 120 pounds, 132 pounds and 144 pounds from his freshman to junior year. Wolbert finished his season an impressive 52-0 and will continue his wrestling career at the University of Michigan.
Kewaskum High School produced two state champions. Bryston Scoles (157) wrestled hard and capped off a 44-0 season with his first state title. Ethan Immel (144) also made it to the top of the podium.
Six talented wrestlers from Slinger High School qualified for the individual state meet, including Riley Longdin, Emmitt Becker, Samuel Gehring, Maximilion Gehring, Tatiana Campos and Brianna Gehring.
West Bend West had two wrestlers compete at state. Jack Lubinski (113) and freshman Colin Weber (106). Lubinski earned third place.
Hustisford's Ethan Bryant, who secured 100 wins in his wrestling career this season, qualified for wrestling's biggest stage in Madison.
Dodgeland's Hudson Paar (132) earned the opportunity to compete at state. He finished an impressive season with a 36-4 record.
Lake Mills wrestler Owen Burling (190) earned the #3 seed in Division 2 and ended his senior season on a high note with a third place finish.
Congratulations to all of the talented area wrestlers!
Photo of five sectional champions qualifying for the state tournament from Hartford Union High School include Gavin Wolters, Parker Neu, Jacob Kidder, Jacob Pekrul and Ayden Grulke.
