LA CROSSE, WI- Four area wrestling powers will take the mat this weekend as the 35th Annual WIAA State Team Wrestling Tournament takes place Friday and Saturday at the La Crosse Center, marking the first time the event has been held at that venue.
The expanded tournament now features eight teams in each division, and several familiar programs from northeast Wisconsin will be chasing state titles.
Kaukauna Chasing Another Title
In Division 1, Kaukauna enters the tournament as the top seed with a 23-2 record and the program once again carrying championship expectations.
The Galloping Ghosts are the five-time defending state champions and have become one of Wisconsin’s most dominant wrestling programs. Kaukauna has now qualified for the State Team Tournament 24 times overall, including 14 consecutive appearances.
They will open tournament action Friday at 5:30 p.m. against #8 Milton (9-4). Kaukauna advanced to state after dominating the Neenah Sectional, defeating Luxemburg-Casco 62-11 in the championship match.
The Ghosts have won nine state team titles overall, including championships from 2014–17 and their current run of five straight.
Coleman Back on the State Stage
In Division 2, Coleman returns to state once again as the #3 seed with a perfect 19-0 dual record.
The Cougars have become one of the most consistent team tournament programs in Wisconsin. Coleman is making its 19th appearance at state and has now qualified six times in the past seven seasons.
Even more impressive, the Cougars have advanced to the state championship match five times in the past six years, including last season when they finished runner-up in Division 2.
Coleman opens tournament play Friday night at 7:30 p.m. against #6 Port Washington (9-4) after defeating New London 38-30 to win the Oconto Falls Sectional.
The Cougars have won 11 team state championships in program history, including titles in 2000, 2010–2012, 2014, and 2020 in the dual meet era.
Warhawks Look to Finish the Job
In Division 3, Weyauwega-Fremont enters the tournament as the top seed with a 20-1 record after finishing state runner-up last season.
The Warhawks are making their third straight appearance at the State Team Tournament after earning their berth with a dominant 58-9 win over Omro in the Valders Sectional final.
Weyauwega-Fremont will open the tournament Friday at 5:30 p.m. against Glenwood City (20-2).
After falling just short of a title last season, the Warhawks will be looking to take the final step this weekend.
Shiocton Returns to State
Also in Division 3, Shiocton will compete in the team tournament for just the second time in program history.
The third-seeded Chiefs (25-4) previously reached the state finals in their first appearance in 2023, finishing runner-up.
Shiocton punched its ticket back to state by defeating Crandon 58-19 in the Lena Sectional final.
The Chiefs open tournament action Friday at 7:30 p.m. when they face #6 Auburndale (19-1).
Tournament Schedule
Quarterfinal matches will be held Friday evening with sessions beginning at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Semifinals are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, with the state championship matches set for 3 p.m.
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