MADISON, WI- The highly anticipated 33rd Annual Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association (WIAA) State Team Wrestling Tournament is set to unfold at the renowned Field House on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison. Teams from across the state are gearing up for intense battles in the quest for championship glory.
Tournament Schedule and Pairings:
Division 1:
The Division 1 quarterfinals on Friday, March 1, kick off with exciting matchups:
- Match-1: #1 Kaukauna (17-0) vs. #8 Homestead (11-1)
- Match-2: #5 Mukwonago (25-8) vs. #4 Menomonie (19-3)
- Match-3: #6 Hartford (15-1) vs. #3 Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln (18-3)
- Match-4: #2 Muskego (23-7) vs. #7 Arrowhead (12-3)
The semifinals later on Friday will set the stage for the ultimate face-off on Saturday, March 2, at 3 p.m. in the Division 1 Championship Match.
Division 2:
In the Division 2 semifinals on Saturday, March 2, at 10 a.m., the matchups include:
- Match-1: #1 Luxemburg-Casco (19-0) vs. #4 Kewaskum (8-2)
- Match-2: #3 Prairie du Chien (27-4) vs. #2 St. Croix Falls (15-1)
The Division 2 Championship Match is scheduled for Saturday, March 2, at 3 p.m.
Division 3:
The Division 3 semifinals on Saturday, March 2, at 10 a.m., feature the following pairings:
- Match-1: #1 Fennimore (15-1) vs. #4 Cumberland (19-5)
- Match-2: #3 Coleman (15-4) vs. #2 Weyauwega-Fremont (19-1)
The Division 3 Championship Match will take place on Saturday, March 2, at 3 p.m.
Team Tournament Overview:
This prestigious tournament, dating back to 1940, has evolved over the years. The format transitioned in 1992 to determine team champions through a separate tournament series involving dual matches. The Field House at the University of Wisconsin has been a witness to the wrestling drama since 2006. This year, 337 programs entered the tournament series, showcasing the depth and passion for wrestling across divisions.
Last Year’s Highlights:
In the 2023 edition, Kaukauna, Luxemburg-Casco, and Fennimore clinched the Division 1, Division 2, and Division 3 team titles, respectively. These victories set the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive 2024 tournament.
Division 1 Field Insights:
The Division 1 field is headlined by the formidable Kaukauna.
The Kaukauna wrestling program stands as a powerhouse, not just in the state of Wisconsin but on a national scale. The Galloping Ghosts enter the 33rd Annual WIAA State Team Wrestling Tournament as the three-time defending champions in Division 1. Issued the top seed, Kaukauna has become synonymous with excellence in the sport.
With an unblemished 17-0 record, Kaukauna is led by a seasoned coaching staff that has cultivated a winning culture. The team’s prowess is not only evident in their recent championships but also in their remarkable consistency. They boast an impressive streak of 12 consecutive appearances in the State Tournament, a testament to the program’s sustained excellence.
Muskego, Wisconsin Rapids Lincoln, and Menomonie are among the contenders aiming to dethrone the Galloping Ghosts.
Division 2 and 3 Contenders:
In the world of Wisconsin high school wrestling, Luxemburg-Casco has etched its name in history with a legacy of dominance. The defending Division 2 champions, the Spartans, enter the 2024 tournament as the top seed, ready to add to their extensive collection of titles.
Luxemburg-Casco, with a flawless 19-0 record, is no stranger to success. Boasting a wrestling tradition that spans two decades, the Spartans have won the Division 2 title an astounding 13 times. Their journey to the State Tournament included a resounding 49-20 victory over Freedom in the Luxemburg-Casco Sectional final.
Guided by a coaching staff that understands the nuances of tournament wrestling, the Spartans bring experience, strategy, and a winning mentality to Madison. Their performance in the State Team Wrestling Tournament will be closely watched, as they aim to solidify their status as one of Wisconsin’s wrestling powerhouses.
For Weyauwega-Fremont, the 2024 State Team Wrestling Tournament marks a historic milestone. Making their first-ever appearance in the tournament, the Warhawks have swiftly risen through the ranks to become contenders in Division 3.
Weyauwega-Fremont, with a stellar 19-1 record, has surprised many with their impressive debut season. The journey to the State Tournament saw them overcoming challenges in the Waterloo Sectional, securing a convincing 42-28 victory over Lomira in the final. Coached by a dedicated staff, the Warhawks bring a blend of determination and enthusiasm to Madison. Despite being newcomers, Weyauwega-Fremont’s wrestlers exhibit skill, tenacity, and a hunger for success. Their presence in the State Tournament adds an element of unpredictability, and wrestling fans will be closely watching to see if they can make a splash in their inaugural appearance on the grand stage.
Coleman High School’s wrestling program carries a rich history of success, with a tradition of excellence that extends back decades. As the #3 seed in Division 3, the Coleman Cougars enter the 2024 State Team Wrestling Tournament with a storied legacy and a hunger for more championships.
The Cougars, making their 17th appearance in the State Tournament, have established themselves as perennial contenders. With 11 team championships to their name, including victories in the dual format in 2000, 2010-2012, and 2020, Coleman embodies the spirit of a program that thrives on both individual and team success.
Their journey to the State Tournament this season included a hard-fought 36-30 win over Shiocton in the Shiocton Sectional final. With a coaching staff that understands the nuances of tournament wrestling and a roster filled with talented athletes, Coleman is poised to showcase their wrestling prowess once again in Madison. As they aim for another title, the Cougars bring with them the weight of tradition and the expectations that come with being one of Wisconsin’s wrestling stalwarts.
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