The 3A division wrestling championships showcased a diverse array of talent across 15 weight classes, with athletes from Districts I/II, III, IV, V, and VI competing fiercely for top honors. Standout schools like Malad from District V demonstrated remarkable depth, securing multiple podium finishes and two first-place victories. Notably, All-American Drake Morrison claimed the 157-pound title, while fellow All-American Oakley Maddox dominated the 175-pound class. Malad’s consistency was evident in placements such as Riggin Montgomery’s second at 126 pounds, Porter Mills’ third at 138 pounds, and Rydon Montgomery’s fourth at 190 pounds, underscoring the program’s strength in the middle and upper weights.

District I/II schools, particularly Kellogg and St. Maries, emerged as powerhouses in the lighter and mid-range categories. Kellogg’s Colton Storey led the way with a first-place finish at 113 pounds, supported by strong showings from teammates like Jack Jones (fourth at 106) and Chase Scribner (second at 144). St. Maries excelled with back-to-back champions: Kelby Harvey at 144 pounds and Zach David at 150 pounds, both topping their brackets. Additional highlights from the district included Aiden Yearout’s second at 165 pounds and Amado Stewart’s fourth at 157 pounds, reflecting a balanced roster that contributed to several All-District podium sweeps.

In the heavier weight classes, District VI athletes made significant impacts, with Ririe’s Jack Scwendiman taking gold at 138 pounds and West Jefferson’s Mac Hall earning first at 165 pounds. Firth’s Beau Ringel secured second at 215 pounds, while Challis’ Will Whittier dominated the 285-pound division as the top seed. District IV and III wrestlers added to the excitement, with Tri-Valley’s Bill Avery winning at 126 pounds and Eli Noah placing second at 190 pounds. Overall, the results highlighted emerging young talent, including several ninth and tenth graders like Daniel Duke (first at 98 pounds) and Terance O’Connor (first at 120 pounds), signaling a bright future for Idaho’s 3A wrestling scene amid competitive seeding and unexpected upsets.

I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to Scott Hill for providing his comprehensive statistical data from this year’s state championships. His spreadsheet allowed for a much deeper analysis of each division.


A CLOSER LOOK AT THE SMALL SCHOOL 3A IDAHO STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Based on the data compiled for the 2026 3A State Wrestling Championships, the tournament was defined by a strong veteran presence among champions and a high degree of seeding accuracy. Seniors and juniors combined to win 73% of individual titles, while top seeds successfully secured first place in 80% of weight classes. 


CHAMPION AND PLACER DISTRIBUTION BY GRADE 

The data shows a clear correlation between experience and high-level success. While freshmen and sophomores each accounted for only 13% of champions, the senior class led with 40%.

Seniors: 6 Champions (40%) | 39 Placers (43%)
Juniors: 5 Champions (33%) | 24 Placers (27%)
Sophomores: 2 Champions (13%) | 13 (14%)
Freshmen: 2 Champions (13%) | 14 (16%) 


REGIONAL PERFORMANCE (District Placers)

District I/II (North/North Central) emerged as the most dominant region, producing 29% of the state placers. District V (Southeast) followed closely with 26%, together accounting for over half of all podium finishers.

District I/II: 26 Placers (29%)
District V: 23 Placers (26%)
District III: 16 Placers (18%)
District VI: 15 Placers (17%)
District IV: 10 Placers (11%)


SEEDING ACCURACY AND “UPSETS” 

The tournament was highly predictable at the top, with 80% of No. 1 seeds and 67% of No. 2 seeds finishing exactly where they were projected.

Top 6 Seeds Success: 83% of all state placers were ranked in the top 6 entering the tournament.

The "Cinderella" Factor: Despite the high seed accuracy, 12% of placers (11 wrestlers) came from outside the top 9 seeds, outperforming the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds, who only accounted for 4% of the podium spots.

Seed-to-Place Correlation: The No. 1 and No. 2 seeds were far more likely to hit their marks than middle seeds (3rd through 6th), who all hovered at a 33% accuracy rate for their specific predicted finishes. 


STATE CHAMPIONS BY GRADE 

Freshman: 2 (13%)
Sophomore: 2 (13%)
Junior: 5 (33%)
Senior: 6 (40%)


STATE PLACERS BY GRADE

Freshmen: 14 (16%)
Sophomore: 13 (14 %)
Junior: 24 (27 %)
Senior: 39 (43%)
 

STATE PLACERS BY DISTRICT

District I/II (North/North Central): 26 (29%)
District III (Southwest): 16 (18%)
District IV (South Central): 10 (11%)
District V (Southeast): 23 (26%)
District VI (East): 15 (17%)


SEEDING STATISTICS 

#1 seeds placing 1st: 12 (80%)
#2 seeds placing 2nd: 10 (67%)
#3 seeds placing 3rd: 5 (33%)
#4 seeds placing 4th: 4 (27%)
#5 seeds placing 5th: 5 (33%)
#6 seeds placing 6th: 5 (33%)

State Placers – Top 6 seeds: 75 (83 %)
State Placers – 7th/8th seeds: 4 (4%)
State Placers – >9th seed: 11 (12%)

Top 6 Seeds (DNP): 15 (17%)


MISC. TOURNAMENT STATISTICS

State Placers – No. 2 wrestler: 4 
Returning Placers – Did not place (DNP): 8
School w/Most State Placers: Malad (12) 
District w/Most Top 10 Teams – Districts III / VI (3 each)
District w/Most State Placers – District I/II (North/North Central): 26 (29%)


SUMMARY OF TEAM COMPETITON

TOP 10 TEAM SCORES 

1 –  Malad (District V): 264.5 (2 Champions / 12 Placers)
2 – Kellogg (District I/II): 176.0 (1 Champion / 9 Placers)
3T – New Plymouth (District III): 122 (6 Placers)
3T – St. Maries (District I/II): 122.0 (2 Champions / 6 Placers) 
5 – Ririe (VI): 101.5 (1 Champion / 4 Placers)
6 – Tri-Valley (District III): 99.0 (1 Champion / 4 Placers)
7T – Nampa Christian (District III): 75.0 (4 Placers)
7T – West Side (District V): 75.0 (1 Champion / 3 Placers) 
9 – Firth (District VI): 71.0 (4 Placers)
10 – West Jefferson (District VI): 64.5 (1 Champion / 3 Placers)


TEAM AND REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The following highlights specific schools that are powerhouse programs for developing high-level talent:

Malad: Leads the list with 6 multi-time placers, including two 4x placers and two current champions (Morrison and Maddox).
Kellogg: A dominant force in the northern region with 5 multi-time placers, characterized by high-podium finishes in the lower weight classes (113–126).
Tri-Valley & St. Maries: Both schools feature 3 multi-time placers, showing strong depth in the middle and upper-middle weight classes (144–190).


KEY INSIGHTS

Malad’s Dominance: Malad didn't just win; they overwhelmed the field. Their score of 264.5 is 88.5 points higher than second-place Kellogg. Their success was driven by "strength in numbers," boasting a massive 12 placers, double or triple the amount of most other top-10 teams.

Efficiency vs. Volume: While New Plymouth and St. Maries tied for 3rd, they got there differently. St. Maries had 2 champions, whereas New Plymouth reached the same score through depth (6 placers) without a high-point tournament winner.


REGIONAL PERFORMANCE:

District III (New Plymouth, Tri-Valley, Nampa Christian) and District VI (Ririe, Firth, West Jefferson) both placed three teams in the top 10.
District V holds the most "power" at the top, with Malad taking the title and West Side also placing. 


The following outlines the 2026 Idaho Class 2A Individual State Wrestling Champions, highlighting a mix of emerging young talent and dominant upperclassmen.


KEY PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS 

Team Dominance: St. Maries High School and Malad High School led the field with three champions each (including the 1x/2x lists). Declo and Tri-Valley also secured multiple individual titles.

The Elite (2x Champions): Four wrestlers successfully defended or earned their second state title in 2025: Jake Barzee (106), Colton Storey (113), Drake Morrison(157), and Carter Kimball (138).

Senior Leadership: The heavyweight and upper middleweight divisions were dominated by seniors, with 12th graders taking every title from 165 lbs to 285 lbs, including Robert Fuentes (Declo) at 285.

Underclassmen Surge: Freshmen and sophomores showed strength in the lower weight classes. Notably, Daniel Duke (9th) and Terance O’Connor (9th) took titles at 98 and 120 lbs, respectively, while sophomores Jake Barzee and Bill Avery secured the 106 and 126 lbs slots.



The following provides a comprehensive look at the multiple-time state placers in Idaho 1A/2A wrestling as of the 2024-2025 season. Below is an analysis and summary of the performance trends and school dominance.


ELITE CONSISTENCY: 4x State Placers

This group represents seniors who have placed on the podium in every year of their high school careers.

Champions: Elijah Dilworth (Soda Springs) and Jack Willie (Malad) both reached the top of the podium during their careers, with Dilworth finishing on a high note as a state champion.

The "Ironmen": Porter Mills (Malad) and Jace Waggoner (Tri-Valley) demonstrated remarkable consistency, placing in the top 6 for four consecutive years, with Waggoner being a two-time state runner-up.



PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS: Individual talent 

Dominant Champions: Several wrestlers have maintained a "Gold Standard" by winning titles in consecutive years:

Drake Morrison (Malad, 11): 2x State Champion (1st, 1st) in his last two years.
Colton Storey (Kellogg, 11): 2x State Champion (1st, 1st) with a chance to become a 4x placer next year.
Carter Kimball (Grace, 12): 2x State Champion.
Jake Barzee (West Side, 10): A standout sophomore who is already a 2x State Champion (1st, 1st).

Upward Trajectory: Jack Schwendiman (Ririe), Mac Hall (West Jefferson), and Tannon Nelson (Aberdeen) all showed steady year-over-year improvement, moving from lower podium spots to becoming state champions.


2026 INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS 

98 – Daniel Duke (Declo, 9)
106 – Jake Barzee (West Side, 10)
113 – Colton Storey (Kellogg, 11)
120 – Terance O’Connor (Salmen, 9)
126 – Bill Avery (Tri-Valley, 10)
132 – Eian Schwecke (Kendrick, 11)
138 – Jack Schwendiman (Ririe, 12)
144 – Kelby Harvey (St. Maries, 11)
150 – Zach David (St. Maries, 12)
157 – Drake Morrison (Malad, 11)
165 – Mac Hall (West Jefferson, 12)
175 – Oakley Maddox (Malad, 11)
190 – Elijah Dilworth (Soda Springs, 12)
215 – Tannon Nelson (Aberdeen, 12)
285 – Robert Fuentes (Declo, 12)


2X STATE CHAMPIONS 

106 – Jake Barzee (West Side, 10)
113 – Colton Storey (Kellogg, 11)
157 – Drake Morrison (Malad, 11)
138 – Carter Kimball (Grace, 12) ‘25
 

1X STATE CHAMPIONS (2025)

113 – Jack Willie (Malad, 12) 
120 – Kaden Schaff (Nezperce, 12) 
126 – Henry Thomas (Glenns Ferry, 12) 
165 – Aiden Yearout (St. Maries, 12) 
190 – Eli Noah (Tri-Valley, 12) 


4X STATE PLACERS

113 – Jack Willie (Malad, 12): 5th, 2nd, 1st, 2nd 
138 – Porter Mills (Malad, 12): 4th, 4th, 6th, 4th 
150 – Jace Waggoner (Tri-Valley, 12): 2nd, 6th, 4th, 2nd 
190 – Elijah Dilworth (Soda Springs, 12): 5th, 2nd, 2nd, 1st 


3X STATE PLACERS 

113 – Colton Storey (Kellogg, 11): 3rd, 1st, 1st 
113 – Kevin Watson (Kellogg, 11): 5th, 3rd, 3rd 
120 – Kaden Schaff (Nezperce, 12), 2nd, 1st, 3rd 
120 – Johnny Stovern (Kellogg, 12): 3rd, 2nd, 4th 
126 – Henry Thomas (Glenns Ferry, 12): 6th, 1st, 4th 
138 – Carter Kimball (Grace, 12): 1st, 1st, 3rd 
138 – Jack Schwendiman (Ririe, 12): 5th, 2nd, 1st 
138 – Hunter Gamble (Orofino, 12): 5th, 5th, 2nd 
144 – Kelby Harvey (St. Maries, 11): 5th, 4th, 1st 
144 – Chase Scribner (Kellogg, 12): 3rd, 6th, 2nd 
157 – Drake Morrison (Malad, 11): 3rd, 1st, 1st*
165 – Mac Hall (West Jefferson, 12): 6th, 2nd, 1st 
165 – Aiden Yearout (St. Maries, 12): 3rd, 1st, 2nd 
175 – Oakley Maddox (Malad, 11): 2nd, 3rd, 1st *
190 – Eli Noah (Tri-Valley, 12): 4th, 1st, 2nd 


2X STATE PLACERS 

106 – Jake Barzee (West Side, 10): 1st, 1st 
106 – Jack Jones (Ririe, 12): 2nd, 2nd 
120 – Ayden Potter (Malad, 12): 5th, 5th 
120 – Teran Tracy (Raft River, 10): 3rd, 2nd 
126 – Bill Avery (Tri-Valley, 10): 4th, 1st 
126 – Carsun Hinkelmann (Kellogg, 10): 2nd, 3rd 
132 – Eian Schwecke (Kendrick, 11): 3rd, 1st 
132 – Peter Fabbi (Clearwater Valley, 11): 6th, 2nd
132 – Bryce Jensen (North Fremont, 12): 2nd, 5th 
144 – Tanner Labrum (Kamiah, 12): 6th, 5th 
150 – Zach David (St. Maries, 12): 2nd, 1st 
150 – Jayce Haynes (Kellogg, 12): 5th, 3rd 
165 – Conner Christensen (Clearwater Valley, 11): 6th, 3rd 
165 – Kaiser Henne (Nampa Christian, 12): 4th, 4th 
175 – Wyatt Moura (Tri-Valley, 12): 6th, 6th 
190 – Rydon Montgomery (Malad, 12): 5th, 4th 
215 – Tannon Nelson (Aberdeen, 12): 3rd, 1st 
215 – Beau Ringel (Firth, 12): 2nd, 2nd 
215 – Nolan Darrough (New Plymouth, 11): 4th, 4th 
285 – Robert Fuentes (Declo, 12): 5th, 1st 
285 – Michael Lizarraga (Firth, 12): 4th, 3rd 
285 – Will Whittier (Challis, 12): 6th, 2nd 


2025 STATE PLACERS (DNP 2026)

113 – Jaxon Mills (Malad, 10): 5th 
113 – Ryker Spencer (Challis, 10): 6th 
120 – Taylor Izzard (Marsing, 10): 4th 
126 – Ben Reinke (North Fremont, 11): 4th 
132 – Breylon Moon (Ririe, 12): 4th 
144 – Parker Wangsgard (West Side, 12): 4th 
144 – Payton Martindale (North Fremont, 12): 5th 
215 – Rawley Babcock (West Jefferson, 12): 6th 


ALL-AMERICANS*

Drake Morrison (Malad)
Oakley Maddox (Malad)


COLLEGE COMMITS

Aiden Yearout (St. Maries), North Idaho College (NJCAA)


FINAL RESULTS (Top 6)

DIVISION WEIGHT

Place – Name (School, Grade, District) #Seed (All-American)
 
3A 98

1 – Daniel Duke (Declo, 9, District IV) #1
2 – Kallen Price (Malad, 9, District V) #2
3 – Clayton Oxnam (New Plymouth, 9, District III) #4
4 – Brecken Price (Malad, 9, District V) #3
5 – Lane Muilenburg (Glenns Ferry, 9, District IV) #5
6 – Justin Hopkins (Priest River, 9, District I/II) #3
  
3A 106

1 – Jake Barzee (West Side, 10, District V) #1
2 – Jack Jones (Ririe, 12, District VI) #2
3 – Colton Ammann (Nampa Christian, 10, District III) #3
4 – Nayton O’Neil (Kellogg, 9, District I/II) #8
5 – Richard Krohn (Parma, 10, District III) #6
6 – Lowden White (Kellogg, 10, District I/II) #4
 
3A 113

1 – Colton Storey (Kellogg, 11, District I/II) #1
2 – Jack Willie (Malad, 12, District V) #2
3 – Kevin Watson (Kellogg, 11, District I/II) #3
4 – Tadhg McLaimtaig (Priest River, 9, District I/II) #4
5 – Michael Gahles (Parma, 10, District III) #10
6 – Brock Larsen (Firth, 10, District VI) #14
 
3A 120

1 – Terance O’Connor (Salmon, 9, District V-VI) #4
2 – Teran Tracy (Raft River, 10, District IV) #2
3 – Kaden Schaff (Nezperce, 12, District I/II) #1
4 – Johnny Stovern (Kellogg, 12, District I/II) #3
5 – Ayden Potter (Malad, 12, District V) #5
6 – Sebastian Guitron (Glenns Ferry, 10, District IV) #12
 
3A 126

1 – Bill Avery (Tri-Valley, 10, District III) #4
2 – Riggin Montgomery (Malad, 9, District V) #3
3 – Carsun Hinkelmann (Kellogg, 10, District I/II) #1
4 – Henry Thomas (Glenns Ferry, 12, District IV) #2
5 – Luke Nelson (Clearwater Valley, 9, District I/II) #6
6 – Jayden Lunt (Grace, 11, District V) #11
 
3A 132

1 – Eian Schwecke (Kendrick, 11, District I/II) #1
2 – Colter Barzee (West Side, 12, District V) #3
3 – Brayden Cosens (Butte County, 12, District VI) #2
4 – Wahnay Say (New Plymouth, 11, District III) #5
5 – Bryce Jensen (North Fremont, 12, District VI) #4
6 – Kellen Garbett (Soda Springs, 9, District V) #8
  
3A 138

1 – Jack Scwendiman (Ririe, 12, District VI) #1
2 – Hunter Gamble (Orofino, 12, District I/II) #2
3 – Porter Mills (Malad, 12, District V) #6
4 – Carter Kimball (Grace, 12, District V) #3
5 – Tiago Luna (Firth, 11, District VI) #5
6 – Ty Sutton (New Plymouth, 11, District III) #4
  
3A 144

1 – Kelby Harvey (St. Maries, 11, District I/II) #1
2 – Chase Scribner (Kellogg, 12, District I/II) #2
3 – Cael Newby (Grace, 11, District V) #5
4 – Kaden Nokes (Tri-Valley, 11, District III) #6
5 – Tanner Labrum (Kamiah, 12, District I/II) #9
6 – Tyger Hulse (West Jefferson, 11, District VI) #12
 
3A 150

1 – Zach David (St. Maries, 12, District I/II) #1
2 – Jace Waggoner (Tri-Valley, 12, District III) #3
3 – Jayce Haynes (Kellogg, 12, District I/II) #2
4 – Tucker Henne (Nampa Christian, 10, District III) #4
5 – Parker Price (Malad, 11, District V) #5
6 – Declan Yearsley (Ririe, 9, District VI) #6
 
3A 157

1 – Drake Morrison (Malad, 11, District V) #1 (ALL-AMERICAN)
2 – Jose Lara (Wendell, 11, District IV) #6
3 – Hollis Elliot (Grangeville, 10, District I/II) #5
4 – Amado Stewart (St. Maries, 12, District I/II) #2
5 – Wes Gittins (West Side, 12, District V) #16
6 – Jacob Harris (Aberdeen, 11, District V) #15
  
3A 165

1 – Mac Hall (West Jefferson, 12, District VI) #2
2 – Aiden Yearout (St. Maries, 12, District I/II) #1
3 – Conner Christensen (Clearwater Valley, 11, District I/II) #3
4 – Kaiser Henne (Nampa Christian, 12, District III) #4
5 – Peter Hilty (Nampa Christian, 12, District III) #11
6 – Bridger Conant (Oakley, 11, District IV) #6
  
3A 175

1 – Oakley Maddox (Malad, 11, District V) #1 (ALL-AMERICAN)
2 – Alfredo Valdez (Valley, 12, District IV) #2
3 – Wyatt Bingham (Oakley, 12, District IV) #3
4 – Razden Harris (Ririe, 10, District VI) #5
5 – Kent Esplin (New Plymouth, 11, District III) #11
6 – Orrin Farmer (Grangeville, 11, District I/II) #6
 
3A 190

1 – Elijah Dilworth (Soda Springs, 12, District V) #1
2 – Eli Noah (Tri-Valley, 12, District III) #2
3 – Julian Moffitt (Lakeside, 12, District I/II) #6
4 – Rydon Montgomery (Malad, 12, District V) #3
5 – Isaac Hall (West Jefferson, 11, District VI) #4
6 – Zack Sotin (St. Maries, 12, District I/II) #5


3A 215

1 – Tannon Nelson (Aberdeen, 12, District V) #1
2 – Beau Ringel (Firth, 12, District VI) #2
3 – Nolan Darrough (New Plymouth, 11, District III) #4
4 – Cam Bingham (Malad, 12, District V) #3
5 – A.J. Peak (Kellogg, 12, District I/II) #5
6 – Rustle Brusseau (St. Maries, 12, District I/II) #8
 
3A 285

1 – Will Whittier (Challis, 12, District VI) #1
2 – Robert Fuentes (Declo, 12, District IV) #2
3 – Michael Lizarraga (Firth, 12, District VI) #3
4 – Trevor Allen (Malad, 11, District V) #4
5 – Rayden Fisher (New Plymouth, 9, District III) #14
6 – Mack Jorgensen (Grace, 11, District V) #7