The 2026 Idaho State Wrestling Championships in the 6A division delivered a thrilling showcase of athletic prowess, strategic seeding, and regional rivalries. Held amid high stakes and packed arenas, the event saw record-breaking performances, underdog upsets, and a clear display of depth across teams and districts. Meridian High School emerged as the undisputed powerhouse, shattering state scoring records while District III solidified its dominance in placer counts and top teams. Below, I break down the top 10 teams, spotlight the individual state champions, dive into placer trends, and examine the district-level statistics that shaped this unforgettable tournament.

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.

TOP 10 TEAMS: MERIDIAN SETS A NEW BENCHMARK 

The team competition was fierce, with Meridian not only clinching the title but also setting a new state scoring record at 364.5 points. Their depth was evident with 3 champions and a staggering 18 placers, underscoring a program built on consistency and talent development. Post Falls and Madison followed closely, each leveraging multiple champions to secure podium spots. Here’s the full top 10 rundown:

1.  MERIDIAN (District III): 364.5 points (3 Champions, 18 Placers) – A historic performance, breaking the state scoring record and highlighting their roster’s breadth across weights (9th team title since the first in 1983).
2.  POST FALLS (District I/II): 230.5 points (2 Champions, 13 Placers) – Strong showings in lighter and heavier classes kept them in contention.
3.  MADISON (District VI): 213.5 points (4 Champions, 9 Placers) – Their four individual titles propelled them to third, with standout efforts in the upper weights.
4.  COEUR D’ALENE (District I/II): 206.0 points (2 Champions, 9 Placers) – Balanced placings and key wins in mid-weights secured fourth.
5.  HIGHLAND-P (District V): 125.0 points (0 Champions, 7 Placers) – No titles but solid depth with consistent top-six finishes.
6.  CALDWELL (District III): 106.0 points (1 Champion, 5 Placers) – A single champ boosted their score, backed by reliable placers.
7.  EAGLE (District III): 90.0 points (1 Champion, 4 Placers) – Efficient scoring from limited but high-impact athletes.
8.  KUNA (District III): 76.5 points (1 Champion, 4 Placers) – Another District III standout, driven by a key title win.
9.  CAPITAL (District III): 66.5 points (0 Champions, 4 Placers) – Depth in placings without a champ edged them into the top 10.
10.  RIGBY (District VI): 62.0 points (0 Champions, 3 Placers) – A respectable finish built on a handful of strong individual efforts.

District III’s grip on the leaderboard is unmistakable, claiming five of the top 10 spots and the school with the most placers (Meridian at 18). This regional strength points to top level coaching and competitive district tournaments preparing athletes for state-level pressure.


STATE CHAMPIONS: YOUTH AND EXPERIENCE SHINE 

Fifteen champions were crowned across the weight classes, with a mix of underclassmen and seniors claiming glory. Sophomores led the way with 5 titles (33%), followed by seniors at 7 (47%). Notably, several repeat champions defended their crowns, adding layers of narrative to the brackets. Here’s the full list of 2026 champions:

98 lbs: Bodee Williams (Meridian, Sophomore, District III)
106 lbs: Tristan Mendenhall (Post Falls, Sophomore, District I/II)
113 lbs: Rocco White (Coeur d’Alene, Senior, District I/II)
120 lbs: Brand’n Edstrom (Madison, Junior, District VI)
126 lbs: Jaxson Freemon (Caldwell, Senior, District III)
132 lbs: Ryan Amoureux (Meridian, Senior, District III)
138 lbs: Blake Nevills (Meridian, Sophomore, District III)
144 lbs: Ace Ingram (Madison, Senior, District VI)
150 lbs: Konnor Fordyce (Kuna, Sophomore, District III)
157 lbs: Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge, Senior, District IV)
165 lbs: Damion Hamilton (Post Falls, Senior, District I/II)
175 lbs: Anthony Butler (Eagle, Senior, District III)
190 lbs: Brock Armstrong (Coeur d’Alene, Junior, District I/II) 
215 lbs: McGregor Miller (Madison, Junior, District VI)
285 lbs: Sidi Kante (Madison, Sophomore, District VI)

Multi-time champions added star power: Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge) and McGregor Miller (Madison) each secured their second title, while others like Blake Nevills (Meridian) repeated as sophomores. All-Americans such as Brand’n Edstrom and Damion Hamilton further elevated the competition, with some already committed to colleges like Utah Valley University (DI) and North Idaho College (NJCAA).


STATE PLACERS: DEPTH ACROSS GRADES AND SEEDS 

A total of 90 placers (top 6 per weight) emerged, with seniors dominating at 37 (41%), followed by sophomores and juniors at 21 each (23%). Freshmen contributed 11 (12%), showing promising young talent bubbling up. Seeding held strong predictive power: No. 1 seeds won 8 titles (53%), and the top 6 seeds accounted for 76 placers (84%). However, upsets spiced things up—10 placers from 7th/8th seeds (11%) and 4 from 9th or lower (4%) proved that brackets can flip on any given match.

Multi-year placers highlighted program longevity:

4X PLACERS: Jaxson Freemon (Caldwell: 2nd, 2nd, 4th, 1st), Dylan Frothinger (Eagle: 4th, 2nd, 6th, 3rd), Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge: 4th, 3rd, 1st, 1st), and Logan Shaver (Meridian: 4th, 2nd, 1st, 3rd)

3X PLACERS: Standouts like Rocco White (Coeur d’Alene: 6th, 3rd, 1st) and Damion Hamilton (Post Falls: 2nd, 2nd, 1st).

2X PLACERS: A robust group including Bodee Williams (Meridian: 2nd, 1st) and Blake Nevills (Meridian: 1st, 1st).
The “No. 2 wrestler” stat—11 state placers who were secondary entries from their schools—underscores team depth, particularly for powerhouses like Meridian.


DISTRICT STATISTICS: DISTRICT III REIGNS SUPREME 

District rivalries were on full display, with District III leading in nearly every metric:

Most Top 10 Teams: District III (5 teams: Meridian, Caldwell, Eagle, Kuna, Capital).
Most State Placers: District III (44 placers), far outpacing others.
District VI followed with strong individual showings (e.g., Madison’s 4 champions), while District I/II contributed through teams like Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene.

This disparity suggests District III’s larger population and competitive ecosystem foster more elite wrestlers, though outliers like Canyon Ridge’s Sean Hall from District IV show talent can emerge anywhere.

In summary, the 2026 6A Championships were a testament to Idaho wrestling’s growth, with Meridian’s record-breaking run stealing the show. As these athletes eye national rankings (like Sean Hall’s HM status) and college commitments, the future looks bright. Keep an eye on rising sophomores like Blake Nevills and Sidi Kante—they could be the next wave of multi-time champs.


A CLOSER LOOK AT THE CLASS 6A DIVISION STATISTICS AND FINAL RESULTS

STATE CHAMPIONS BY GRADE

Freshmen: 0 (0%)
Sophomore: 5 (33%)
Junior: 3 (20%)
Senior: 7 (47%)
 

STATE PLACERS BY GRADE

Freshmen: 11 (12%)
Sophomore: 21 (23%)
Junior: 21 (23%)
Senior: 37 (41%)
 

SEEDING STATISTICS 

No. 1 seeds placing 1st: 8 (53%)
No. 2 seeds placing 2nd: 4 (27%)
No. 3 seeds placing 3rd: 3 (20%)
No. 4 seeds placing 4th: 3 (20%)
No. 5 seeds placing 5th: 5 (13%)
No. 6 seeds placing 6th: 4 (27%)

State Placers – Top 6 seeds: 76 (84%)
State Placers – 7th/8th seeds: 10 (11%)
State Placers – >9th seed: 4 (27%)


LOWEST SEED TO PLACE 

165 – Treton Deloney (Timberline, 11), 2nd Place #14
 

MISC. TOURNAMENT STATISTICS

State Placers – No. 2 wrestler: 11 

Returning Placers – Did not place: 4

School w/Most State Placers: Meridian (18) 

District w/Most Top 10 Teams – District III (5)

District w/Most State Placers – District III (44)
 

TOP 10 TEAM SCORES 

1 – Meridian (District III): 364.5 (3 Champions / 18 Placers) *STATE SCORING RECORD
2 – Post Falls (District I/II): 230.5 (2 Champions / 13 Placers)
3 – Madison (District VI): 213.5 (4 Champions / 9 Placers)
4 – Coeur d’Alene (District I/II): 206.0 (2 Champions / 9 Placers)
5 – Highland-P (District V): 125.0 (7 Placers)
6 – Caldwell (District III): 106.0 (1 Champion / 5 Placers)
7 – Eagle (District III): 90.0 (1 Champion / 4 Placers)
8 – Kuna (District III): 76.5 (1 Champion / 4 Placers)
9 – Capital (District III): 66.5 (4 Placers)
10 – Rigby (District VI): 62.0 (3 Placers)
 

2026 INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS 

98 – Bodee Williams (Meridian, 10, District III)
106 – Tristan Mendenhall (Post Falls, 10, District I/II)
113 – Rocco White (Coeur d’Alene, 12, District I/II)
120 – Brand’n Edstrom (Madison, 11, District VI)
126 – Jaxson Freemon (Caldwell, 12, District III)
132 – Ryan Amoureux (Meridian, 12, District III)
138 – Blake Nevills (Meridian, 10, District III)
144 – Ace Ingram (Madison, 12, District VI)
150 – Konnor Fordyce (Kuna, 10, District III)
157 – Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge, 12, District IV)
165 – Damion Hamilton (Post Falls, 12, District I/II)
175 – Anthony Butler (Eagle, 12, District III)
190 – Brock Armstrong (Coeur d’Alene, District I/II)
215 – McGregor Miller (Madison, 11, District VI)
285 – Sidi Kante (Madison, 10, District VI)


2X STATE CHAMPIONS

132 – Sawyer Anderson (Highland-P, 12)*
138 – Blake Nevills (Meridian, 10)*
157 – Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge, 12)*
157 – James Hansen (Madison, 11)
190 – Brock Armstrong (Coeur d’ Alene, 11)
215 – McGregor Miller (Madison, 11)*


1X STATE CHAMPIONS

98 – Bodee Williams (Meridian, 10) 
106 – Tristan Mendenhall (Post Falls, 10)
113 – Rocco White (Coeur d’Alene, 12) 
113 – Cole Jensen (Rocky Mountain, 10) ’25 
120 – Brand’n Edstrom (Madison, 11)
126 – Jaxson Freeman (Caldwell, 12) 
132 – Ryan Amoureux (Meridian, 12)
132 – Matthew Hamilton (Post Falls, 11) ’25 
144 – Ace Ingram (Madison, 12) 
150 – Konnor Fordyce (Kuna, 10)
157 – Logan Shaver (Meridian, 12) ’25 
165 – Damion Hamilton (Post Falls, 12)
175 – Anthony Butler (Eagle, 12)


4X STATE PLACERS

126 – Jaxson Freeman (Caldwell, 12): 2nd, 2nd, 4th, 1st*
126 – Dylan Frothinger (Eagle, 12): 4th, 2nd, 6th, 3rd 
157 – Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge, 12): 4th, 3rd, 1st 1st*
157 – Logan Shaver (Meridian, 12): 4th, 2nd, 1st, 3rd*


3X STATE PLACERS

113 – Rocco White (Coeur d’ Alene, 12): 6th, 3rd, 1st 
113 – Tobias Guillen (Meridian, 11): 5th, 3rd, 2nd 
113 – Gage Loftin (Post Falls, 12): 4th, 4th, 3rd*
120 – Brand’n Edstrom (Madison, 11): 2nd, 2nd, 1st*
126 – Justus Briggs (Meridian, 12): 6th, 5th, 2nd
132 – Sawyer Anderson (Highland-P, 12): 1st, 1st, 3rd*
132 – Matthew Hamilton (Post Falls, 11): 3rd, 1st, 4th 
157 – James Hansen (Madison, 11): 1st, 1st, 2nd  
157 – Aiden Hernandez (Highland-P, 11): 4th, 6th, 5th*
165 – Damion Hamilton (Post Falls, 12): 2nd, 2nd, 1st*
190 – Bradley Bones (Meridian, 12): 6th, 4th, 5th 
215 – McGregor Miller (Madison, 11): 2nd, 1st, 1st*
285 – Kollin Bailey (Rocky Mountain, 12): 6th, 5th, 3rd 


2X STATE PLACERS

98 – Bodee Williams (Meridian, 10): 2nd, 1st 
106 – Tristan Mendenhall (Post Falls, 10): 5th, 1st 
106 – Burke Blue (Centennial, 10): 4th, 2nd 
113 – Jaxon Hansen (Madison, 10): 3rd, 5th* 
120 – Logan Loaiza (Post Falls, 12): 4th, 4th  
120 – Nash Larsen (Coeur d Alene, 10): 5th, 5th 
126 – Adam Ostoja (Meridian, 11): 4th, 3rd 
126 – Ryker Allen (Post Falls, 10): 2nd, 5th 
132 – Ryan Amoureux (Meridian, 12): 2nd, 1st 
132 – Cooper Wing (Timberline, 10): 5th, 2nd 
132 – Brandon Felix (Post Falls, 12): 4th, 5th 
132 – Tucker Clark (Rigby, 12): 4th, 6th
138 – Blake Nevills (Meridian, 10): 1st, 1st* 
138 – Sawyer Sage (Post Falls, 10): 2nd, 4th 
138 – Lochlan McCormack (Capital, 12): 5th, 3rd 
144 – Ace Ingram (Madison, 12): 3rd, 1st 
144 – Ian Avalos (Mountain View, 11): 2nd, 2nd*
144 – Cuyler Johnston (Highland, 12): 5th, 2nd 
150 – Konnor Fordyce (Kuna, 10): 3rd, 1st*
150 – Jacob Vincent (Highland-P, 11): 4th, 4th 
157 – Colton Austin (Post Falls, 12): 6th, 5th 
165 – Brakken Johnston (Highland-P, 12): 6th, 3rd
190 – Brock Armstrong (Coeur d’ Alene, 11): 1st, 1st 
190 – Anthony Butler (Eagle, 12): 4th, 1st 
215 – Gage Ponton (Mountain View, 11): 5th, 3rd* 
215 – Zane Smith (Post Falls, 12), 5th, 6th 
285 – Xander Scholes (Post Falls, 12): 3rd, 2nd 


1X STATE PLACERS (DNP)

113 – Cole Jensen (Rocky Mountain, 10): 1st ’25 
120 – Shane Bayley (Borah, 11): 6th ’25 
120 – Ryker Andreason (Owyhee, 11): 6th ’24 (106s)
165 – Jesus Alvarez (Caldwell, 11): 5th ’25
165 – Gavin Hudson (Borah, 12): 6th ’25 


ALL-AMERICANS*

Brand’n Edstrom (Madison)
Sawyer Anderson (Highland)
Jaxson Freeman (Caldwell)
Jaxon Hansen (Madison)
Grant Gugelman (Madison)
Dylan Frothinger (Eagle)
Blake Nevills (Meridian)
Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge)
Logan Shaver (Meridian)
Gage Ponton (Mountain View)
Ian Avalos (Mountain View)
Aiden Hernandez (Highland)
Damion Hamilton (Post Falls)
Gage Loftin (Post Falls)
McGregor Miller (Madison)


COLLEGE COMMITS

Brand’n Edstrom (Madison), Utah Valley University (DI)
Jaxson Freemon (Caldwell), Western Colorado University DII)
Dylan Frothinger (Eagle), Eastern Oregon University (NAIA)
Logan Shaver (Meridian), Providence University (NAIA)
Ryan Amoureux (Meridian), Eastern Oregon University (NAIA)
Damion Hamilton (Post Falls), North Idaho College (NJCAA)


NATIONAL H.S. RANKINGS

Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge, 12) HM


DIVISION WEIGHT

Place – Name (School, Grade, District) #Seed (All-American)
 
6A 98

1 – Bodee Williams (Meridan, 10, District III) #1
2 – Micah Miller (Coeur d’Alene, 10, District I/II) #2
3 – Braxton Conyers (Rocky Mountain, 9, District III) #4
4 – Ryder Zickgraf (Meridian, 9, District III) #3
5 – River Fitzsimmons (Centennial, 9, District III) #6
6 – Anderson Kartchner (Rigby, 9, District VI) #5
  
6A 106

1 – Tristan Mendenhall (Post Falls, 10, District I/II) #3
2 – Burke Blue (Centennial, 10, District III) #4
3 – Mason Emerson (Meridian, 9, District III) #2
4 – Emillio Peterson (Madison, 9, District VI) #1
5 – Ryker Beeson (Meridian, 9, District III) #5
6 – Emmitt Murray (Kuna, 9, District III) #6
 
6A 113

1 – Rocco White (Coeur d’Alene, 12, District I/II) #2
2 – Tobias Guillen (Meridian, 11, District III) #1
3 – Gage Loftin (Post Falls, 12, District I/II) #3 (All-American)
4 – Alejandro Vega (Meridian, 9, District III) #7
5 – Jaxon Hansen (Madison, 10, District VI) #4 (All-American)
6 – Luther Lawley (Boise, 9, District III) #6
 
6A 120

1 – Brand’n Edstrom (Madison, 11, District VI) #1 (All-American)
2 – Justus Peregrina (Coeur d’Alene, 12, District I/II) #3
3 – Adam Ostoja (Meridian, 11, District III) #4
4 – Logan Loaiza (Post Falls, 12, District I/II) #7
5 – Nash Larsen (Coeur d’Alene, 10, District I/II) #5
6 – Ryan Fuhriman (Kuna, 12, District III) #6
 
6A 126

1 – Jaxson Freemon (Caldwell, 12, District III) #2 (All-American)
2 – Justus Briggs (Meridian, 12, District III) #1
3 – Dylan Frothinger (Eagle, 12, District III) #4 (All-American)
4 – Rodrigue Enock (Caldwell, 11, District III) #8
5 – Ryker Allen (Post Falls, 10, District I/II) #3
6 – Cole Armstrong (Coeur d’Alene, 9, District I/II) #6
 
6A 132

1 – Ryan Amoureux (Meridian, 12, District III) #3
2 – Gunner Sanchez (Owyhee, 10, District III) #5
3 – Sawyer Anderson (Highland-P, 12, District V) #1 (All-American)
4 – Matthew Hamilton (Post Falls, 11, District I/II) #2
5 – Brandon Felix (Post Falls, 12, District I/II) #6
6 – Tucker Clark (Rigby, 12, District VI) #4
  
6A 138

1 – Blake Nevils (Meridian, 10, District III) #1 (All-American)
2 – Jordan Loya (Madison, 11, District VI) #2
3 – Lochlan McCormack (Capital, 12, District III) #3
4 – Sawyer Sage (Post Falls, 10, District I/II) #4
5 – Cruz Ramirez (Meridian, 10, District III) #5
6 – Cooper Wing (Timberline, 10, District III) #7
  
6A 144

1 – Ace Ingram (Madison, District VI) #1
2 – Cuyler Johnston (Highland-P, 12, District V) #2
3 – Dominic Prangley (Coeur d’Alene, 11, District I/II) #6
4 – Draken Miller (Meridian, 11, District III) #7
5 – Darius Case (Meridian, 11, District III) #3
6 – Zander Grow (Capital, 12, District III) #6
 
6A 150

1 – Konnor Fordyce (Kuna, 10, District III) #1
2 – Logan Nitti (Coeur d’Alene, 10, District I/II) #6
3 – Jackson Beck (Meridian, 11, District III) #4
4 – Jacob Vincent (Highland-P, 11, District V) #2
5 – Aiden Valerio (Caldwell, 11, District III) #8
6 – Judah Brazle (Post Falls, 10, District I/II) #7
 
6A 157

1 – Sean Hall (Canyon Ridge, 12, District IV) #1 (All-American)
2 – James Hansen (Madison, 11, District VI) #2
3 – Logan Shaver (Meridian, 12, District III) #3
4 – Aiden Hernandez (Highland-P, 11, District V) #5 (All-American)
5 – Colton Austin (Post Falls, 12, District I/II) #4
6 – Josh MacDonald (Lake City, 12, District I/II) #12
  
6A 165

1 – Damion Hamilton (Post Falls, 12, District I/II) #1 (All-American)
2 – Trenton Deloney (Timberline, 11, District III) #14
3 – Brakken Johnston (Highland-P, 12, District V) #4
4 – Hayden McDonald (Meridian, 11, District III) #2
5 – Tucker Bridwell (Lake City, 12, District I/II) #5
6 – Trexton Harned (Rigby, 10, District VI) #6
  
6A 175

1 – Anthony Butler (Eagle, 12, District III) #2
2 – Leo Klinger (Meridian, 11, District III) #5
3 – Trayson Whitworth (Highland-P, 12, District V) #1
4 – Joshua Rojas (Caldwell, 10, District III) #6
5 – Landon Moore (Post Falls, 12, District I/II) #4
6 – James Ferguson (Eagle, 12, District III) #3
 
6A 190

1 – Brock Armstrong (Coeur d’Alene, 11, District I/II) #1
2 – Beau Steel (Kuna, 12, District III) #3
3 – Colton Munns (Madison, 12, District VI) #5
4 – Drake Speelman (Coeur d’Alene, 10, District I/II) #4
5 – Bradley Bones (Meridian, 12, District III) #2
6 – Reid Pokibro (Highland-P, 12, District V) #12


6A 215

1 – McGregor Miller (Madison, 11, District VI) #3 (All-American)
2 – James Vincent (Lake City, 12, District I/II) #4
3 – Gage Ponton (Mountain View, 11, District III) #1 (All-American)
4 – Liam Rodebush (Caldwell, 10, District III) #2
5 – Carter Smith (Eagle, 11, District III) #11
6 – Zane Smith (Post Falls, 12, District I/II
 
6A 285

1 – Sidi Kante (Madison, 10, District VI) #3
2 – Xander Scholes (Post Falls, 12, District I/II) #1
3 – Kollin Bailey (Rocky Mountain, 12, District III) #2
4 – Seth Mann (Thunder Ridge, 12, District VI) #4
5 – Oliver Byrns (Capital, 12, District III) #5
6 – Wesley Layne (Capital, 10, District III) #7