The 2026 Idaho High School State Wrestling Championships in the 5A division delivered a thrilling showcase of athleticism, strategy, and sheer determination at the Ford Idaho Center. With 15 weight classes and fierce competition from across the state’s districts, the event highlighted the depth of talent in Idaho’s wrestling programs. While the tournament was marked by predictable outcomes from top seeds, it also featured inspiring underdog stories, multi-time champions etching their legacies, and teams battling for supremacy in a senior-heavy field. Minico High School emerged as the team champion, but individual brilliance shone brightly across the board. Let’s dive into the top teams, standout performers, and key insights from this unforgettable weekend.

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.


TEAM DOMINANCE: MINICO LEADS A TIGHT RACE AT THE TOP 

The team title race in 5A was a nail-biter, with the top five squads separated by just over 30 points. Depth proved crucial, as programs with multiple placers (top-6 finishers) racked up the scores. Here’s a breakdown of the top teams:

1.  MINICO (District IV) – 189.0 Points (1 CHAMP | 9 PLACERS)
Minico claimed their first-place trophy with a commanding performance built on volume and consistency. Sending a reported 21 qualifiers to state – one of the largest contingents – the Spartans demonstrated unmatched depth, securing 9 placers and one individual champion. Junior Jeratt Robinson anchored the team with a gold medal at 138 pounds, pinning his way through much of the bracket. Other key contributors included Niamiah Naranjo (3rd at 150), Boady Baker (2nd at 175), and Devon Sibbett (5th at 285). Minico’s success underscores District IV’s growing prowess, as they outpaced rivals despite not leading in champions. Coach’s strategy of building a balanced lineup paid dividends, turning potential also-rans into podium regulars.

2.  NAMPA (District III) – 172.5 Points (2 CHAMPS | 9 PLACERS)
Just 16.5 points shy of the top spot, Nampa finished a strong second, fueled by two state champions and nine placers. Senior Ryan Hirchert made history with his fourth consecutive title at 113 pounds, joining an elite club of Idaho wrestling legends. His dominance was complemented by senior Vincent Contreras, who claimed his second title at 132 pounds after back-to-back runner-up finishes. Nampa’s depth shone in lighter weights, with placers like Teagan Navarro (5th at 113, as a #15 seed) and Ilan Shank (4th at 120). District III’s Treasure Valley powerhouse continues to produce elite talent, but Minico’s broader scoring edged them out.

3.  MIDDLETON (District III) – 163.5 Points (1 CHAMP | 10 PLACERS)
Rounding out the District III trifecta in the top six, Middleton scored 163.5 points with one champion and seven placers. Senior Ryan Lewis delivered a highlight-reel performance at 175 pounds, securing his second straight title and earning a college commitment to Western Colorado University (DII). The Vikings excelled in upsets, boasting two #15 seeds who placed: Ethan Woolsey (6th at 120) and another strong showing from Caleb Lombardo (5th at 120 as a #13 seed). Middleton’s grit in the consolation brackets kept them competitive, proving that resilience can bridge gaps in seeding.

4.  BLACKFOOT (District VI) – 157.0 Points (1 CHAMP | 7 PLACERS)
Blackfoot’s 157.0 points came from one champion and seven placers, highlighted by an all-Blackfoot final at 144 pounds where junior Boone Bowman edged out senior teammate Ty Adams for gold. Sophomore All-American Brian Moreno added a silver at 150. The Broncos’ internal competition fostered excellence, with multiple multi-time placers like Damien Avila (3rd at 165) contributing. District VI’s representation was solid, but Blackfoot’s performance signals a program on the rise with young talent like Moreno.

5.  LAKELAND (District I/II) – 155.0 Points (7 PLACERS)
Without a single champion, Lakeland still cracked the top five with 155.0 points and seven placers, showcasing remarkable depth. Standout include junior Carson Leonard (2nd at 120, a two-time champ). The Hawks from northern Idaho punched above their weight, with placers spread across classes like Zach Teal (2nd at 106) and Gage McWatters (3rd at 175). Their consistent podium finishes without a title emphasize the value of team-wide contributions.

6.  BISHOP KELLY (District III) – 125.5 Points (3 CHAMPS | 6 PLACERS)
Bishop Kelly led all top teams with three individual champions but finished sixth due to fewer overall placers (six). The Knights’ stars included junior Jake Mescher (150, two-time champ), senior Tensei Thompson (157, All-American), and sophomore Samson Castillo (165, All-American). Despite the lower team score (without 2x State Champion/All-American Holton Crane and emerging talent, Jax Mescher), Bishop Kelly consistently competed hard throughout the competition.  


KEY TEAM TAKEWAY: District III (Southwest Idaho) dominated with 31% of all placers (28 out of 90), claiming three of the top six spots. However, Minico’s win for District IV highlights emerging parity. The senior class drove much of the scoring, with 48% of placers being 12th-graders, but underclassmen like Bonneville’s freshman Scout Scott (champ at 126) hint at future shifts.


INDIVIDUAL BRILLIANCE: CHAMPIONS, LEGENDS, AND BREAKOUT STARS 

The 2026 5A champs featured a mix of veterans cementing legacies and newcomers bursting onto the scene. With 47% of titles going to seniors, experience ruled, but juniors (33%) and even a freshman showed the pipeline is strong.


STATE CHAMPIONS AND NOTABLE PERFORMANCES 

98 lbs: Apisai Tabakece (Pocatello, Sophomore) – Overcame a #3 seed to win gold, adding to his two-time placer status.
106 lbs: Krew Keller (Preston, Senior) – Capped a three-time placer career with a title as the #1 seed.
113 lbs: Ryan Hirchert (Nampa, Senior) – The undisputed star, earning his fourth straight championship and All-American honors. Nationally ranked (HM), Hirchert committed to Reinhardt University (NAIA).
120 lbs: Ayden Tokita (Skyline, Junior) – Two-time champ and All-American, upsetting the #1 seed for gold.
126 lbs: Scout Scott (Bonneville, Freshman) – The lone freshman champ, dominating as #1 seed in a stunning debut.
132 lbs: Vincent Contreras (Nampa, Senior) – Two-time champ, upgrading from silvers to gold.
138 lbs: Jeratt Robinson (Minico, Junior) – Two-time placer, claiming his first title.
144 lbs: Boone Bowman (Blackfoot, Junior) – Edged teammate in the final for a memorable win.
150 lbs: Jake Mescher (Bishop Kelly, Junior) – Two-time champ and All-American.
157 lbs: Tensei Thompson (Bishop Kelly, Senior) – All-American with a dominant run.
165 lbs: Samson Castillo (Bishop Kelly, Sophomore) – All-American sophomore sensation.
175 lbs: Ryan Lewis (Middleton, Senior) – Two-time champ, committed to Western Colorado.
190 lbs: Camron Pedigo (Mountain Home, Senior) – Upset the #1 seed for gold.
215 lbs: Trey Smith (Jerome, Senior) – Overcame #2 seeding for the win.
285 lbs: Parker Bagley (Lewiston, Junior) – Heavyweight champion, upsetting the #1 seed.


MULTI-TIME CHAMPIONS AND PLACERS 

Idaho wrestling thrives on repeat performers. Ryan Hirchert’s four-peat stands alone, but two-time champs like Vincent Contreras, Ayden Tokita, Jake Mescher, Holton Crane (Bishop Kelly),Carson Leonard, and Ryan Lewis form a formidable group. Three-time placers included Krew Keller, Zach Teal, and John Behm (Shelley, All-American, committed to Tiffin University).

Four-time placers like Hirchert, Ilan Shank (Nampa), Contreras, and Tristan Vega (Burley) exemplify longevity. All-Americans dotted the roster: Brian Moreno (Blackfoot), Tensei Thompson, Samson Castillo, Hirchert, Crane, Tokita, Behm, and Mescher – many of whom could go national in college.


UPSETS AND SEEDING INSIGHTS 

Seeding held strong, with 60% of #1 seeds winning titles and 84% of medals going to top-6 seeds. Yet, outliers like #15 seeds Teagan Navarro (5th at 113) and Ethan Woolsey (6th at 120) provided drama. Only 9% of placers came from seeds 9 or lower, making these runs legendary. The tournament’s predictability (76 of 90 placers from top seeds) reflects rigorous district competitions, but modest upsets kept things exciting.


BROADER TRENDS: GRADES, DISTRICTS, AND THE FUTURE 

Seniors dominated (47% champions, 48% placers), but juniors (33% champions, 26% placers) signal a smooth transition. Freshmen and sophomores combined for 26% of medals, with stars like Scout Scott and Samson Castillo poised for multi-year runs.

Geographically, District III led with 31% of placers, thanks to population centers like Boise and Nampa. Districts IV (21%) and VI (20%) followed, while V (10%) lagged. This disparity highlights resource advantages in urban areas but also opportunities for growth elsewhere.


LOOKING AHEAD

The 2026 5A championships reinforced Idaho wrestling’s strength, with Minico’s team title and Hirchert’s legacy as crowning achievements. As seniors graduate, watch for underclassmen like Tokita, Mescher, and Castillo to lead. With college commits and national rankings on the rise, Idaho’s mat warriors are set to make waves beyond state borders. Until next year, the spirit of competition endures – forged in sweat, strategy, and unyielding heart.


A CLOSER LOOK AT THE CLASS 5A DIVISION STATISTICS AND FINAL RESULTS


STATE CHAMPIONS BY GRADE LEVEL

Freshmen: 1 champion (7%)
Sophomores: 2 champions (13%)
Juniors: 5 champions (33%)
Seniors: 7 champions (47%)


STATE PLACERS (TOP 6) BY GRADE LEVEL 

Total placers = 90 (15 weights × 6 places)
Freshmen: 11 (12%)
Sophomores: 13 (14%)
Juniors: 23 (26%)
Seniors: 43 (48%)


STATE PLACERS BY DISTRICT (Geographic Breakdown) 

Total placers = 90
District III (Southwest): 28 placers (31%) — clear leader
District I/II (North/North Central): 16 (18%)
District IV (South Central): 19 (21%)
District VI (East): 18 (20%)
District V (Southeast): 9 (10%) — lowest


SEEDING STATISTICS / PREDICTABILITY (15 weights × top placers analyzed)

#1 seeds winning title: 9 / 15 = 60%
#2 seeds taking 2nd: 4 / 15 ≈ 27%
#3 seeds taking 3rd: 4 / 15 ≈ 27%
#4 seeds taking 4th: 3 / 15 = 20%


OVERALL SEEDING ACCURACY 

Top 6 seeds produced 76 of 90 placers → 84% of all medals went to pre-tournament top-6 seeds.
Only 6 placers (7%) came from 7th/8th seeds.
Only 8 placers (9%) came from seeds 9 or lower.
14 top-6 seeds (16%) did not place at all (DNP)


LOWEST SEEDS TO PLACE 

#15 seed — Teagan Navarro (Nampa), 5th at 113 lbs
#15 seed — Ethan Woolsey (Middleton), 6th at 120 lbs


2026 INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS 

98 – Apisai Tabackece (Pocatello, 10)
106 – Krew Keller (Preston, 12)
113 – Ryan Hirchert (Nampa, 12)
120 – Ayden Tokita (Skyline, 11)
126 – Scout Scott (Bonneville, 9)
132 – Vincent Contreras (Nampa, 12)
138 – Jeratt Robinson (Minico, 11)
144 – Boone Bowman (Blackfoot, 11)
150 – Jake Mescher (Bishop Kelly)
157 – Tensei Thompson (Bishop Kelly, 12)
165 – Samson Castillo (Bishop Kelly, 10
175 – Ryan Lewis (Middleton, 12)
190 – Camron Pedigo (Mountain Home, 12)
215 – Trey Smith (Jerome, 12)
285 – Parker Bagley (Lewiston, 11)


4X STATE CHAMPION

113 – Ryan Hirchert (Nampa, 12)*


2X STATE CHAMPIONS

120 – Holton Crane (Bishop Kelly, 11)*
120 – Carson Leonard (Lakeland, 11)
120 – Ayden Tokita (Skyline, 11)*
132 – Vincent Contreras (Nampa, 12) 
144 – Jake Mescher (Bishop Kelly, 11)*
175 – Ryan Lewis (Middleton, 12)


1X STATE CHAMPIONS 

98 – Apisai Tabakece (Pocatello, 10)
106 – Zack Teal (Lakeland, 11) ‘25
106 – Krew Keller (Preston, 12) 
126 – Scout Scott (Bonneville, 9)
126 – Camden Kuntz (Mountain Home, 11) ’24 
138 – Jerrat Robinson (Minico, 11)
144 – Boone Bowman (Blackfoot, 11)
157 – Tensei Thompson (Bishop Kelly, 12)
190 – Camron Pedigo (Mountain Home, 12)
215 – Trey Smith (Jerome, 12) 
285 – Parker Bagley (Lewiston, 11) 
285 – Austin Reeves (Hillcrest, 12) ’25 


4X STATE PLACERS

113 – Ryan Hirchert (Nampa, 12): 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st *
120 – IIan Shank (Nampa, 12): 2nd, 4th, 3rd, 4th 
132 – Vincent Contreras (Nampa, 12): 2nd, 2nd, 1st, 1st
132 – Tristan Vega (Burley, 12): 4th, 3rd, 3rd, 2nd 


3X STATE PLACERS 

106 – Zack Teal (Lakeland, 11): 5th,  1st, 2nd 
106 – Krew Keller (Preston, 12): 6th, 2nd, 1st 
113 – John Behm (Shelley, 12): 5th, 3rd, 2nd *
113 – Mikael Teague (Minico, 12): 2nd, 2nd, 3rd
120 – Carson Leonard (Lakeland, 11): 1st, 1st, 2nd 
120 – Ayden Tokita (Skyline, 11): 2nd, 1st, 1st*
120 – Porter Campbell (Preston, 12): 3rd, 3rd, 3rd
126 – Camden Kuntz (Mountain Home, 11): 1st, 2nd, 2nd 
126 – Peyton Keller (Preston, 12): 4th, 2nd, 3rd 
132 – Rydge Vail (Bonneville, 11): 2nd, 6th, 3rd 
144 – Ty Adams (Blackfoot, 12): 6th, 2nd, 2nd 
144 – Kaden Bunderson (Pocatello, 12): 4th, 2nd, 3rd 
150 – Jake Mescher (Bishop Kelly, 11): 2nd, 1st, 1st*
175 – Ryan Lewis (Middleton, 12): 3rd, 1st, 1st
285 – Austin Reeves (Hillcrest, 12): 5th, 1st, 2nd 


2X STATE PLACERS 

98 – Apisai Tabakece (Pocatello, 10): 6th, 1st 
106 – Ty Wood (Sandpoint, 10): 4th, 4th 
113 – Alex Vega (Minico, 11): 2nd, 3rd 
120 – Holton Crane (Bishop Kelly, 11): 1st, 1st*
126 – Dylan Dottaviano (Bishop Kelly, 12): 5th, 4th
126 – Zak Wood (Sandpoint, 10): 3rd, 5th 
126 – Jesse Rae (Emmett, 11): 4th, 4th 
132 – Ty Peterson (Shelley, 11): 5th, 4th 
138 – Jeratt Robinson (Minico, 11): 2nd, 1st 
138 – Ryker Balmforth (Shelley, 10): 4th, 2nd 
138 – Jayden Dodge (Nampa, 12): 6th, 3rd 
144 – Gabriel Costanza (Bishop Kelly, 12): 6th, 4th 
144 – Cole Cooper (Lakeland, 12): 5th, 5th 
150 – Brian Moreno (Blackfoot, 10): 3rd, 2nd*
150 – Niamiah Naranjo (Minico, 12): 3rd, 3rd
150 – Coen Roberts (Lewiston, 11): 6th, 4th 
157 – Tensei Thompson (Bishop Kelly, 12): 2nd, 1st*
157 – Porter Dansie (Blackfoot, 12): 3rd, 5th 
157 – Mason Faling (Lewiston, 11): 4th, 4th
165 – Samson Castillo (Bishop Kelly, 10): 3rd, 1st*
165 – Damien Avila (Blackfoot, 12): 6th, 3rd 
165 – Garrett Larsen (Wood River, 12): 5th, 2nd 
165 – Gabriel Archuleta (Pocatello, 12): 6th, 4th 
175 – Boady Baker (Minico, 12): 2nd, 2nd
190 – Camron Pedigo (Mountain Home, 12): 4th, 1st 
190 – Jeramiah Palmer (Sandpoint, 11): 6th, 2nd 
190 – Dailen Corrigan (Century, 11): 5th, 3rd 
215 – Jackson Holman (Sandpoint, 12): 2nd, 2nd


1X STATE PLACERS

120 – Caleb Adams (Lakeland, 12): 5th ‘25
120 – Nathan Ramsdell (Twin Falls, 12): 6th ’25 
120 – Austin Andersen (Century, 11): 6th ’25 
157 – Kalab Hammer (Lakeland, 12): 4th ’25 
190 – Edgar Gonzalez (Jerome, 11): 6th ’25 


ALL-AMERICANS*

Brian Moreno (Blackfoot)
Tensei Thompson (Bishop Kelly)
Samson Castillo (Bishop Kelly)
Ryan Hirchert (Nampa)
Holton Crane (Bishop Kelly)
Ayden Tokita (Skyline)
John Behm (Shelley)
Jake Mescher (Bishop Kelly, 11)


COLLEGE COMMITS

Ryan Lewis (Middleton), Western Colorado University (DII)
Johnny Behm (Shelley), Tiffin University, OH (DII)
Ryan Hirchert (Nampa), Reinhardt University, GA (NAIA)


NATIONAL H.S. RANKINGS 

Ryan Hirchert (Nampa, 12) HM


DIVISION WEIGHT

Place – Name (School, Grade, District) #Seed (All-American)
 
5A 98

1 – Apisai Tabakece (Pocatello, 10, District V) #3
2 – Tytan Freeman (Shelley, 9, District VI) #1
3 – Cyler Beeson (Middleton, 10, District III) #2
4 – Brannick Reyes (Blackfoot, 10, District VI) #4
5 – Kaynon Navarro (Nampa, 9, District III) #5
6 – Bridger Kemble (Middleton, 9, District III) #8
  
5A 106

1 – Krew Keller (Preston, 12, District V) #1
2 – Zach Teal (Lakeland, 11, District I/II) #2
3 – Cruz Knopp (Lakeland, 9, District I/II) #13
4 – Tyler Wood (Sandpoint, 10, District I/II) #5
5 – Isaiahs Garcia (Nampa, 10, District III) #3
6 – Cylar Bail (Middleton, 9, District III) #6
 
5A 113

1 – Ryan Hichert (Nampa, 12, District III) #1 (All-American)
2 – John Behm (Shelley, 12, District VI) #3 (All-American)
3 – Alex Vega (Minico, 11, District IV) #6
4 – Colby Adams (Lakeland, 9, District I/II) #5
5 – Teagan Navarro (Nampa, 12, District III) #15
6 – Jake Jones (Bishop Kelly, 9, District III) #4
 
5A 120

1 – Ayden Tokita (Skyline, 11, District VI) #2 (All-American)
2 – Carson Leonard (Lakeland, 11, District I/II) #1
3 – Porter Campbell (Preston, 12, District V) #3
4 – IIan Shank (Nampa, 12, District III) #5
5 – Caleb Lombardo (Middleton, 11, District III) #13
6 – Ethan Woolsey (Middleton, 9, District III) #15
 
5A 126

1 – Scout Scott (Bonneville, 9, District VI) #1
2 – Camden Kuntz (Mountain Home, 11, District IV) #6
3 – Peyton Keller (Preston, 12, District V) #2
4 – Jesse Rae (Emmett, 11, District III) #5
5 – Zak Wood (Sandpoint, 10, District I/II) #4
6 – Ashton Lewis (Middleton, 9, District III) #11
 
5A 132

1 – Vincent Contreras (Nampa, 12, District III) #1
2 – Tristan Vega (Burley, 12, District IV) #2
3 – Rydge Vail (Bonneville, 11, District VI) #3
4 – Ty Petersen (Shelley, 11, District VI) #4
5 – Angel Arteaga (Minico, 10, District IV) #5
6 – Cooper Lehosit (Emmett, 12, District III) #6
  
5A 138

1 – Jeratt Robinson (Minico, 11, District IV) #1
2 – Ryker Balmforth (Shelley, 10, District VI) #3
3 – Jayden Dodge (Nampa, 12, District III) #4
4 – Tanner Despain (Blackfoot, 12, District VI) #2
5 – Marcus Swift (Moscow, 11, District I/II) #5
6 – Logan Aquino (Idaho Falls, 11, District VI) #13
  
5A 144

1 – Boone Bowman (Blackfoot, 11, District VI) #3
2 – Ty Adams (Blackfoot, 12, District VI) #4
3 – Kaden Bunderson (Pocatello, 12, District V) #2
4 – Gabriel Costanza (Bishop Kelly, 12, District III) #6
5 – Cole Cooper (Lakeland, 12, District I/II) #1
6 – Landyn Schmidt (Minico, 12, District IV) #8
 
5A 150

1 – Jake Mescher (Bishop Kelly, 11, District III) #1 (All-American)
2 – Brian Moreno (Blackfoot, 10, District VI) #2 (All-American)
3 – Niamiah Naranjo (Minico, 12, District IV) #3
4 – Coen Roberts (Lewiston, 11, District I/II) #5
5 – Mason Baumgardner (Century, 12, District V) #4
6 – Luke Eager (Middleton, 12, District III) #6
 
5A 157

1 – Tensei Thompson (Bishop, 12, District III) #1 (All-American)
2 – Lucas Edmunson (Middleton, 10, District III) #6
3 – Adrian Gutierrez (Jerome, 12, District IV) #5
4 – Mason Failing (Lewiston, 11, District I/II) #2
5 – Porter Dansie (Blackfoot, 12, District VI) #7
6 – Mason Hillier (Bonneville, 12, District VI) #4
  
5A 165

1 – Samson Castillo (Bishop Kelly, 10, District III) #1 (All-American)
2 – Garrett Larsen (Wood River, 12, District IV) #3
3 – Damien Avila (Blackfoot, 12, District VI) #2
4 – Gabriel Archuleta (Pocatello, 12, District V) #4
5 – John Holman (Sandpoint, 10, District I/II) #7
6 – Daniel Johnsn (Twin Falls, 12, District IV) #5
  
5A 175

1 – Ryan Lewis (Middleton, 12, District III) #1
2 – Boady Baker (Minico, 12, District IV) #2
3 – Gage McWatters (Lakeland, 11, District I/II) #3
4 – Christopher Rowden (Mountain Home, 11, District IV) #6
5 – Jaxson Rosti (Middleton, 11, District III) #4
6 – Eric Williams (Bishop Kelly, 11, District III) #5
 
5A 190

1 – Camron Pedigo (Mountain Home, 12, District IV) #3
2 – Jeremiah Palmer (Sandpoint, 12, District I/II) #1
3 – Dailen Corrigan (Century, 12, District V) #4
4 – Robert Demicell (Columbia, 12, District III) #12
5 – Cale Baker (Minico, 12, District IV) #2
6 – Will Adams (Wood River, 12, District IV) #5


5A 215

1 – Trey Smith (Jerome, 12, District IV) #2
2 – Jackson Holman (Sandpoint, 12, District I/II) #1
3 – Emmit Rivadeneira (Lakeland, 9, District I/II) #4
4 – Jose Tamez (Nampa, 12, District III) #5
5 – Daniel Salinas (Minico, 12, District IV) #10
6 – Rogan Boomer (Century, 12, District V) #3
 
5A 285

1 – Parker Bagley (Lewiston, 11, District I/II) #2
2 – Austin Reeves (Hillcrest, 12, District VI) #1
3 – Rider Petersen (Bonneville, 11, District VI) #6
4 – T.J. Callier (Nampa, 10, District III) #3
5 – Devon Sibbett (Minico, 11, District IV) #8
6 – Marcus Arias (Twin Falls, 12, District IV) #4