District weekend across the Lakeshore didn’t just determine who advances — it clarified who the region runs through, and it introduced a breakthrough story that changed the team landscape.
Whitehall continued its grip on Division 3, capturing a sixth straight team district championship and its 14th in the past 15 seasons. Hart did the same in its division, extending its streak to eight consecutive district titles. When dominance stretches across nearly a decade, it stops being a hot streak and becomes a standard.
Holton Delivers the Breakthrough Moment
The loudest new headline belonged to Holton.
The Red Devils captured their first team district championship in more than 14 years, delivering a week that was equal parts grit and breakthrough. Holton edged No. 5-ranked Lakeview 36–35 in a dramatic district semifinal before finishing the job with a 44–32 win over Hesperia in the championship match. It’s the type of result that resets a program’s trajectory — proof that the room’s work is translating into postseason wins.
Holton now advances to the regional semifinal to face Coleman at Leroy Pine River, stepping into the next round with momentum and a new level of belief.
Holton’s surge didn’t stop with the team trophy. The Red Devils also produced four individual regional qualifiers this weekend: Jackson Domanski (106, 3rd), Kole Nichols (113, 2nd), Donnie Burkett (165, 3rd), and Justice Hill (100, 2nd). That combination — team hardware plus multiple individual qualifiers — is often the clearest sign that a program isn’t just catching lightning once, but building depth that can last.
Whitehall Remains the Benchmark
For Whitehall, the team title was only part of the statement.
The Vikings advanced 11 of 14 wrestlers to individual regionals, led by district champions Cody Manzo (126), Max Krukowski (132), and Liam Leeke (157). It’s not just that they win — it’s how consistently they peak in February. With Team Regionals ahead at Kent City, the question isn’t whether Whitehall belongs. It’s whether anyone can disrupt the structure they’ve built.
Hart Extends a Dynasty
Hart delivered a similar message.
Eight straight district titles doesn’t happen without buy-in across classes and seasons. The Pirates continue to show they understand what postseason wrestling demands. Sustained success shifts pressure — advancement is expected, and anything less feels unusual. That’s the territory Hart now occupies.
Girls Wrestling Keeps Redefining What’s Possible
While the established powers reinforced their identity and Holton delivered the weekend’s biggest breakthrough, one of the most meaningful developments across the region came from the continued rise of girls wrestling programs.
Whitehall’s Kassie Sapp captured a district championship in dominant fashion, winning all her matches by pin. Montague celebrated a milestone moment as Zenya Meza became the first female district champion in program history. That’s the kind of win that goes beyond a bracket — it shifts what younger athletes believe is possible, and it sets a new standard for the Wildcats’ girls program moving forward.
Ludington also made history, with Katy Gable and Laela Rice becoming the first girls regional qualifiers in school history after third-place district finishes. And in Manistee, Ava Pike closed her career with another state finals appearance, cementing her place as a three-time state qualifier and the first female All-State placer in program history (eighth as a junior). Taken together, these aren’t isolated achievements — they’re proof that girls wrestling in the region isn’t just growing. It’s arriving.
Montague’s Veterans Deliver When It Counts
On the boys side, Montague saw its senior leadership deliver in a big way.
Fletcher Thommen (150) and Isaac French (175) captured district titles, while Maverick Osborne (runner-up) and Gavyn Maddox (fourth) advanced. It’s the type of postseason response teams hope for from veterans — and it keeps the Wildcats in the mix heading into the next round.
Hesperia Advances Talent on Both Sides
Hesperia showed depth across its program despite falling in the team district final to Holton.
The Panthers are sending five boys to individual regionals in St. Louis, including district champions Noah Walker and Carter Fuentes, along with runner-up finishers Ryan Fuentes, Aiden Smith, and Grayson Gould. On the girls side, Lacey Mey placed fourth to qualify for regionals in Cadillac. That balance suggests growth that extends beyond one standout athlete — and sets up a program that can keep pushing.
Ludington Ends the Team Season Short-Handed, Eyes the Future
Ludington’s team season ended under difficult circumstances, but the context matters.
Entering Division 2 team districts with only 10 wrestlers due to illness and other absences, the Orioles surrendered 36 uncontested points in a 59-12 loss to Alpena. Owen Young delivered a late pin in a tightly contested match, and Chase Gable added points by forfeit.
Perhaps the most important detail: Ludington has no seniors. Every wrestler is eligible to return next season.
Manistee Moves Forward and Honors a Legacy
Manistee continues its postseason journey with Peyton Stallings advancing after a fourth-place district finish in Grayling. He heads to Boyne City for regionals, representing the program’s present.
The program also closed a historic chapter with Ava Pike, who finished her career with another state finals appearance, three state qualifications, and the distinction of being Manistee’s first female All-State placer.
What Comes Next
Districts are often treated as a checkpoint. This year, they felt more like a measuring stick.
Whitehall and Hart remain the standard. Holton delivered the breakout moment that changes the team conversation. Montague and Hesperia are producing at the right time. Ludington and Manistee are navigating adversity while laying groundwork. And across the board, girls wrestling is no longer emerging — it’s establishing itself.
Regionals will decide who extends their season. But districts already revealed who is peaking, who is building, and who is changing the landscape of Lakeshore wrestling.
https://www.mhsaa.com/sports/wrestling/brackets/new?division=3&year=2025-26
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