Johnson County Celebrates Winter Sports Dominance

Three team state titles and multiple individual champions highlight a historic winter season for local schools

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Johnson County, Indiana has experienced an unprecedented winter sports season, with three local high school teams capturing state championships in a span of just 43 days. The Whiteland girls' wrestling team, Center Grove boys' wrestling team, and Center Grove girls' basketball team all won state titles, while several individual athletes also won state championships in wrestling and swimming.

Why it matters

This level of athletic success across multiple sports and schools in such a short timeframe is highly unusual, even for a sports-rich region like Johnson County. The accomplishments showcase the depth of talent and coaching expertise within the local high school athletic programs, and have generated immense community pride and excitement.

The details

Whiteland's girls' wrestling team made history as the first state champion in school history, led by sophomore state champions Kaitlynn Fouty and Mikayla Perkins. Center Grove's boys' wrestling team finally broke through after three straight runner-up finishes, with junior Sean Breedlove clinching the title. The Center Grove girls' basketball team capped a perfect 29-0 season with a state championship victory. Franklin senior Lucas Ackermann also won an individual state title in the 100-yard breaststroke.

  • On January 16, the Whiteland girls' wrestling team won the state championship.
  • In early February, the Center Grove boys' wrestling team won the state title.
  • On March 4, the Center Grove girls' basketball team won the Class 4A state championship.
  • Also on March 4, Franklin senior Lucas Ackermann won the 100-yard breaststroke state title.

The players

Kaitlynn Fouty

Sophomore state champion wrestler for Whiteland High School.

Mikayla Perkins

Sophomore state champion wrestler for Whiteland High School.

Sean Breedlove

Junior wrestler who clinched the state title for the Center Grove boys' wrestling team.

Lucas Ackermann

Franklin High School senior who won the 100-yard breaststroke state championship.

David Edens

Whiteland High School athletic director.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was big. It was really big. It was an affirmation that we can get over that hump. There was always that sense of 'Would it ever happen?'”

— David Edens, Whiteland High School Athletic Director (dailyjournal.net)

“Obviously, it was exciting, but more than anything, it was a big relief. We've had some really great teams that deserved to win, but it just wasn't our year. We didn't change anything about our approach compared to past years, and I think that helped us.”

— Maurice Swain, Center Grove Boys' Wrestling Coach (dailyjournal.net)

What’s next

The Greenwood Christian Academy boys' basketball team is the last local team still competing, playing in a Class A regional game on Saturday.

The takeaway

Johnson County's unprecedented success across multiple winter sports this season showcases the depth of athletic talent and coaching expertise within the local high school programs. This level of dominance in such a short timeframe is a remarkable achievement that has generated immense community pride.