St. Clair wrestler Cristian Haslem repeats as MHSAA state champion

Haslem wins second consecutive Division 2 individual title at 126 pounds

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Cristian Haslem, a senior wrestler at St. Clair High School, won his second consecutive MHSAA Division 2 individual state championship at 126 pounds on Saturday, March 7, defeating Fenton's Lucas Christopher 5-2 in the final.

Why it matters

Haslem's repeat championship victory solidifies his status as one of the top high school wrestlers in Michigan, and his success helps raise the profile of the St. Clair wrestling program and community.

The details

Haslem, the defending state champion, knew he had a target on his back all season, but he was able to fend off his challengers and cap off his high school career with another state title. St. Clair coach Jake Scillian praised Haslem's tremendous work ethic and the dedication of his family in helping him achieve this accomplishment.

  • Haslem won the MHSAA Division 2 individual state championship at 126 pounds on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • Haslem was the defending state champion, having won the title the previous year.

The players

Cristian Haslem

A senior wrestler at St. Clair High School who won his second consecutive MHSAA Division 2 individual state championship at 126 pounds.

Jake Scillian

The head wrestling coach at St. Clair High School, who praised Haslem's tremendous work ethic and the dedication of his family in helping him achieve this accomplishment.

Lucas Christopher

A wrestler from Fenton High School who Haslem defeated 5-2 in the 126-pound state championship final.

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What they’re saying

“It feels amazing. I've been working for it all year ... knowing that if didn't keep working, (the contenders) who were trying to come for me were going to get me. I just had to keep going to get better.”

— Cristian Haslem (yahoo.com)

“(This is the result of) just a tremendous amount of hard work. It starts at a young age. (Haslem) and his family are dedicated. Everyone is all in to get him better ... it's nice to see it all pay off.”

— Jake Scillian, St. Clair wrestling coach (yahoo.com)

What’s next

Haslem will graduate from St. Clair High School and is expected to continue his wrestling career at the collegiate level.

The takeaway

Cristian Haslem's repeat championship victory demonstrates the power of dedication, hard work, and community support in helping a high school athlete reach the pinnacle of their sport. His success has raised the profile of the St. Clair wrestling program and will likely inspire other young wrestlers in the community to follow in his footsteps.