Saline Senior Wrestler Embraces Final Quest for State Title

Brice LaFleur seeks to end 30-year title drought for Saline, but says he's found value beyond the label of state champion.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Brice LaFleur, a senior wrestler at Saline High School in Michigan, is making one final push for the state championship after finishing as a runner-up twice before. Though a state title remains his goal, LaFleur says he's found value in wrestling beyond just the label of champion, having overcome injuries and disappointments throughout his high school career.

Why it matters

LaFleur's journey highlights the perseverance and growth that can come from pursuing athletic excellence, even in the face of setbacks. His story resonates with the Saline community, which has not had a boys individual state wrestling champion since 1995, and reflects the broader challenges and rewards of high school sports.

The details

LaFleur, a Grand Valley State commit, has a 35-1 record this season and is one of the favorites to win the 120-pound title in Division 1. His path likely includes a rematch against Layne Martin of Rockford, who defeated him in last year's 113-pound final. Despite coming close to a state title as a freshman and junior, LaFleur no longer feels defined solely by that goal, having matured and found greater appreciation for the sport through his struggles with injury and defeat.

  • LaFleur finished as a state runner-up as a freshman in 2023 and as a junior last season.
  • LaFleur's sophomore season was derailed due to a shoulder injury that required surgery and an eight-month recovery.
  • LaFleur will start his final postseason run this weekend.

The players

Brice LaFleur

A senior wrestler at Saline High School in Michigan who is making one final push for the state championship after finishing as a runner-up twice before.

Layne Martin

A wrestler from Rockford High School who defeated LaFleur in last year's 113-pound state final.

Rocky Palazzolo

The head wrestling coach at Saline High School, who has seen LaFleur overcome obstacles and appreciates his maturity and perseverance.

Greg DeGrand

The last boys individual state wrestling champion from Saline High School, winning the title in 1995.

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What they’re saying

“This year's all about just having fun and letting it fly.”

— Brice LaFleur (mlive.com)

“Brice has always stayed motivated. He's always embraced the process of growing and getting better. He's dealt with some ups and downs, and that made him appreciate the opportunity to be on the mat more.”

— Rocky Palazzolo, Saline High School Wrestling Coach (mlive.com)

“He's wrestling free. He's wrestling without pressure. He's appreciating everything that's happening. He's wrestling to the best of his ability and whatever happens, happens.”

— Rocky Palazzolo, Saline High School Wrestling Coach (mlive.com)

“I just want to have fun and go out there and obviously win a state title. I'm going to do everything in my power to do that, but I don't feel like I have to prove it to myself anymore. I feel like I've found my value. I found more of a value within wrestling other than this label of a state champ.”

— Brice LaFleur (mlive.com)

What’s next

LaFleur will start his final postseason run this weekend, with his path likely including a rematch against Layne Martin of Rockford, who defeated him in last year's 113-pound state final.

The takeaway

LaFleur's journey shows how the pursuit of athletic excellence can foster personal growth, even when the ultimate goal remains elusive. His story resonates with the Saline community and reflects the broader lessons that high school sports can teach about perseverance, perspective, and finding value beyond just winning.