All 3 Detroit Lakes Wrestlers Advance to Class AA Individual Quarterfinals

Lakers make a statement on the first day of the individual state tournament.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Detroit Lakes wrestling team sent all three of its wrestlers to the quarterfinals of the Class AA individual state tournament on Thursday. Anthony Chilton (107), Gage Weber (121), and Ryan Francis (215) each won their opening-round matches to advance to the next round.

Why it matters

Qualifying three wrestlers for the quarterfinals is an impressive accomplishment for the Detroit Lakes program, showcasing the strength and depth of their team. Advancing this far in the individual state tournament is a major milestone for these student-athletes and the culmination of their hard work throughout the season.

The details

Anthony Chilton defeated Scott West's Braden Bresnehan 6-2 in his opening match. Gage Weber narrowly won 6-5 over Albany's Braeden Geise. And in a heavyweight bout, Ryan Francis pinned Hutchinson's Michael Markgraff in 4:45.

  • The individual state tournament took place on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • The Class AA quarterfinals will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10 A.M.

The players

Anthony Chilton

A Detroit Lakes wrestler competing in the 107-pound weight class.

Gage Weber

A Detroit Lakes wrestler competing in the 121-pound weight class.

Ryan Francis

A Detroit Lakes wrestler competing in the 215-pound weight class.

Taylor Nein

The head coach of the Detroit Lakes wrestling team.

Braden Bresnehan

A wrestler from Scott West who competed against Anthony Chilton.

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What they’re saying

“This tournament is the goal, it's what everybody trains for, this is the vision. Just getting here is an accomplishment and to win a match is incredible, not many wrestlers are granted that opportunity.”

— Taylor Nein, Head Coach

“For it being his first state tournament, I thought he did a great job. Wrestled smart out there and stayed out of tough positions, he went out and did what he does best, which is setting the tone.”

— Taylor Nein, Head Coach

“He stayed in great position throughout the match and he went six minutes for the win. He wrestled tough and in matches like this every small detail matters, especially in a one-point victory, and he came through.”

— Taylor Nein, Head Coach

“He knows at any point of the match that pins can happen, whether you're ahead or behind. He keeps his composure and is able to adjust during the matches to see where his opponent is most vulnerable, the biggest thing I saw today was knowing that he can adapt and ultimately come out on top in a close match.”

— Taylor Nein, Head Coach

What’s next

The MSHSL Class AA quarterfinals will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 10 A.M. at the Grand Casino Arena.

The takeaway

Advancing all three of their wrestlers to the quarterfinals of the individual state tournament is an impressive accomplishment for the Detroit Lakes wrestling program, showcasing the strength and depth of their team. This performance at the state's biggest stage is a testament to the hard work and dedication of these student-athletes and their coaching staff.