Three Area Wrestlers Advance to State Quarterfinals

Nine others will compete in wrestlebacks after losing first matches

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Three area wrestlers have advanced to the Class A quarterfinals at the state wrestling meet in St. Paul, while nine others will compete in the wrestlebacks after losing their first matches.

Why it matters

The state wrestling tournament is a highly competitive event that showcases the top high school wrestlers in Minnesota. Advancing to the quarterfinals is a significant achievement that demonstrates the skill and hard work of these young athletes.

The details

Westfield sophomore Bentley Miller, GMLOS's Drake Payne, and GMLOS's Kloe Meyer all won their first-round matches to advance to the quarterfinals. Nine other area wrestlers, including Westfield's Easton Busho, GMLOS's Parker Armagost, Cael Smith, Wyatt Krull, Chloe Hubbard, Zoe Steinkamp, Willow Dewey, and Brandy Christenson, lost their first matches and will now compete in the wrestlebacks.

  • The state wrestling meet took place on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • The state meet will resume on Friday.

The players

Bentley Miller

A sophomore wrestler from Westfield who defeated Jamison Meager of Paynesville in his first match at 121-pounds.

Drake Payne

A wrestler from GMLOS who beat Wabasso's Mason Kampsen 18-1 at 215-pounds.

Kloe Meyer

A wrestler from GMLOS who pinned Lisarayne Alexander in the first period of their 235-pound match.

Easton Busho

A wrestler from Westfield who was pinned in the first period by LPGE-Browerville at 107-pounds.

Parker Armagost

A wrestler from GMLOS who lost to Wyatt Pilarski of Holdingford on a 20-3 tech fall at 127-pounds.

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What’s next

The state meet will resume on Friday.

The takeaway

The state wrestling tournament is a high-stakes event that showcases the talent and dedication of Minnesota's top high school wrestlers. While some area wrestlers advanced to the quarterfinals, others will have the opportunity to compete in the wrestlebacks and continue fighting for a state title.