Crusader Wrestler Hunter Berger Aims for Fourth State Title

Saint Louis senior has extra time to prepare and stay healthy for wrestling championships.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Hunter Berger, a senior wrestler at Saint Louis High School, is going for his fourth straight state wrestling title in the upcoming Texaco Wrestling State Championships. With 13 days to prepare instead of just one week, Berger is feeling confident and focused on staying healthy to reach his goal of becoming the ninth boy and fourth Crusader to win four state titles.

Why it matters

Winning four state wrestling titles is an impressive feat, with only a handful of wrestlers in Hawaii history accomplishing the "grand slam." Berger's quest for this milestone is a source of pride for his school and the local wrestling community, and his success could inspire other young wrestlers to push themselves to new heights.

The details

Berger, who has committed to wrestle at Duke University, dominated the Interscholastic League of Honolulu (ILH) championship on Saturday, winning 22-2. He says he will use the extra two weeks before the state tournament to sharpen his skills and be at his best when it matters most. Data shows the extra preparation time slightly benefits top seeds like Berger, who allowed only two points in four matches when he had two weeks to get ready as a sophomore in 2024.

  • The Texaco Wrestling State Championships will be held on February 27, 2026.
  • Berger won the ILH championship on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Hunter Berger

A senior wrestler at Saint Louis High School who is going for his fourth straight state wrestling title.

Tyger Taam

The 2025 state wrestling champion from Moanalua High School.

Mikah Labuanan

The 2025 state wrestling champion from Kamehameha-Hawaii.

Corey Cabanban

A former Saint Louis wrestler who won four straight state titles, the last time a senior boy had a scare in his "grand slam" bid was in 2018 when he beat Leilehua's Isaac Stalcup 3-1 in the quarterfinals.

Paiea Kamakaala

A two-time state wrestling champion from Kahuku High School.

Analu Woode

A wrestler from Nanakuli High School who is seeking to become a future "grand slam" champion.

Zaira Sugui

A wrestler from Moanalua High School who is going for her third state title and fourth finals appearance, while also chasing an unprecedented fifth straight team title for her school.

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What they’re saying

“I'm definitely feeling good toward the end of the season. It just gives me more time to train and get the body right, but if it was only one week I would still feel the same. I'm feeling really confident where I'm at.”

— Hunter Berger, Saint Louis Senior Wrestler (staradvertiser.com)

“It doesn't matter. I feel like in two weeks I can make a lot of changes, but I can make changes in a week, too. I'm excited either way.”

— Analu Woode, Nanakuli Wrestler (staradvertiser.com)

“I feel like it really matters for us as a team. I think it is good for us as a team, it gives us a chance to come together and pull ourselves together, rest up, heal up and put in the work.”

— Zaira Sugui, Moanalua Wrestler (staradvertiser.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.