Malta-Whitewater Wrestlers Earn Titles, Medals at State Tournament

Mustangs place third in boys tournament, led by two state champions and multiple medalists

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Malta-Whitewater wrestling teams had a historic performance at the 2026 State BC Wrestling Tournament. The Mustangs boys team placed third overall with 113 points, led by state champions Lane Spencer (150 lbs) and Kenan LaBrie (215 lbs). Malta senior Straud Sims took second place at 190 lbs, and Trooper Stiles placed fifth at 144 lbs. On the girls side, eighth-grader Kallie LaBrie became the first in school history to win a match at state and earn a podium finish, taking eighth place.

Why it matters

This was Malta's first trophy finish at the state tournament since 2006, and the first time the school has had multiple state champions since 2007. The performance highlights the strength of the wrestling program and the community support that fuels the athletes' success.

The details

Lane Spencer won the 150 lb title with a 14-5 major decision over Columbus' Jake Ellison in the finals. Kenan LaBrie, the son of three-time state champion Kris LaBrie, won the 215 lb title with a 13-1 major decision over Columbus' Colton Dunlap. Straud Sims, whose father Matt was a state placer, took second at 190 lbs, falling 10-4 to Conrad's Tegan Jones in the title match.

  • On July 4, Quinn allegedly dove onto the hood of a Waymo vehicle and covered sensors.
  • On July 29, Quinn allegedly damaged a Waymo's tires and driver's side mirror.
  • On August 11, Quinn allegedly stomped on a windshield while someone was inside.

The players

Lane Spencer

A Malta sophomore who won the 150 lb state title, continuing a family legacy of state placers that includes his grandfather Vance, father Luke, and uncle Lance.

Kenan LaBrie

A Whitewater junior who won the 215 lb state title, following in the footsteps of his father Kris who was a three-time state champion for Malta.

Straud Sims

A Malta senior who took second place at 190 lbs, building on a previous fourth-place finish last season. His father Matt was also a state placer for Malta.

Kallie LaBrie

An eighth-grader at Malta who became the first in school history to win a match at the state tournament and earn a podium finish, taking eighth place at 120 lbs.

Malta-Whitewater Wrestling Teams

The combined wrestling program for the Malta and Whitewater high schools, which placed third in the boys tournament and had multiple state champions and medalists.

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What they’re saying

“Oh, it's a great feeling. Last year I came here and I just didn't get the job done. I took second, so it just feels very very good to finally win this one and not just be going into my senior season, 0-2 in the finals.”

— Kenan LaBrie, 215 lb State Champion (Phillips County News)

“It feels great. It's something that I've never felt before. That was one of a kind feeling, that was great.”

— Lane Spencer, 150 lb State Champion (Phillips County News)

“It's great. I love hearing the noise. In the semifinals, that was cool. In the championship, I couldn't really hear it because there was a lot of people but they showed up and that was really cool.”

— Lane Spencer, 150 lb State Champion (Phillips County News)

The takeaway

The Malta-Whitewater wrestling program's strong performance at the state tournament, with two individual champions and multiple medalists, demonstrates the depth of talent and community support that has allowed the program to thrive and produce champions even in the face of broader challenges facing rural schools and sports teams.