Local wrestlers defend state titles

North Dakota high school wrestlers compete in state tournaments

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The NDHSAA Individual State Wrestling Tournaments took place in North Dakota, with several local wrestlers defending their state titles. Kenmare/Bowbells/Burke Central had two girls' wrestlers win state championships, while the Minot United girls' team had three finalists but no individual state titles. Bishop Ryan Catholic School's Cade Okeson and Stanley High's Cohen Bell also won state titles in the boys' tournaments.

Why it matters

High school wrestling is a popular sport in North Dakota, and the state tournaments are a highlight of the season. Local wrestlers defending their titles and earning new state championships is a point of pride for their schools and communities.

The details

At the NDHSAA Girls State Individual Wrestling Tournament, Kenmare/Bowbells/Burke Central freshman Amaya Baptiste and eighth grader Tenley Michel both won state titles in their respective weight classes. The Minot United girls' team had three wrestlers reach the championship matches, but they were unable to secure any individual state titles. In the Boys Class B Tournament, Bishop Ryan Catholic School's Cade Okeson defended his state title in the 285-pound weight class, while Stanley High's Cohen Bell won the 133-pound title.

  • The NDHSAA Individual State Wrestling Tournaments began on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The tournament continued on Friday, February 20, 2026, with new state champions crowned.
  • The NDHSAA Class A Boys State Duals Tournament, NDHSAA Class B Boys State Duals Tournament, and the NDHSAA Girls State Duals Tournament will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, starting at 10 a.m.

The players

Amaya Baptiste

A freshman wrestler for Kenmare/Bowbells/Burke Central who won a state championship in the 142-pound weight class.

Tenley Michel

An eighth-grade wrestler for Kenmare/Bowbells/Burke Central who won a state championship in the 136-pound weight class.

Cade Okeson

A senior wrestler for Bishop Ryan Catholic School who defended his state title in the 285-pound weight class.

Cohen Bell

A senior wrestler for Stanley High School who won the state championship in the 133-pound weight class.

Minot United

The girls' wrestling team from Minot, North Dakota, which had three wrestlers reach the championship matches but did not win any individual state titles.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The NDHSAA Class A Boys State Duals Tournament, NDHSAA Class B Boys State Duals Tournament, and the NDHSAA Girls State Duals Tournament will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026, starting at 10 a.m.

The takeaway

High school wrestling remains a source of pride and community engagement in North Dakota, with local wrestlers defending their state titles and earning new championships. The state tournaments showcase the dedication and skill of these young athletes.