Upstate Wrestlers Dominate SCHSL State Championships

Liberty's Alex Allison wins fourth straight title, Byrnes' Conner Beaudin claims fourth championship

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The 2026 SCHSL high school wrestling state championships in Florence saw several Upstate wrestlers emerge victorious, including Liberty's Alex Allison who won his fourth consecutive title despite losing a contact lens during the match, and Byrnes' Conner Beaudin who rallied late to claim his fourth state championship.

Why it matters

The SCHSL state wrestling championships are the culmination of the high school wrestling season in South Carolina, showcasing the top talent from across the state. These victories by Upstate wrestlers demonstrate the strength of the region's wrestling programs and their ability to produce elite-level talent year after year.

The details

Alex Allison of Liberty High School won his fourth straight SCHSL state championship, this time in the 132-pound division of Class 2A. Allison's match was briefly stopped when he lost a contact lens, but he was still able to defeat Taven Pesaro of Chesnee 5-0. Conner Beaudin of Byrnes High School also won his fourth state title, rallying late in the semifinals before beating Kayden Fogarty of Indian Land 2-1 in the Class 5A 145-pound final. In the girls' 145-pound Class 5A final, Gaffney's Serenity State defeated four-time champion Bianca Connell of Mauldin by pin. Eastside freshman Bennett Brame overcame a bloody forehead and a numb arm to win the Class 5A 106-pound title, defeating Jessiah Rockeymore of Rock Hill 11-9.

  • The 2026 SCHSL high school wrestling state championships took place on February 21, 2026 in Florence, South Carolina.
  • Alex Allison won his fourth straight SCHSL state title on February 21, 2026.

The players

Alex Allison

A wrestler for Liberty High School who won his fourth consecutive SCHSL state championship, this time in the 132-pound division of Class 2A.

Conner Beaudin

A wrestler for Byrnes High School who won his fourth SCHSL state title, prevailing in the Class 5A 145-pound final.

Serenity State

A wrestler for Gaffney High School who defeated four-time champion Bianca Connell of Mauldin to win the girls' 145-pound Class 5A state title.

Bennett Brame

A freshman wrestler for Eastside High School who overcame a bloody forehead and numb arm to win the Class 5A 106-pound state championship.

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What they’re saying

“Four straight titles. No one can beat it. It's just a great feeling.”

— Alex Allison (greenvilleonline.com)

“Even before the first championship, I knew what was expected. I have my own expectations. I just had to finish what I started.”

— Conner Beaudin (greenvilleonline.com)

“I told her we both can't be the state champion. This is my division.”

— Serenity State (greenvilleonline.com)

“It got hit in the head a little bit, got a little bit of blood. Then I got a stinger in my elbow. My arm was numb. It didn't matter. I knew I had to fight through it.”

— Bennett Brame (greenvilleonline.com)

What’s next

The SCHSL will now turn its attention to the upcoming state championships in other high school sports, including basketball, which is currently in the playoffs.

The takeaway

The dominance of Upstate wrestlers at the SCHSL state championships underscores the strength of the region's wrestling programs and their ability to develop elite-level talent year after year. These victories by athletes like Alex Allison, Conner Beaudin, Serenity State, and Bennett Brame showcase the dedication and skill of South Carolina's top high school wrestlers.