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Cornell Today
By the People, for the People
Mayville High School Ice Fishing Team Wins State Championship
Rookie team overcomes challenges to take home top prize in WIFA competition
Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:02am
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The Mayville High School ice fishing team, in its first season, overcame being short three team members to win the 2026 Wisconsin Interscholastic Fishing Association (WIFA) State ice fishing championship. The team was led by senior Owen Steger, who caught a 39.5-inch northern pike that secured the individual state title.
Why it matters
The WIFA high school ice fishing competition highlights the growing popularity of the sport among Wisconsin youth, providing opportunities for students to compete, develop skills, and connect with the outdoors. Mayville's victory as a rookie team demonstrates the program's ability to engage new participants and foster a sense of community and school pride.
The details
The WIFA competition featured teams of 12 students from around 100 Wisconsin high schools. Each angler was allowed to use three lines, and teams could enter fish in categories like northern pike, walleye, bass, crappie, bluegill, and perch. Coaches were not allowed to touch lines or help bring in fish, with all catches required to be photographed on a bump board. The tournament was held on the Wisconsin River and adjoining flowages between Wausau and Stevens Point.
- The tournament was held on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
- Fishing began at 7 a.m. and ended at 2:30 p.m.
- Awards were presented starting around 4 p.m. in Mosinee.
The players
Owen Steger
A senior at Mayville High School who caught a 39.5-inch northern pike to win the individual state championship.
Kevin Keller
A junior at Mayville High School and close friend of Owen Steger who was part of the Mayville ice fishing team.
Jesse Wasmund
The tech ed teacher at Mayville High School who coached the school's first-year ice fishing team.
Winneconne High School
The winning team in the 2026 WIFA State ice fishing championship, scoring 454 inches.
Wisconsin Interscholastic Fishing Association (WIFA)
The organization that runs the high school ice fishing competition in Wisconsin, involving around 100 schools.
What they’re saying
“I left the awards ceremony, with a feeling that WIFA and its founders, have created one of the coolest organizations on earth.”
— Mark Walters, Outdoors writer (Central Wisconsin News)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This story highlights the growing popularity of high school ice fishing in Wisconsin, with the WIFA program providing opportunities for students to compete, develop skills, and connect with the outdoors. Mayville's victory as a rookie team demonstrates the program's ability to engage new participants and foster a sense of community and school pride.
