The excitement is mounting as the 2026 South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) Individual Wrestling Championships are set to take place from February 26-28 at the iconic Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This prestigious event is a beacon in the wrestling calendar, drawing athletes, families, and wrestling enthusiasts to witness the crowning of South Dakota’s best high school wrestlers. With its deep-rooted history in wrestling, South Dakota continues to highlight the talent and dedication of its athletes, showcasing the passion and competitive spirit of the state and its people.
The competition features both Class A and Class B boys’ categories, along with a girls’ division, each promising thrilling matches and unforgettable performances. The boys’ wrestling teams are divided into two classifications: Class A, with 33 schools, and Class B, with 66 schools, each further divided into four regions. The girls’ division, meanwhile, comprises a single classification with an impressive 98 teams, highlighting the depth of talent in South Dakota’s female wrestlers.
The weight classes are meticulously structured to ensure a level playing field, with boys competing across 14 weight classes ranging from 106 to 285 pounds, and girls battling across 14 weight classes from 100 to 235 pounds. This diversity ensures that athletes of all sizes have the opportunity to display their prowess on the mat.
Notably, live coverage of the championships will be available on FloWrestling and the FloSports app, providing fans who can’t attend the event in person with the chance to experience all the action from the comfort of their homes. This comprehensive coverage reflects the growing interest in high school wrestling and offers unparalleled access to the performances of these young athletes.
Kirk Wallman, legendary six-time Class B champion from 1984-1989.
South Dakota boasts a remarkable history in wrestling, producing legends like Kirk Wallman and Logan Storley, both six-time Class B individual state champions, exemplifying the state’s commitment to excellence in the sport. The state’s community is deeply passionate about wrestling, a fact that resonates through the almost palpable energy of the championships.
In the girls’ division, Pierre T.F. Riggs High School is a dominant force, having secured every team title since the introduction of the girls’ division in the 2020-2021 season. This highlights not only the strength of their program but also the support for female athletes in the state. Additionally, athletes like Peyton Hellmann have etched their names into the annals of South Dakota wrestling history by achieving extraordinary feats, such as becoming the first five-time state champion in girls’ wrestling, even overcoming personal challenges like a torn ACL.
As anticipation builds for the championship matches, fans and participants are also keenly aware of the new partnership between FloWrestling and Trackwrestling, which promises to deliver an enhanced, technologically advanced experience. This collaboration integrates tournament tracking tools and live data seamlessly, providing a smarter, more connected experience for the wrestling community. The ability to follow every bout with pro-grade brackets, detailed wrestler profiles, and real-time updates elevates the ways in which fans engage with the sport.
For those attending the event in person, the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center is not only a hub for wrestling action but also a showcase of Sioux Falls’ vibrant community. The city, known for its hospitality and enthusiastic support of high school sports, welcomes visitors with open arms, offering them a chance to explore local attractions and experience the rich culture of South Dakota.
The 2026 SDHSAA Individual Wrestling Championships promise to be a highlight of the high school wrestling season, reflecting the passion and dedication of the South Dakota wrestling community. As athletes step onto the mats to compete for individual glory, the spirit of South Dakota shines bright, showcasing the resilience and determination that define this great state.
Stay tuned as we bring you more updates, live coverage, and insights into the 2026 SDHSAA Individual Wrestling Championships, a testament to the enduring appeal and growth of high school wrestling in South Dakota.