Image Source: Ricardo Arguello
Key Takeaways
- The 27th annual Cheesehead Invitational wrestling tournament will feature 44 teams, including two ranked nationally.
- Nineteen nationally ranked wrestlers are set to compete in the tournament at Kaukauna High School.
- Kimberly junior Haylie Dulas has verbally committed to play basketball for Marquette University.
- Appleton West received initial approval to move most of its sports from the Fox Valley Association to the Bay Conference.
Introduction to the Cheesehead Invitational
The 27th annual Cheesehead Invitational wrestling tournament is set to take place at Kaukauna High School, featuring 44 teams, including two ranked in the top 50 in the nation. As stated in the original article, "The 27th annual Cheesehead Invitational wrestling tournament this weekend at Kaukauna High School features 44 teams, including two ranked in the top 50 in the nation." The tournament will include 12 teams from Wisconsin, including the host Ghosts, and will begin on Friday, January 9, at 5:15 p.m. and resume on January 10 at 8:30 a.m. Ticket prices are $40 for all sessions for adults, $33 for seniors, and $32 for students, and are available at www.tinyurl.com/Cheesehead-Tickets.
Nationally Ranked Teams and Wrestlers
The two nationally ranked teams competing in the tournament are SE Polk of Iowa, ranked 33rd, and Liberty, Missouri, ranked 48th. Other teams, such as Kaukauna, Cleveland, Jefferson, Lowell, Hickman, and Montini, are honorable-mention teams in the national rankings. As for individual wrestlers, there are 19 nationally ranked competitors, led by Oconomowoc’s Kellen Wolbert, who is ranked No. 2 in the 150-pound weight class. The original article notes that "there are 19 nationally ranked wrestlers competing, led by Oconomowoc’s Kellen Wolbert, who is ranked No. 2 in the 150-pound weight class." Some of the other notable wrestlers include Hudson Chittum, ranked No. 17 at 106, and Dom Munaretto, ranked No. 3 at 120.
Other Wisconsin Teams Competing
In addition to the host team, Kaukauna, other Wisconsin teams competing in the tournament include Arrowhead, East Troy, Fennimore, Freedom, Hartford, Mineral Point, Mount Horeb, Pulaski, Stoughton, and Wrightstown. These teams will face stiff competition from the nationally ranked teams and wrestlers, making for an exciting tournament. As the original article states, "Other Wisconsin teams competing include Arrowhead, East Troy, Fennimore, Freedom, Hartford, Mineral Point, Mount Horeb, Pulaski, Stoughton, and Wrightstown."
Haylie Dulas Commits to Marquette
In other news, Kimberly girls basketball junior standout Haylie Dulas has given a verbal commitment to play at Marquette University. As Dulas announced on her X account, "I am very blessed and excited to announce my verbal commitment to play basketball and continue my academic journey at Marquette University. Can’t wait for this next chapter. Go Golden Eagles." Dulas, a 6-foot forward, is averaging 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for the Papermakers and helped Kimberly capture the WIAA Division 1 state title last season.
Appleton West Moves to Bay Conference
The WIAA’s Conference Realignment Task Force has advanced a request from Appleton West to move to the Bay Conference starting in the 2027-28 school year. According to Appleton West associate principal for activities John Miller, "Our rationale is to join a conference where its member schools, hallways and communities more closely reflect those of ours at Appleton West." Not all sports will make the move from the Fox Valley Association, with football continuing to compete in the Fox River Classic Conference. The request was made in November and received initial approval on December 9, with the final decision to be made on March 10. As Miller notes, "There are a few athletic programs that would be staying within their current athletic conference affiliations as they are not offered in the Bay Conference."
https://www.postcrescent.com/story/sports/high-school/2026/01/08/prepxtra-news-and-notes-from-high-school-sports-in-the-appleton-area/88033284007/