The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire wrestling team made history at the 71st Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championship held at McPhee Gymnasium. The Blugolds secured their first conference title, showcasing impressive talent with three individual champions: Wyatt Unser, Zak McPhee, and Sloan Welch.
Standout Performances
Wyatt Unser dominated in the 133-weight class. His journey to the finals included two technical falls and a pin. He faced tough opponents like UW-Whitewater’s Tyler Tiangco and UW-Oshkosh’s Ryan Hanson. In the final match against UW-La Crosse’s Wyatt Magolski, Unser emerged victorious with a 24-14 technical fall, marking his first WIAC Championship.
Zak McPhee was equally impressive in the 184 division, maintaining a perfect record for the day. With a pair of pins leading him to the finals, McPhee defeated La Crosse’s Robert Flege by a 6-1 decision to capture his first WIAC title.
Sloan Welch, who came second in the previous year, finally climbed to the top. After pinning Whitewater’s Jordan Lewis and defeating La Crosse’s Henry Vander Heiden, he faced teammate Cole Matulenko in the finals. Welch won a nail-biting match with a close 6-5 score.
Team Performance
The Blugolds not only celebrated their champions but also saw strong finishes from others. Izzy Balsiger and Ty Fink finished as runners-up in the 125 and 141 weights, respectively. Landon Church and Ian Pepple also earned second-place finishes in their categories. Meanwhile, Calvin Singlewald, Finn Bloomquist, Briar Ivey, and Jon Harvey secured third places in their weights.
Zak McPhee’s performance earned him the title of John Peterson Wrestler of the Meet. This recognition highlights Eau Claire’s continued success at the championships, following past winners like Ian Pepple in 2025 and Connor Collins in 2024. The coaching staff also received the Mertz Motorelli Coaches of the Year award, the first for the team since 1999.
Looking Ahead
The team will take a short break before preparing for the NCAA Division III Region 7 championships on February 27-28. This year, UW-Eau Claire will host the regional event, welcoming 15 other teams to the Chippewa Valley.
This historic win showcases not just the athletes’ hard work but also the growth and potential of the UW-Eau Claire wrestling program. Engaging in team sports like wrestling helps build discipline, teamwork, and resilience among student-athletes, skills that will benefit them in life beyond their college years.
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