The 2025-26 school year was a standout year for boys athletes across Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties, with a diverse range of talents and achievements. From wrestling to soccer, basketball to track and field, these athletes showcased their skills and earned recognition for their outstanding performances. Here's a closer look at some of the top athletes and their remarkable accomplishments.
The Wrestlers
The wrestling scene was particularly impressive, with several athletes excelling in their respective weight classes. Sawyer Dailey from Plymouth earned a silver medal at 190 pounds in the WIAA Division 2 state tournament, while Max Matthias from Two Rivers placed second at 215 pounds in the same division. Liam Richards from Oostburg became the state champion at 165 pounds in the Division 3 tournament, and Owen Schacht from Mishicot followed suit, winning the state title at 190 pounds in the same division. These wrestlers demonstrated their prowess and determination, leaving their mark on the mat.
The Soccer Stars
In soccer, Cedar Grove-Belgium's Josh Anzia and Aaron Cortez from Sheboygan North stood out. Anzia took fourth place at 215 pounds at the WIAA Division 3 state wrestling tournament, while Cortez was honorable mention all-state by the Wisconsin Soccer Coaches Association (WSCA) for his outstanding performance with the Golden Raiders boys soccer team. Additionally, Cade Dirkse from Oostburg, a 2025 Lakeshore Elite boys soccer player of the year, tied for 16th in the state in goals with 31 and helped his team win the Division 4 state championship in double overtime.
The Divers and Track Athletes
Collin Heller from Plymouth showcased his versatility by winning the WIAA Division 2 state title in diving with an impressive score of 422.35. In track and field, Trenton Schuettpelz from Manitowoc Lutheran took fifth in the triple jump at the WIAA Division 3 meet, while Carter Zimmeremann from Kohler earned a silver medal in the high jump (6-5) at the same event. These athletes demonstrated their athleticism and dedication across multiple disciplines.
The Basketball Champions
Basketball saw some remarkable achievements as well. Kayden Schultz from Plymouth, the all-time leading scorer in school history and a 2,000-point scorer, was first team all-Division 2 and a semifinalist for the WBCA Mr. Basketball award. Jamison Zavatchin from Oostburg, another standout player, became a 2,000-point scorer and the program's all-time leading scorer, earning first team all-state in Division 3 by the WBCA and a Mr. Basketball semifinalist nod. Brennen Hackbarth from Sheboygan Lutheran was also first team all-state in Division 5, averaging impressive stats.
The Golfers and Cross Country Runners
In golf, David Van Dixhorn from Kohler shone, becoming the individual WIAA Division 3 boys golf state champion with a two-day score of 145, and helping his team win the state team championship. Meanwhile, Elliott Onesti from Roncalli placed 10th in the WIAA Division 3 state cross country meet with a time of 16 minutes and 43.9 seconds. These athletes demonstrated their precision and endurance in their respective sports.
The Overall Standout
Among these talented athletes, it's challenging to single out just one as the top performer. However, if we consider the impact and versatility of their achievements, Deven Miller from Plymouth stands out. As the 2025 Lakeshore Elite football player of the year, Miller ran for over 1,600 yards with 27 touchdowns, earning the ECC Offensive Player of the Year title. He also excelled in defense, with 80 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss, and was named the ECC Linebacker of the Year. Miller's all-around excellence and leadership make him a strong contender for the top spot.
In conclusion, the 2025-26 school year witnessed an extraordinary display of athletic prowess across various sports in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties. From wrestling to soccer, basketball to track and field, these athletes left their mark and earned well-deserved recognition. The poll at the end of this article will help determine who among them was the best of the best, but one thing is certain: these athletes have set a high bar for future generations to aspire to.
