Dawson, Nieuwenhuis Claim 4th Individual Titles, Romeo Wins Girls Team Final
By
Scott DeCamp
Special for MHSAA.com
March 8, 2026
DETROIT – Madison Nieuwenhuis has big plans in her future as it relates to wrestling, including competing in the World Team Trials and heading to the University of Iowa.
First, the Plainwell senior was looking to etch her name into the MHSAA record book Saturday at the Girls Wrestling Finals at Ford Field.
Nieuwenhuis became the second girls wrestler in MHSAA history to win four individual championships as she pinned Howell freshman Olive DiMassa in the 105-pound bout in 1:34.
Two matches later, Westland John Glenn senior Nakayla Dawson joined that select company with her fourth-straight title on a technical fall (5:30, 17-1) at 115 pounds against Frankfort senior Isabella Crompton.
Last year, Fowlerville’s Margaret Buurma became the first girl to capture four MHSAA Individual Finals titles.
“I’m super excited,” Nieuwenhuis said. “I’ve had this goal for, I don’t even know how long it is, and it’s finally come true. I’ve worked so hard, and I’m so happy right now.”
Said Dawson: “It is very satisfying because at the beginning of the season I wasn’t doing my best when I first got my (knee) injury. People thought I was going to lose states – they (weren’t) going to take the title from me.”
For the second time, the MHSAA recognized a girls team champion based upon individual points and places scored by each school.
Romeo was the team champion with 80 points, pushed by Oxford at 78.5. Plainwell was third (64), followed by Yale (55.5), Lowell (53.5), and Allen Park (47) among the top six.
“It was a really close race. Hats off to Oxford – they wrestled really well this weekend and I’m glad our girls could pull it off,” said Romeo coach Stephen Manuel, whose daughters Belicia and Kaili won individual titles in consecutive matches at 155 and 170, respectively. “We were behind going into the finals and we had to score 12 points, so they had to bonus and they did.”
100
Champion: Lillee Denson, St. Clair Shores Lakeview, Sr. (22-1)
Technical Fall (5:16) 22-6, over McKenzie Mantei, Dundee, Soph. (31-4)
Wrestling was a gradual progression for Denson, who didn’t begin the sport until her sophomore season.
“I started my sophomore year, and I didn’t even make it to state,” said Denson, who is a Northern Michigan University commit. “My second year, I just had to change my mindset and I ended up getting runner-up last year, so just short of state champion. And this year, I won it all because of my support system.”
Denson lost at last year’s Finals at 105 against Lowell’s Tatianna Castillo, who won the title at 110 on Saturday.
105
Champion: Madison Nieuwenhuis, Plainwell, Sr. (28-0)
Fall, 1:34, over Olive DiMassa, Howell, Fr. (40-2)
It was an emotional end to Nieuwenhuis’ high school career, as she sprinted toward the Division 2 boys mat immediately following her victory over DiMassa. She was a nervous wreck watching sophomore brother Dylan Nieuwenhuis win at 113 pounds.
First, she had to take care of her business, which she did with no problem.
“I’m super pleased with my performance. … I’ve got a lot bigger things coming, so I’m glad I got to check this part and pull it off,” Nieuwenhuis said.
“I wouldn’t be able to do it without the Plainwell community. There’s no one better than the Plainwell community. My parents have stuck by me and my brother. They’re there every single step of the way. They’ve done so much for us. I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.”
110
Champion: Tatianna Castillo, Lowell, Soph. (34-1)
Fall, 5:10, over Rylee Nidiffer, Riverview Gabriel Richard, Fr. (32-4)
Castillo collected a second-straight title, this one at 110 after winning 105 in 2025.
The Lowell boys team won its 13th-straight Division 2 team title last weekend, and the Red Arrows have had numerous wrestlers bring home individual championships.
Castillo is hoping that the Lowell girls can establish a rich wrestling history of their own. They’re off to a good start.
“I think we kind of trained to live up to the boys’ expectations, even though we’re our own kind of section,” she said. “I think it’s so, like, amazing to bring the girls something bigger into Lowell. Lowell isn’t really known for the girls (program), but being a state champ and helping other girls come, I just feel like it’s so amazing to be able to be a part of that.”
115
Champion: Nakayla Dawson, Westland John Glenn, Sr. (15-0)
Technical Fall (5:30), 17-1, over Isabella Crompton, Frankfort, Sr. (48-2)
It wasn’t the easiest of seasons for Dawson, despite her perfect record, as she was hampered by a knee injury to start.
Dawson remained inspired, however, to the point where she said she’d like to coach wrestling some day and teach others what she’s learned.
Dawson said she is considering Indian Hills Community College in Iowa for her next wrestling stop.
“It means a lot because just from me winning my first state title and everything like that, more girls have moved into wrestling, especially at my school and everything,” she said. “They wanted to learn, wanted to wrestle, because of me.”
120
Champion: Cheyenne Frank, Oxford, Sr. (39-0)
Technical Fall (4:40) 16-1, over Alexander Stiltner, Battle Creek Harper Creek, Sr. (40-2)
Frank capped her perfect senior season with a dominant win and a second-straight title. If that weren’t enough, she did backflips on the mat immediately following – just because.
“I just felt like kind of doing that. I just felt loose, you know,” Frank said with a big smile.
Frank was a Finals runner-up as a sophomore and placed fifth as a freshman as a four-time all-stater.
“This means a lot to my community, my team, like all my great coaches,” Frank said. “I’m just glad I got to do this, this last year with them and be surrounded by people I love and care about.”
125
Champion: Adriana Murray, Yale, Soph. (39-3)
Fall, 1:57, over Haley Stenz, Alpena, Soph. (32-2)
If you saw Murray’s vertical leap when she jumped into her coach’s arms after winning her first Finals title, then you may not believe she is coming off significant surgery during her freshman year.
Murray was at a loss for words Saturday, expressing gratefulness to be able to return to the mat.
“I got injured last year. I had surgery on both of my legs on my birthday, and it was supposed to be my last year (wrestling),” Murray said. “I won’t lie, it was miserable. I can’t sit here and tell you all the perfect stuff and that it was great and it’s easy to work through because it’s not. I couldn’t walk for nine months. I had to miss a little bit of school. I wasn’t walking. I wasn’t moving.”
130
Champion: Kassie Sapp, Whitehall, Soph. (39-1)
Decision, 6-4, over Cecilia Williams, Mason, Sr. (21-1)
When Sapp was trailing Williams 4-3 late in their match Saturday, she couldn’t help but think of her 4-3 loss to Grand Haven’s Gracey Barry in last year’s 115-pound title bout.
Even though Williams entered as a favorite, seeking her third Finals title after winning 125 last year and 120 in 2023, Sapp was determined to flip the script. She did so with a takedown during the final seconds.
“I mean, I just dug in, I really did. I don’t even know,” Sapp said. “I just found it within myself and I was like, ‘I’m not going to lose. I’m not going to do what I did last year.’ I was like, ‘I’m not going to lose 4-3 again. There’s no way.’”
135
Champion: Angellaya Burden, Mio, Jr. (28-0)
Fall, 3:33, over Paisley DeNault, Clarkston, Sr. (22-1)
After winning her second-straight championship, Burden admitted she’s not always fond of practices. She finished fourth in the state as a freshman, so somebody must be doing something right.
“I have to thank my coaches, even though sometimes I don’t like them,” Burden quipped and then laughed. “Definitely my teammates, too – even though I feel like quitting, they keep pushing me.
“I definitely struggle a little bit wrestling at practice, but I know at the end of the day it’s making me better – even when I’m wrestling my brothers,” she said, turning and looking toward her coach with a raised eyebrow.
140
Champion: Alexis Lazar, Brighton, Sr. (27-0)
Fall, 1:44, over Kylee Mollow, Olivet, Jr. (44-5)
Lazar has been wrestling for six years. She’s in her first year attending public school after previously being homeschooled.
In her first season competing in an MHSAA sport, she moved to the head of her class.
She kept her cool.
“I didn’t get in my head. I had fun the whole time. I just went out there and did what I had to do,” said Lazar, a Grand Valley State University commit.
145
Champion: MacKenna Webster, Three Rivers, Sr. (42-1)
Fall, 6:00, over Brynna Alwell, Allen Park, Sr. (31-5)
Winning her first Finals title was a big deal for Webster, after she lost in a championship match last year and finished sixth as a sophomore. But being a positive role model may rank higher on her list.
“Honestly, it’s everything. I’m always (trying to set an example) for the girls after me, to be able to leave my mark for those girls,” Webster said. “I just feel so completed. The girls after me, my little girls … they’re why I do it. They’re always pushing me all the way. I’m so glad that I could do it for them.”
Webster plans to attend Davenport University.
155
Champion: Belicia Manuel, Romeo, Sr. (50-0)
Fall, 1:03, over Aaliyah Langell, Big Rapids, Fr. (27-2)
Manuel seized her second title, adding to the one she captured at 140 as a sophomore. She finished runner-up at 145 last year when she lost to four-time champ Margaret Buurma of Fowlerville.
Watching sister Kaili win a championship at 170 immediately after she clinched hers, Belicia was very satisfied with the way her high school career wrapped up.
“It was really nice. It was really fun, especially winning it my last year together (with her sister),” Manuel said.
She plans to attend Northern Michigan University, where she is looking to wrestle.
170
Champion: Kaili Manuel, Romeo, Jr. (48-1)
Technical Fall (2:30) 23-7, over Adelaide Holderman, Middleville Thornapple Kellogg, Jr. (25-3)
Moments after big sister Belicia won her second title, Kaili followed suit with another of her own. This was her third championship, as Kaili won at 155 last year and 145 two years ago.
Belicia’s match was so quick, Kaili pretty much missed it.
“Honestly, I looked at the beginning, I did like a lap and then I looked back and it was over. I was like …,” she paused, then gestured with applause to acknowledge her sister for a job well done.
When Kailia was asked if she and Belicia tangle at home, she came back with an amusing reply.
“It’s mainly my other sisters that fight,” she said. “I’m more of, like, a talker and not a fighter.”
190
Champion: Olivia Kemp, Carleton Airport, Jr. (25-1)
Decision, 4-2, over Kanata Richardson, Bloomfield Hills, Sr. (30-3)
Richardson was seeking a second-straight title, but Kemp had other plans – even if it looked bleak for her during a large portion of the match.
It was such an emotional finish for Kemp, she still had tears in her eyes several minutes after her match ended.
“I just looked over, saw my coaches – I thought of all the hard work I put in through the season, knowing I couldn’t beat her the last time I had a bum shoulder,” said Kemp, who placed fifth last year. “This time, I’m all healed up and ready to go. There’s no excuses.”
235
Champion: Halle Spears, Midland, Sr. (33-0)
Fall, 1:42, over AnnMarie Green, Clare, Sr. (27-2)
Spears finished runner-up at 190 last season, so all she had on her mind this year was to win the prize.
“It’s so great. I’ve waited so long for this. It feels really good to come back and get what I wanted last year,” Spears said.
A Grand Valley State University commit, she was overcome with emotion when she thought about her brother being in her corner at the Finals. Their celebratory embrace was accompanied by tears of joy.
“Have fun and do what you know,” she said. “I think when you’re wrestling, you should just always do what you know and wrestle how you know you have to wrestle.”
PHOTOS (Top) Westland John Glenn's Nakayla Dawson, left, and Plainwell's Madison Nieuwenhuis have their hands raised in victory after earning their fourth MHSAA Finals championships Saturday at Ford Field. (Middle) Romeo's Belicia Manuel, right, and Big Rapids' Aaliyah Langell prepare to face off. (Click for more from High School Sports Scene.)
Gaylord Marching Again Into Contention
January 6, 2016
By Dennis Chase
Special for Second Half
GAYLORD – Gaylord had reason to celebrate over the holidays.
The Blue Devils, ranked No. 6 in Division 2 by Michigan Grappler and the Michigan Wrestling Association in their pre-holiday wrestling poll, ushered in 2016 with strong showings in the Tournament of Champions at Goodrich and the Grand Ledge Invitational.
Gaylord placed second to No. 2 St. Johns, and finished five points ahead of No. 5 Goodrich, in last Wednesday's loaded 16-team field at Goodrich.
Over the weekend at Grand Ledge, Gaylord edged No. 3 Eaton Rapids 37-36 despite missing three starters.
The results left head coach Jerry LaJoie feeling quite pleased with how his team is progressing.
"If we can keep everyone together, and healthy, we could make a nice push by the end of the year," he said.
The Blue Devils advanced to the Division 2 Semifinals a year ago in the MHSAA team competition. After beating Flint Kearsley in the Quarterfinals, Gaylord fell to eventual champion Lowell. Lowell then downed Eaton Rapids for the title.
LaJoie returned several starters off that Final Four squad, including his son Dominic, a two-time individual MHSAA champion.
Dominic LaJoie, currently 20-0, is ranked No. 1 in the state at 119 pounds. Jerry LaJoie said his son's mental makeup on the mat has helped propel him to the top.
"He analyzes everything," Jerry LaJoie said. "He's a thinker. If something doesn't go right, like a technique, he works (to correct it). He's meticulous. And he's one of the hardest workers in the room. It’s like World War III watching him and (training partner) Jon Martin in practice."
Then again, practice makes perfect, right? That's been the case, so far, for LaJoie under his father's tutelage.
"I’m always striving for state championships," Dominic LaJoie said. “That’s my goal."
LaJoie is not the only standout on the squad – a fact not lost on the junior.
"This is the best team I've been on," he said.
LaJoie is one of six Blue Devils ranked in Division 2. He’s joined by Martin, No. 1 at 130 pounds; Derek Giallombardo No. 2 at 103; Trevor Giallombardo No. 3 at 112; Shane Foster No. 5 at 215; and Tim Roney No. 9 at 285. Foster and Roney missed the tournament at Grand Ledge with “nagging” injuries.
"I don't want the injuries to become an issue when we get towards the end of the year," Jerry LaJoie said. "We need to let them heal up."
Foster, an Individual Finals qualifier a year ago, was injured in leading the Blue Devils to a football playoff berth. He's been in and out of the lineup, finishing second in the Marquette Challenge and Tournament of Champions.
An unsung hero on the team is captain Tristan Blanzy at 152 pounds.
"He's keeping everyone together, leading by example," Jerry LaJoie said. "He's not one of the stars. He's just a kid who has come up through the ranks and worked hard for everything (he's achieved). He's done it the old school way."
So what's the strength of this team? LaJoie doesn't hesitate in answering that question.
"We're really good on our feet," he said. "We score a lot of takedowns. We're aggressive."
LaJoie is in his 22nd season as Blue Devils coach. He arrived at a time when rival Ray Arthur had the Petoskey program rolling.
"We had some good teams, and Ray kept knocking us off," LaJoie said. "Ray is the guy who got me up every morning to figure out how to beat him."
Arthur, who stepped down in 2010 after 31 seasons, led the Northmen to 685 dual meets wins, sixth all-time in MHSAA history. His 1996 team won the Division 2 championship.
He set the bar high for LaJoie and the Blue Devils, who have now taken over as the perennial powerhouse in the Big North Conference.
"If it wasn't for him (Arthur), I don't think we would be as good as we are," LaJoie admitted.
Christian Wilson, Gaylord athletic director, said LaJoie spends countless hours developing his program – from the varsity and junior varsity teams at the high school to the youth programs.
"There's no secret to our success," Wilson said. "It's the time and dedication that he's (LaJoie) put into it, along with all of our wrestling assistants. They're often here from the time school gets out until 9 or 10 at night working with kids.
"Wrestling is one of those sports where you can't hide. The cream rises to the top. It's something they've put a lot of effort into."
Wilson said LaJoie is a strong motivator, too.
"He relates well to all the kids," he said. "The kids want to wrestle for him. They want to do well for him. His practices are not easy, but they know in order to compete they have to put the time in (training). He has high expectations, and those kids reach for it."
How high can they reach? That question will be answered in the weeks ahead, but LaJoie believes anything is possible.
"I think we can make a run if we can stay healthy and get a few breaks along the way," he said. "(Top-ranked) Lowell and St. Johns are tough teams, but a lot can happen between now and then."
Especially for a team trending up.
Dennis Chase worked 32 years as a sportswriter at the Traverse City Record-Eagle, including as sports editor from 2000-14. He can be reached at [email protected] with story ideas for Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Roscommon, Ogemaw, Iosco, Alcona, Oscoda, Crawford, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Benzie, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Montmorency, Alpena, Presque Isle, Cheboygan, Charlevoix and Emmet counties.
PHOTOS: (Top) Gaylord’s wrestling team takes part in the pre-match march before last season’s Division 2 Quarterfinals at Kellogg Arena. (Middle) Jon Martin (top) wraps up Dakotah Leland of Flint Kearsley during their match at 130 pounds. (Below) Coach Jerry LaJoie is in his 22nd season leading the program. (Click for more photos from HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)