On March 6 and 7, five Hamilton wrestlers will take the mat at Ford Field for the MHSAA Individual State Finals — and for three of them, it’s a return trip with unfinished business.
Hamilton Community Schools is proud to celebrate:
- Bryce Morrison (150 lbs.) – Senior
- Chase Morrison (126 lbs.) – Sophomore
- Tyler Block (175 lbs.) – Senior
- Abbi VerHoeven (115 lbs.) – Freshman
- Korra Kapenga (125 lbs.) – Junior
Bryce Morrison – Four-Time State Qualifier, One Goal in Mind
Bryce Morrison has now qualified for the State Finals all four years of his high school career — an accomplishment that speaks to consistency, discipline, and elite preparation.
But for Bryce, simply qualifying isn’t the end goal.
“It’s really just another step in the process. I feel like you kind of have to expect to win if you’re going to win. It’s just more building blocks to a state title.”
His mindset has stayed steady throughout his career.
“You can’t make matches too big or too small. You just take every match the same. It’s all just wrestling. Doesn’t matter if it’s the state finals or some random tournament on the weekend.”
Bryce won regionals in the 150-pound weight class, but he's now turning his sights to becoming Hamilton's fifth state champion in program history, joining Gregg Stoel, Mike Oetman, Andy Cook, and Malachi Kapenga in 2023.
“I want to win the state title. I got nothing else.”
After four straight appearances, Bryce isn’t just returning — he’s chasing the top of the podium.
Chase Morrison – Building on a Strong Freshman Season
Bryce's younger brother and Hamilton High School sophomore Chase Morrison qualified for state last year as a freshman and is back again, continuing to build momentum in his high school career.
“It means a lot. I feel like Hamilton’s been a huge part of my success and I really couldn’t have done it without them. Being a Hamilton guy is very important to me.”
Wrestling runs in the Morrison family. Practicing alongside his older brother Bryce pushes him daily.
“Being practice partners with my brother really helps me every day. He beats me up every day, to be honest. Gets me a little tougher.”
With one state tournament already under his belt, he returns more experienced — and aiming higher.
Tyler Block – Senior Leadership, Podium in Sight
Senior Tyler Block also made it to Ford Field last season as a junior. Now, with one final opportunity in his high school career, he’s focused on taking the next step.
“It means a lot. All that hard work and dedication throughout the year just to come out and do well and perform — that’s what I’ve been working for the whole season.”
He knows what it means to represent Hamilton on the biggest stage.
“It’s a lot on your back. The responsibility — you’re wearing the Hamilton on your shirt. You’ve got to show up.”
After falling short of the podium last year, Tyler has a clear goal.
“Last year, I fell short. This year, I’m hoping to get on that podium.”
Abbi VerHoeven – A Historic Freshman Moment
Freshman Abbi VerHoeven is making history as one of the first two girls state qualifiers in Hamilton wrestling history.
“I was really happy. I think I was crying a little bit. I went and hugged my coaches and a bunch of my teammates because for me it was a really big accomplishment to make it to state. Especially as a freshman.”
She credits her coaches, Jess Rockhold, Joscelyn Fritzsche, Trent Holyfield and practice partners for pushing her every day.
“We work really hard in practice. Trenton really pushes us to work hard and push ourselves to be better. Jess and Jos are just really amazing coaches.”
Her focus heading into Ford Field is simple.
“Going into state, I want to continue to wrestle, not let the nerves get to me, and wrestle the best that I can.”
Korra Kapenga – Hard Work Rewarded
Junior Korra Kapenga joins Abbi in making program history as one of Hamilton’s first girls state qualifiers.
Winning regionals was a meaningful moment for her in just her second year of organized wrestling for the Hamilton program.
“It meant a lot because I feel like I put a ton of work in and sometimes I don’t see the success. So winning regionals is a big deal.”
She’s motivated by family, including her brother Malachi, who won a state championship in 2023.
“Seeing my brother win state and have so much success really motivates me to do the same. Seeing how hard he works makes me want to work harder.”
After the regional victory, her sights turn to Detroit and making noise at state.
“I want to continue to wrestle the best that I can and hopefully make it on the podium somehow.”
