Wayne Memorial athletics riding a wave of success

2026 Regional Champion Wayne Memorial boys basketball team.

By Sarah Shurge – Congratulations to Wayne Memorial High School’s boys basketball, girls basketball, boys bowling, and wrestling teams for dominating athletics this season.
“It’s an amazing time this time of year,” said Mark Woodson, Wayne Memorial athletic director. “It’s a great feeling to see our kids have success.”
Over Spring Break, the wrestling team competed in their District and Regional Tournaments.
Congratulations to Mariah Simpson for qualifying for the State Tournament, her third time as an individual.
Congratulations to Daniel Harris for qualifying for the State Tournament, as well. Harris had to beat two wrestlers that he had lost to earlier in order to become Wayne’s first men’s state qualifier in almost 10 years.
Another congratulations to Lupe Chapparo for qualifying for Regionals, falling one point short in her quest to repeat as a state qualifier.
“Just to be around those kids and see them compete and work hard, I feel good,” said Woodson.

The Lady Zebras are 2026 District Champions.

Congratulations to Wayne Memorial boys basketball Regional Champions. They played River Rouge on Thursday, March 5th, winning 71-47.
The boys basketball team won in the Regional Semifinals on Tuesday, March 3rd, won District on Friday, February 27th, and won KLAA on Friday, February 20th.
“It’s an amazing feeling when you see the team work so hard during the season, put the time in, and get rewarded,” said Woodson.
Congratulations to Wayne Memorial girls basketball District Champions. They played Crestwood on Friday, March 6th, winning 71-39.
The girls basketball team won the KLAA title against Belleville.
“It’s an amazing feeling for both teams,” said Woodson.
Congratulations to the Wayne Memorial boys bowling team for winning the KLAA cross-over tournament (East vs West Tournament) on Friday, February 13th.
“They went to the Final four last year. The coach does a phenomenal job with those kids,” said Woodson.
Congratulations to the unified co-ed basketball (special needs teams) for competing in the KLAA Championship on Wednesday, March 4th.
“It’s amazing to see those kids compete on the court. For them, it’s not about winning or losing. It’s a special thing,” said Woodson.
The KLAA Winter All conference team 2025-2026 is as follows: Girls Basketball: Mariah Cross, Kaylee King, and Morgan Smith. Honorable mention:

Wayne Memorial boys bowling team won the 2026 KLAA cross-over tournament

TaiChiauna Allen. Boys Basketball: Jaylohn Allen, Cyrus Goins, Brandon Quick, and Jeremiah Smith. Honorable mention: Antwaun Williams. Girls Bowling: Isabella Gillin and Venessa Kinsey. Boys Bowling: Lyman Derrick III.
“You want to see your kids rewarded for their hard work and dedication. It’s a great feeling to see them achieve those goals,” said Woodson.
Wayne Memorial will have a girls flag football team for the first time this year. The team is sponsored by the Detroit Lions. The season will start in spring. Wayne will host one game at home on Friday, May 1st, versus John Glenn.
Congratulations again to the Wayne Memorial High School’s boys basketball, girls basketball, boys bowling, and wrestling teams! And good luck to the boys and girls basketball teams as they continue to compete this season!