Watervliet High School has been crowned the 2026 Southwest Michigan School Spirit Champion after a four-week bracket competition featuring 16 schools across the region.

State Representative Pauline Wendzel helped sponsor the event, as she has for several years. Her office says the Watervliet Panthers emerged victorious after a hard-fought final matchup against the Decatur Raiders, who made a deep tournament run of their own by knocking out multiple opponents on their way to the championship round.

Schools compete in the Southwest Michigan Spirit Tournament each year by making social media posts throughout its duration to show their pride.

Wendzel says, “Nobody does school spirit like Southwest Michigan, and nobody showed up quite like Watervliet this year.”

As champions, Watervliet will receive a trophy, recognition, and a $1,500 donation for a school program or department of its choice.