This weekend saw the Nebraska state wrestling championships come and go. It was a battle of grit and mental fortitude that saw the Cornhusker State crown 56 state champions. There were the big names like Trumble, Taylor, Mayfield, winning titles. There were upsets. And there was history: Nebraska crowned their 33rd four-time champion. Some spectacular freshmen found their way to the top of the podium. It was another successful tournament in front of record attendance.

The Team Champions

• Class A: Millard South
• Class B: Hastings
• Class C: David City
• Class D: Plainview

Millard South continued their dominance in Class A. They completed an undefeated dual schedule, won state duals, and won the individual team title with five state champions. In Class B, led by Northern Colorado signee Damen Pape, the Tigers won the team title for the first time since 1988; it was their second in school history. David City won a tight team race over Ord and Valentine to win the school’s fourth state title and first since 2016. David City finished in the top three for the sixth time in seven seasons. Plainview won their second consecutive title. They had three state champions to help lead them and are in good position to win it again next season.

The Champions

Fifty-six were crowned over the weekend. Nick Stoltenberg, Maxx Mayfield, and Paul Garcia won their third titles. Next year, Garcia will wrestle for his fourth title. Sophomore Garrett Grice won his second title and still has his eyes on becoming a four-time champion. NC State signee Isaac Trumble put on a show after bumping up a weight class to heavyweight at districts — Trumble pinned his way to the state title. He wrestled a total of 2:49 this weekend. 

UWW Greco All-American Dyson Kunz won his first title. The best match of the tournament might have been in the finals at 132 pounds. It was a clash of world team members in the final. Conor Knopick and Jakason Burks were in a battle that went to ultimate tiebreakers. After Knopick was able to ride out Burks, it was time for them to flip positions. Knopick was able to get a reversal for the 4-2 win.

Gage Krolikowski

The Valentine senior ended a fabulous career that saw him win his fourth title. He fell one pin short of tying the state tournament pin record. He only lost one match in high school career. Krolikowski will wrestle in college for Nebraska-Kearney. He has been an example of character and shows hard work pays off. He has wrestled in offseason tournaments and continuously improved each year.

Fabulous Freshmen

Bennington freshman Kael Lauridsen busted on to the scene in the summer as a U15 World Team Member. He made everyone in Nebraska aware of who he is this season going undefeated and winning the state title. Ely Olberding went 46-3 this season ending with his state championship.