Kearney High School’s wrestling team displayed dominance and determination at the Flatwater Fracas, ultimately claiming third place after going 7-1 over the two day tournament. The Bearcats proved their depth and talent, racking up decisive wins in pool play and battling through stiff competition in the championship bracket.
Pool Matches:
Kearney 62, Blair 12
The Bearcats opened the tournament with a commanding victory over Blair. Standout performances included Kaden Kowalek (126 lbs), who pinned his opponent in just 23 seconds, and Zaen Green (132 lbs), who earned a technical fall with a 17-2 victory. Xavier Martinez (285 lbs) also contributed with a first-period pin, and John Florell (175 lbs) added a technical fall of his own.
Kearney 77, Schuyler 0
Kearney’s dominance was on full display against Schuyler, shutting out their opponents with 14 straight wins. Key highlights included:
• Owen Launer (106 lbs), Jack Sponenburgh (113 lbs), and Kaedun Goodman (138 lbs) securing pins in under two minutes.
• Technical falls from Jameson Small (120 lbs) and Kaden Kowalek (126 lbs).
• Xavier Martinez (285 lbs) closed the dual with a quick pin in just 53 seconds.
Kearney 60, Lincoln Southeast 18
In their final pool match, Kearney cruised past Lincoln Southeast but faced tougher competition in several weight classes. Braxton Robinson (144 lbs) and Kaedun Goodman (138 lbs) notched first-period pins, while Sam Nachtigal (157 lbs) earned a thrilling 4-1 sudden victory decision.
Championship Rounds:
Kearney 71, Smith Center 10
Kearney rolled into the championship bracket with a dominant victory over Smith Center. The Bearcats recorded nine falls, including a quick 36-second pin from Sam Lungrin (190 lbs) and a 1:18 pin by Kaedun Goodman (138 lbs). John Florell (175 lbs) added another technical fall to his stellar tournament performance.
Kearney 44, Bennington 26
In a closer dual, Kearney’s depth proved critical against Bennington. Kaden Kowalek (126 lbs) and Jameson Small (120 lbs) secured crucial falls, while Xavier Martinez (285 lbs) added a 47-second pin to help seal the victory.
Lincoln East 42, Kearney 26
Kearney faced a tough test against a stacked Lincoln East team in the semifinals. Despite solid wins from John Florell (175 lbs), Taj Wilson (165 lbs), and Kaden Kowalek (126 lbs), Lincoln East’s balanced lineup proved too much.
Consolation Rounds:
Kearney 54, Norfolk 18
Kearney rebounded in the consolation semifinals, powered by dominant wins across the lineup. Kaedun Goodman (138 lbs) delivered an exciting 11-5 sudden victory win, and Braxton Robinson (144 lbs) scored a technical fall in the final moments. Taj Wilson (165 lbs) and John Florell (175 lbs) capped off the team’s strong showing with pins.
Kearney 42, Manhattan 32
In the third-place match, Kearney edged out Manhattan in a back-and-forth contest. Jameson Small (120 lbs) and Xavier Martinez (285 lbs) came through with critical pins, while Jack Sponenburgh (113 lbs) added a third-period fall.
Key Takeaways:
Kearney’s lineup demonstrated exceptional resilience and depth throughout the tournament. Taj Wilson (165 lbs) was the Bearcats lone wrestler to go 8-0. While Owen Launer (106 lbs), Jack Sponenburgh (113 lbs), Jameson Small (120 lbs), Kaden Kowalek (126 lbs), & John Florell (175 lbs) all went 7-1.
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