The Kearney High School wrestling team had another great weekend at the 67th Annual Rocky Welton Invitational, one of the region’s most competitive high school tournaments, featuring 35 teams. Multiple standout performances and several podium finishes propelled the Bearcats to a 4th place team finish.
Top 6 Placers
Kaedun Goodman (144 lbs): Goodman had a stellar run, earning third place with a dominant performance that included three victories by fall and a decisive 11-9 win in the consolation semifinal. He capped off his weekend by pinning Atlas Grosch of Chatfield High School in 1:51 during the third-place match.
Zaen Green (132 lbs): Green fought his way to fourth place, showing resilience despite facing tough opponents. His path included a key win over Haegen Hartman (33-7) and advancing through a medical forfeit in the semifinals.
Sam Nachtigal (157 lbs): Nachtigal secured fourth place after a hard-fought journey, including a nail-biting 7-6 win in the consolation semifinal. He fell to Justus Freeman of Pueblo East in the ultimate tiebreaker for third place.
Jack Sponenburgh (113 lbs): Sponenburgh finished fifth, highlighted by a technical fall victory in the second round and a win by medical forfeit in his final match.
Jameson Small (120 lbs): Small claimed fifth place, capping his weekend with a victory by fall over Braxton Moody of Valley Center in just 1:50.
Taj Wilson (165 lbs): Wilson placed fifth, recording several impressive wins by fall, including a lightning-fast 12-second pin over Brian Prough of Hays in the opening round.
John Florell (175 lbs): Florell placed sixth, highlighted by a quarterfinal win over Dalton Meyers of Hays.
Other Notable Placements
Owen Launer (106 lbs): Launer placed 10th, demonstrating resilience with multiple wins by fall, including a 24-second pin against Canon Husen of Maize South.
Kaden Kowalek (126 lbs): Kowalek secured ninth place, finishing strong with a technical fall victory over Tucker Verbeck of Maize.
Braxton Robinson (138 lbs): Robinson fought hard for a 10th-place finish, including a technical fall victory over Sebastian Heredia of Ulysses.
Sam Lungrin (175 lbs): Lungrin took eighth place, showcasing determination with multiple wins by fall.
Kendall Kleen (190 lbs): Kleen earned 11th place with a key victory by fall over Benedict Baxa of Republic County.