Kearney, NE – The Kearney High School wrestling team delivered a dominant performance at the Midwest Duals in Kearney, capturing first place with commanding victories over all their opponents. Over the course of five matches, the Bearcats showcased their depth, determination, and technical skill, solidifying their status as a powerhouse program.
Round 1: Kearney vs. Millard South JV (78-0)
Kearney opened the tournament with a flawless 78-0 shutout over Millard South's JV team. Standout performances included Zaen Green (132) securing a 22-4 technical fall over Victor Ramirez and Xavier Martinez (285) pinning Kesler Mendoza Garcia in just 22 seconds. Kearney recorded a perfect sweep, with pins in 10 of the 14 matches.
Round 2: Kearney vs. Sedgwick County/Fleming (71-12)
The Bearcats kept their momentum alive in Round 2, defeating Sedgwick County/Fleming 71-12. Braxton Robinson (138) and Kaedun Goodman (144) each notched key pins, while Jack Sponenburgh (113) recorded a 17-2 technical fall over Cooper Edson. Despite a few setbacks at 175 and 106, Kearney's dominance was undeniable.
Round 3: Kearney vs. Minden (53-20)
Facing a tougher test, Kearney emerged victorious against Minden with a 53-20 score. Kaedun Goodman (144), Sam Nachtigal (157), & Taj Wilson (165) each earned pins, and Zaen Green (132) battled to a high-scoring 26-20 decision over Cade Harsin. Though Kearney dropped a few matches, their strength across multiple weight classes secured the win.
Championship Bracket: Kearney vs. Millard South (42-27)
The championship bracket brought a competitive clash with Millard South. Kearney edged out a 42-27 win, fueled by critical victories from Taj Wilson (165), who pinned AJ Pierson in 1:37, and Xavier Martinez (285), who secured a narrow 5-3 decision over Dakota Bunz. Jameson Small (120) added to the team’s momentum with a 10-3 decision over Gunner Rettele.
1st Place Match: Kearney vs. Columbus (47-27)
In the final showdown, Kearney outpaced Columbus 47-27 to claim the tournament title. Taj Wilson (165), John Florell (175), and Dylan Johnson (215) all earned pins, while Zaen Green (132) sealed a close 5-4 decision over Treyton Kropatsch. Jack Sponenburgh (113) added another quick fall, pinning Ethan Salak in just 26 seconds.
Undefeated Performances
Owen Launer (106): Owen went 3-0 with one Teah Fall and one Pin.
Jameson Small (120): Jameson went undefeated finishing the day 5-0 with four falls and one decision.
Taj Wilson (165): Went undefeated in the tournament, with every victory coming by pin.
Dylan Johnson (215): Dylan finished the day 5-0 picking up five falls.
Kearney JV Wrestling Places 8th at Midwest Duals
The Kearney JV wrestling team showcased resilience and determination in the Midwest Duals, ultimately finishing in 8th place. The team faced tough competition throughout the tournament but secured individual victories in every match.
Match 1: Columbus Defeats Kearney JV, 55-19
The JV squad opened their tournament against Columbus, falling 55-19. Notable performances included:
Cooper Ritz (132) dominated Treyton Kropatsch with an 8-0 major decision.
Peyton Meier (157) pinned Xayvion Epps in 3:31.
Sam Lungrin (175) secured a fall over Colton Jarecki in 1:52.
Noah Schmit (120) edged Kevin Escobar-Romero with a 12-8 decision.
Match 2: Kearney JV Tops Norton Community, 39-37
The team rebounded with a close victory over Norton Community. Key performances:
Cooper Ritz (132) earned a 7-1 decision over Ayston Kats.
Sam Lungrin (175), Reid Weides (157), and Drake Hasselquist (165) all collected wins by forfeit, contributing critical points.
Ty Buescher (190) pinned Cope Railsback in just 1:07.
Match 3: Kearney JV Overcomes Gretna, 53-25
Kearney JV gained momentum with a dominant win over Gretna. Highlights included:
Preston Eilers (144) pinned Parker Petrigash in 1:53.
Max VanHorn (150) secured a fall against Rocky Perez in 3:37.
Peyton Meier (157) achieved a quick pin in just 39 seconds.
Thatcher Whiting (190) pinned Braxton Bruggeman in only 26 seconds.
Match 4: Broken Bow Edges Kearney JV, 48-33
In the consolation bracket, Kearney JV fell to Broken Bow despite solid efforts:
Drake Hasselquist (165) pinned Garrett Johnk in 1:17.
Sam Lungrin (175) added another win via forfeit.
Ty Buescher (190) earned a pin over Kaleb Berggren in just 45 seconds.
Josiah Uma (285) secured a hard-fought 8-4 decision over Devon Baum.
Match 5: Bellevue West Defeats Kearney JV, 55-17
In the 7th place match, Kearney JV faced Bellevue West, finishing the tournament with a loss. Bright spots included:
Peyton Meier (157) claimed a major decision over DeMarkus Robinson, 22-8.
Sam Lungrin (175) won a 4-0 decision against Jules Dudoit.
Ty Buescher (190) pinned Caleb Braxton in 2:31.
Despite finishing 8th overall, the Kearney JV wrestlers gained valuable experience and showcased their potential in several hard-fought matches.
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