LINCOLN – The Kearney High School wrestling team delivered a commanding performance at the 2025 Gator Invite on Saturday, winning the team title with an impressive 215 points. The Bearcats outpaced second-place Elkhorn South, who finished with 176.5 points, and showcased their dominance with six individual champions.
The victory marked another highlight in what is shaping up to be an outstanding season for the Bearcats, who demonstrated depth, skill, and resilience across all weight classes.
Team Standings
1. Kearney – 215.0
2. Elkhorn South – 176.5
3. Lincoln North Star – 102.5
4. Lincoln Southeast – 91.0
5. Millard North – 87.5
6. Lincoln Pius X – 76.5
7. Fremont – 71.0
8. Omaha Central – 59.0
Bearcat Champions Lead the Way
Six Kearney wrestlers stood atop the podium, with several delivering dominant performances.
• 113 lbs: Jack Sponenburgh (23-1) pinned his way to the title, including a lightning-fast fall in 56 seconds in the finals.
• 120 lbs: Jameson Small (18-9) outclassed the competition, earning a technical fall (18-0) over teammate Jace Smith in the championship match.
• 126 lbs: Kaden Kowalek (19-7) earned his title with a 4-0 decision over Quinlan Johnson from Fremont.
• 157 lbs: Sam Nachtigal (20-7) triumphed in a dramatic semifinal decided in sudden victory before securing a 4-2 decision in the finals.
• 165 lbs: Taj Wilson (27-2) was unstoppable, pinning all of his opponents, including a jaw-dropping 13-second fall in the finals.
• 175 lbs: John Florell (24-4) added to the Bearcats’ gold-medal haul with two technical falls and a 10-1 major decision in the finals.
Notable Runner-Up Finishes
The Bearcats also saw several second-place finishers who contributed crucial points to the team’s total.
• 120 lbs: Jace Smith (2-1) picked up two pins to start the day before falling to teammate Jameson Small in the finals.
• 132 lbs: Zaen Green (16-10) fought hard, falling just short in a tight 10-7 decision in the finals.
• 138 lbs: Braxton Robinson (18-8) dominated early rounds but was edged in the championship match.
• 144 lbs: Kaedun Goodman (20-9) picked up a key semifinal victory before finishing as runner-up.
• 285 lbs: Xavier Martinez (17-9) pinned his way to the finals but was bested in the championship match.
Depth Makes the Difference
Alec Newell (215 lbs, 4th place), and others contributed valuable points that solidified the team’s victory.
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