Bobcat wrestlers prepare for state tournament

The 2023 Nebraska School Activities Association State Wrestling Championships begin Thursday at the CHI Health Center Arena in Omaha.

Summerland will be represented in both the girls' and boys' divisions.

Raina Krebs will vie for a state medal in the girls' 235-pound division, while Alex Thiele and Ethan Kester will battle in the 120- and 126-pound divisions, respectively.

Competition for Thiele and Kester will begin Thursday at 9:30, with quarterfinal matches scheduled to follow the opening round.

Thiele will wrestle conference foe, Owen Vondra, of Elkhorn Valley, in the opening round.

Thiele boasts a 35-12 record, while Vondra has 33 wins and seven losses.

Kester, 32-12 on the season, will face Mullen's Eli Paxton, 35-1 on the season.

At 3 p.m., the girls' tournament will run concurrent with Class B and C boys' competition.

Krebs, who enters the tournament with a 23-6 record, will face Abbey Dannelly, of Millard South. She sits at 30-18 on the year.

On Friday, Feb. 17, boys' first and second consolation round matches are slated to start at 9 a.m. Consolation matches for female competitors will begin at noon.

Semifinal and third-round consolation matches for boys and girls will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Consolation semifinals for boys and girls will begin at 9 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 18.

Matches for third- and fifth-place for boys and girls will follow the consolation semifinals.

Championship matches in all classes, for boys and girls, are set to begin at 3 p.m.

Things to know if you go

CHI Health Center Arena has a clear bag policy. Bags permitted must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and measure no larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by six inches. A one-gallon clear freezer bag may be used.

Clutch-sized bags, which measure 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches, will be allowed following a security search. Clear diaper or camera bags will be permitted.

Exceptions will be made for bags of medical necessity, per the event center website.

Only digital tickets will be accepted for entry. Spectators may access tickets directly from email or the Ticketmaster app.

Screenshots or printed paper tickets will not be accepted.

The arena is a cash-free facility. Credit and debit cards or a mobile device may be used for payment.

Four "Cash 2 Card" machines are located within the center, including one by guest services and another near the Lexus Club on the arena side. A fee is not charged to use a machine.

Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the arena.