Boys finished sixth at conference wrestling

The Summerland Bobcats boys wrestling team earned a sixth-place finish at the Greater Nebraska Activities Conference wrestling meet, held Jan. 23 at Neligh-Oakdale High School. The team scored 43 points in a competitive field. Coach Dan Roeber emphasized the importance of the meet as a benchmark for the team's progress heading into the final stretch of the season. "Conference was a good chance for the Bobcats to see where we are as the season gets closer to the end," Roeber said. "We have a lot of great competition in our conference and a lot of boys and girls that have the potential to be on the podium in Omaha."

The Bobcats' standout performance came from Ethan Kester in the 150-pound class. Kester placed second and scored 16 team points, advancing to the championship match after a decisive 12-7 semifinal victory over Kaden McAllister of Elkhorn Valley. Unfortunately, a medical forfeit in the final round handed first place to Michael McFarland of EV.

In the 132-pound class, Isaac Mendoza showcased his skills to secure third place, adding 9.5 team points. Mendoza bounced back from early losses with a dominant tech fall victory over Jaden Davis of West Holt in 3:19. Meanwhile, Austin Mendoza delivered a strong showing in the 144-pound division, placing fourth and contributing 6.5 points. His performance included a commanding 16-1 tech fall win over Levi Uecker of Lutheran High Northeast.

Liam Cleveland's efforts in the 120-pound class earned him fourth place and 8 points. Cleveland claimed a hard-fought 11-9 decision over Dylan Furstenau of Neligh-Oakdale and later won by medical forfeit against teammate Luke Kester, who placed sixth in the same weight class.

Steven Mast (138 pounds) earned 3 points for the team after securing a fall victory over Carter Wettlaufer of West Holt in the consolation bracket. Despite finishing out of medal contention, Ayden Bazelman (126 pounds) and Jacob Schlecht (215 pounds) each fought through multiple matches but ultimately did not place. Bazelman earned a bye in the consolation round before falling to Jensen Kumm of Plainview, while Schlecht advanced to the consolation semifinals after a first-round bye.

Lane Sanne competed in the 113-pound class and placed fifth.

The Bobcats will look to build on this performance as they gear up for upcoming competitions, including a trip to Central Valley on Friday, Jan. 31.