Murray, NEB- On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Conestoga wrestling team hosted the annual Cougar Classic Invitational. Schools from surrounding areas traveled to the high school for some early winter season competition.

At the tournament, 11 girls teams and 12 boys teams competed. The Syracuse Rockets took home the championship trophy on the boys side, and Logan View placed second. The Millard North girls’ wrestling team took home first place, while the Palmyra girls got second place.

Several wrestlers from Conestoga found success at their home tournament. Head Coach Rob Everett expressed, “The 2025 Cougar Classic was a success for the team. We proved that while we are a small team, we will compete at a high level.”

At the tournament, Cole K. and Maggie F. both placed first, winning all their matches of the day. James K. and Ava F. placed second, Allee I. got third place, and Jazlyn E. and Lillian H. both placed fourth. Two other wrestlers competed for Conestoga, but did not place.

“As we finish the first week of competitions, I am happy with where we are as a team,” Everett explained. “We are functioning at a high level and have minor improvements to make.”

The girls’ team will be back in action on Saturday, Dec. 13, as they travel to a tournament at Wood River High School. The boys have a dual tournament on Friday, Dec. 12, and the next day they will compete at Crete High School.

For upcoming competitions, both teams are looking to continue to learn and grow their skills. “We need to be stronger in our tie-ups and shot set-ups,” Everett stated. “ We also need to put in some work on our pinning combinations to be even better.”