Murray, NEB- Every February, the CHI Health Center fills with thousands of fans, coaches, and athletes as Nebraska’s best wrestlers gather for the state wrestling championships. Under the bright lights and roaring crowds, competitors from programs across the state fight for medals, titles, and the chance to make history.
For Conestoga Jr./Sr. High School, the moment was especially meaningful. Despite having a small wrestling roster, the Cougars sent four wrestlers to compete at the state tournament; and all four returned home as medalists.
Senior Maggie F led the group, capturing the state championship at 155 pounds and securing her second consecutive title. Along the way, she also reached a historic milestone: her 200th career victory, becoming just the second female wrestler in Nebraska history to achieve the accomplishment. Sophomore Cole K earned fourth place at 165 pounds, senior James K finished fifth at 175 pounds, and sophomore Jazlyn E placed sixth at 140 pounds.
For Maggie, the team’s success reflected the dedication and work ethic developed throughout the season in Conestoga’s wrestling room.
“I think that having all four qualifiers means that even though our room is small, it is very talented and dedicated,” Fiene said. “The coaches did a very good job at pushing us to be the best we could.”
The Cougars may not have had the numbers of larger programs, but the group’s determination allowed them to compete with some of the best wrestlers in the state. Competing on Nebraska’s biggest stage was a special experience for the team, particularly given how closely the athletes supported one another throughout the season.
“I think it was very special to compete at state with a small squad,” Maggie said. “I was very glad to have my friend by my side the whole time down below, and the rest of the team and family in the crowd.”
For senior James K, representing Conestoga at the state tournament carried both pride and responsibility. After years of training and competition, the opportunity to wrestle at the CHI Health Center marked a memorable moment in his high school career.
“It was an honor to represent the school while wrestling at the state tournament,” James said. “Not everyone will get that honor in their high school career, so it’s also pretty special to be able to do that. Conestoga isn’t always known for having the best sports performances, so being at the state tournament puts Conestoga on the map.”
Throughout the season, the small size of the program helped create a tight knit environment where teammates supported one another both on and off the mat. With only a few wrestlers on the boys’ team, the athletes quickly learned to rely on each other for encouragement during difficult matches and challenging moments.
“Having only three members on the boys’ team was something new for me this year,” James said. “But it made it a whole lot easier to support everyone equally. All of us watched each other wrestling and supported each other from the edge of the mat.”
Teammate Allee Jo I witnessed the dedication and preparation that went into the season and saw firsthand how much effort the state qualifiers invested to reach the tournament.
“They have worked so hard,” Allee Jo said. “They came to every single practice, went to almost every tournament and duel intending to get better, and dedicated themselves to the sport.”
That commitment was something head coach Rob Everett said played a significant role in the team’s success at the state tournament.
“I would say that it's a testament to the hard work put in; not just with wrestling, but with mindset and dedication,” Everett said. “Our team showed that they were ready for anything thrown at them.”
While the Cougars may have had a smaller roster compared to many programs across the state, Everett believes the team’s results show that Conestoga wrestling can still compete at a high level.
“I think that if you look at our team standings at the end of the state tournament, it shows that even though we have a small number, we can make an impact at a state level,” Everett said.
For Maggie, the championship victory and historic milestone marked a fitting conclusion to her high school wrestling career.
“Reaching my 200th career win and winning state for the second time meant that I got to close my wrestling book on the highest note I possibly could have,” Maggie said. “I'm blessed to have had the opportunity to wrestle and grow in one of the toughest sports.”
Even with a small roster, the Cougars proved that determination, teamwork, and commitment can make a powerful impact. Four wrestlers stepped onto Nebraska’s biggest wrestling stage, and all four left with medals, showing that even the smallest programs can leave a lasting mark.
