Three Blair wrestlers earned semifinals berths Friday during the NSAA State Wrestling Championships in Omaha.
Bears Jesse Loges, Charlie Powers and Dex Larsen each won two matches, securing semifinal matches and podium spots at 106, 145 and 195 pounds, respectively. Their school is currently sixth in the Class B team standings with 41.5 points.
“Everybody wrestled tough today,” BHS coach Erich Warner said. “Even in defeat, our kids gave it their all.”
It was exactly what he'd hoped to see at state.
“That's what we really preach,” Warner said. “If you give your best effort, win or lose, you can be happy with what happens.”
Loges won matches by tech fall and 6-0 decision, while Powers earned a first-round pin and second-round 4-3 decision. Larsen, who improved to 50-0, won his matches by pin and 14-7 decision.
“Those guys are as good as they get,” Warner said. “They can beat anybody in the state, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow.”
In addition to the three semifinalists, three more Bears remain in the hunt for state medals. Braden Hanson went 2-1 at 182 pounds, winning his first round and second-round consolation matches to advance. He is one win away from an assured podium finish.
Gabe Gaskill is also one win away from a state medal after going 2-1 at 220 pounds. The senior earned an upset first-round win before clinching a spot on the second day of the tourney by pin.
Lance Hume also extended his state stay by pin. He's 2-1 at heavyweight after dropping his opening match.
The Gaskill and Hume pins came back-to-back on mat No. 6 at the CHI Health Center to close out the Bears' opening day at state.
“Kids just feed off each other,” Warner said. “Gabe getting that win really helps Lance. You can't ask for much better.”
Two Blair wrestlers, however, had their seasons come to a close Friday — but not without a win apiece. Luke Frost finished the state tournament 1-2 at 113 pounds, while Dylan Berg was 1-2 at 160.
The Bears continue state tournament competition 9 a.m. Saturday at the CHI Health Center. The semifinals, third- and fifth-place matches will all take place then before the Class B and C finals at 7 p.m.
Gering leads the Class B team standings with 63.5 points, while Hastings is second with 53. Beatrice (52.5 points), Aurora (52) and Broken Bow (52) are third, fourth and fifth, respectively.
For more state tourney updates, check back at enterprisepub.com/sports through Friday and Saturday's events. Full stories and additional photos will appear in Tuesday's Washington County Pilot-Tribune.
