Over 3,000 wrestlers from more than 40 states were represented at Preseason Nationals this past weekend in Des Moines, IA. Four Nebraskans won their brackets among the two high school divisions, while nine others became All-Americans in their respective weight classes.
Garret Grice won the national title at 113 in the 9th-10th grade division. In his 7 matches, he recorded 3 major decisions, 2 falls, 1 decision and a sudden victory win in the semifinals. Grice is a freshman at Bellevue East this season and is one of the top freshmen in the state.
Phillip Moomey won the national title at 126 in the 11th-12th grade division. In his 6 matches, he recorded 3 major decisions while outscoring his opponents 52-12. Moomey is a senior at Kearney, and is looking to win his third state title this season.
Maxx Mayfield won the national title at 138 in the 11th-12th grade division, and was named Outstanding Wrestler of both high school divisions. In his 6 matches, he recorded 1 fall, 1 major decision, and outscored his opponents 38-12. Mayfield won 3-1 over fellow returning Class A state champion Nick James in the semifinals. Mayfield is a junior at Lincoln East, and is looking to follow up his dominant sophomore season with a second state title.
Damen Pape won the national title at 182 in the 11th-12th grade division. In his 5 matches, he recorded 2 falls and 1 major decision. Pape is a junior at Hastings, and is looking to win his first state title this season.
Complete List of Nebraska High School All-Americans:
9th-10th grade division
113- 1st Place – Garrett Grice of MWC Wrestling Academy (Bellevue East HS)
120 – 6th Place – Drew Arnold of Beatrice High School
126- 4th Place – Conor Knopick of MWC Wrestling Academy (Millard South HS)
126 – 7th Place – Darian Diaz of North Platte High School
11th-12th grade division:
106- 4th Place – Nate Hartman of MWC Wrestling Academy (Millard West HS)
120- 5th Place – Jackson Nielsen of MWC Wrestling Academy (Blair HS)
126
*1st Place – Phillip Moomey of Golden Eagles (Kearney HS)
*6th Place – Caleb Lazure of Skutt Catholic High School
138
*1st Place – Maxx Mayfield of MWC Wrestling Academy (Lincoln East HS)
*3rd Place – Nick James of Golden Eagles (Kearney HS)
152- 6th Place – Noah Styskal of MWC Wrestling Academy (David City HS)
170- 5th Place – Grant Lyman of Team CES (Lincoln East HS)
182- 1st Place – Damen Pape of 2TG (Hastings Senior High)
195- 6th Place – Eli Jansen of Skutt Catholic High School
285- 2nd Place – Ethan McPhillips of GI Grapplers (Grand Island Senior High)