Senior Reflections

We asked seniors “What are your thoughts heading into your final state tournament?” Some of these wrestlers will be moving on to the next level. For some wrestlers, this is the last time wearing the singlet. 

Gavyn Brauer (North Platte)

“I am honestly just grateful for the opportunity to wrestle. This year has been full of uncertainty and the fact that I am even going to get to compete at the state tournament is just a blessing. I don’t plan on taking it for granted.”

Dylan Vodicka (David City)

“Looking forward to going out as a Scout on top.”

Dyson Kunz (Central City)

“I’m very grateful that the NSAA has allowed us to have our season and that it has ran so smoothly. I’m also extremely excited to compete for another state title and a possibly team title with my teammates”

Dru Mueller (Logan View)

“I’ve got one last chance to prove myself and achieve the goals that I set for myself freshman year. Class C 120 is unpredictable this year, so I’m just going to wrestle my best and see what happens, it’ll all play out like it’s supposed to in the end.

Noah Talmadge (Ralston)

My thoughts are to just go out and score points and have fun. I am excited to lay it out on the line for the last time at state. 

Darian Diaz (North Platte)

“Heading into my final state tournament has me feeling a bunch of different emotions right now. I’ve worked hard to get to this point. I’ve wrestled for 14 years to get here. I’ve prepared myself for this special moment. Everyday I would wake up and feel like I can’t do this anymore. All of the struggles, all of those roadblocks, I had to get through to get to this moment was all worth it. As a senior, and it being my final state tournament, you know, it’s been an honor to go out and show what i do best wearing bulldog colors. I’m grateful to have been blessed with the opportunity to go out and wrestle my final season and I am beyond thankful to have made it this far. But, I didn’t come this far, to only come this far. I have a mission to finish. Going into the state tournament, I have a fire that is burning inside of me. As my parents, my coaches, and my teammates would say, I have nothing left to prove, but, they are wrong. I have everything to prove, and nothing to lose. I got one last ride, and this ones for me. Thank you, Barbarian out!”

Drew Arnold (Beatrice)

“I’ve been to the state tournament before, I know what it takes to get the job done. Beatrice as a whole is ready to go for state. I am excited for myself and my whole team to chase state titles this weekend.”

Chris Williams (Valentine)

“It’s been a great 4 years. I couldn’t ask for better coaches and teammates. Looking forward to creating more memories down there and I’m just ready to wrestle!”

Caleb Coyle (Millard South)

“I am Super excited to compete one last time with my Millard South Family. I’m going to do whatever it takes to finish on top!”

Brady Robb (Sidney)

“My thoughts on heading into my final state is kinda whatever it takes to push myself to be better to get on top of that podium”

Carl Mundt (Nebraska Christian)

“I’m excited to put it all together, and put the finishing touches on for my final run at Omaha.”

Mohamud Abdi (Omaha Bryan)

“Whatever happens at state, I am proud of myself and how I developed in the sport only having 4 years as a wrestler and how it has shaped me as an individual”

Ruger Reimers (Palmer)

“Gotta end on a high note”

Jake Ingwersen (David City)

“I’m excited to wrestle one last time for this great team and town. I know all of my work will pay off in big ways. Roll Scouts.”

Konner Schluckebier (Milford)

“I am very thankful we are even getting the chance to go out and compete one last time. Every day I was skeptical on if we could even finish this season, and I am just thankful we are here. It’s definitely sad that this will be my last state tournament, but I will definitely make it one to remember in hopes to finish on top again. After this weekend I will be moving to college level wrestling (still undecided), but as of now I’m focused on finishing with gold, and having no regrets.”

Mitch Albrecht (Raymond Central)

“I want to leave it all on the mat. Finishing runner up last year has helped motivate me to work as hard as I can everyday to get to this point. I trust that I have put in the time and effort to finish on top.”

Ethan Mullally (North Bend Central)

“I’m very excited for the tournament. I’ve worked hard my whole left to get where I am and I’m going to work even harder to get myself another state medal.”

Noah Scott (Aquinas)

“With this being my last time I compete in wrestling, my last time competing in the Aquinas singlet, heading into my final state tournament all there is left to do is just wrestle well and make sure there is nothing to regret.” 

Paul Garcia (Scottsbluff)

“Dream big, eat tacos, and don’t let no one stand in my way” 

Hunter Gilmore (Arlington)

“Float like a butterfly sting like a bee” “(I want to) stay focused this week, don’t let anything get to me. When I get to Omaha on Friday, I will take it one match at a time”

Dexter Larsen (Blair)

“My mindset in these state tournament matches is the same as any other tournament. I will take it one match at a time. I will prepare myself mentally and physically to wrestle as hard as I possibly can for all 3 periods, because no matter the result, I will be satisfied knowing that i left it all out there”

Ryan Payne (Centennial)

“It’s bittersweet but I’m excited to go out with a bang.”