BLAIR, NEBRASKA (2025 February 10, Monday)
Staff Writer / Editor
editor@blairtoday.com – Facebook
The Blair High School girls wrestling team showcased their resilience at the NSAA Class A District 1 tournament, held Saturday, February 8th at Crete High School. Competing against 13 other teams in a field of 146 wrestlers, the Bears secured three state qualifying spots and finished 7th overall with 96 team points.
State Qualifiers Shine
Senior Alison Wheeler led the Bears’ charge with a dominant performance, going 3-1 to claim second place. Wheeler demonstrated her prowess with an explosive 53-second pin of Millard South’s Mylee Wakefield. Sophomore Reata Malmberg powered through a 4-1 run to secure third place, while fellow sophomore Emma Belnog battled to a 2-2 record and fourth-place finish, rounding out Blair’s state qualifiers.
Bears Show Heart and Determination
The tournament highlighted Blair’s fighting spirit, particularly through senior Siena Smith’s gutsy performance. After suffering a knee injury and medical forfeit in her opening match, Smith stormed back to pin her next opponent before being eliminated in the consolation round.
Young Talent Emerges
Blair’s future looks promising with several underclassmen making their mark. Freshman Lily Warren compiled an impressive 3-2 record, including a lightning-quick 56-second pin of Ta’Leigha Watkins-Steele (Lincoln Northeast). Fellow freshman Emma Himes also notched a memorable victory, pinning Millard North’s Vennela Kethu in 1:26. Madeline James, a junior, fought to a 2-2 record, showing the depth of Blair’s program.
Complete Team Results
- Bianca Moreno (9th) – gained valuable experience in her first district tournament
- Katelynn Wheeler (10th) – went 1-2, showing promise for next season
- Bella Borges (11th) – represented Blair with determination
- Jaslyn Raymond (12th) – concluded her senior campaign with a 1-2 showing
- Jocelyn Inget (12th) – finished her Blair career with a strong effort
- Kara Rodriguez (9th) – secured a win in her district debut
Looking Ahead
While the Bears will graduate four seniors, including state qualifier Wheeler, the program’s future burns bright. With two sophomore state qualifiers and a talented freshman class gaining crucial postseason experience, Blair wrestling continues to build momentum.
Tournament Context
Blair’s seventh-place finish (96 points) came in a highly competitive field, with Millard South (160 points), Omaha Westside (152 points), and Adams Central (148.5 points) leading the team standings.
The three state qualifiers will now prepare to represent the Bears at the state tournament, where they’ll look to add another chapter to Blair’s wrestling legacy.
Great photos Kendra Powers!