Warriors Fare Well on Day One, Two Wrestlers Still Alive in Hunt for Gold

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Lakyn Richard

Sophomore Cade Haberman goes head-to-head with a teammate while preparing for the tournament this week.

On Saturday, February 9, 2019, the Westside wrestling team traveled to Columbus for the district A3 tournament. They qualified five wrestlers for this weekend’s NSAA State Individual Wrestling Championships at CHI Health Center Omaha. Cade Haberman (285), Quincy Hogan (220), Cole Haberman, (170), Nolan “Deuce” Miller-Johnston (160) and Michael Colling (106).

The Warriors competed in the first and second rounds of the tournament on Thursday morning. Michael Colling started the day by falling to Juan Pedro (Grand Island) at 3:05. Miller-Johnston followed suit with a pin over Alexzaiah Deras (Grand Island) at 2:46. Then, Cole Haberman lost to Blake Forsythe (Norfolk) by way of an 8-2 decision while Quincy Hogan fell in round one at 1:47 to Gavin Peitzmeier (Millard South). Cade Haberman finished off the first round with a win over Lucca Henkel (Gretna) at 0:35. Head Coach Michael Jernigan said he was impressed with his team on the first day.

“Every Warrior that competed at the state wrestling tournament today did exactly what we had asked them to do,” Jernigan said.

After advancing to the quarterfinals, senior Nolan “Deuce” Miller-Johnston defeated second-seed Liam Kirk (Elkhorn South), who previously held a record of 52-1, by way of an 8-1 decision. Cade Haberman also advanced to the semifinals with a 7-3 decision over Deangelo Stapleton (Omaha Burke).

“Day two will be tough but that’s what is expected when everyone is really good and competing for a medal!” Jernigan said.

Consolation rounds will begin Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. and the semifinal rounds will begin at 5:00 p.m.