Omaha Westside boys wrestling is heading to districts Saturday, Feb. 13 in Grand Island Nebraska. The boys wrestling team has been very successful this season already but they’re looking to take the win in districts this weekend. Head coach Michael Jernigan expressed that he and the other coaches are very excited to see what Westside can accomplish. 

“This year’s team is the best team we have had in the last 20 years.  The talent, the dedication, the discipline that these wrestlers have shown is unreal. We continue to improve as a team and won the most duals in a season this year since I have been head coach,” Jernigan said. “This team continues to grow and bond with each other all of the time.  They like to have a lot of fun but also know when it is time to go to work,”

Westside’s wrestling team has overcome a lot of injuries and illnesses so far this season, but through all of that, they have remained positive and have grown as a team. The team has been practicing and preparing for districts the best as they can. 

“We’re rolling and I don’t see us stopping, we’re full steam ahead, we need to get our jobs done, and I’m hoping the team has a really good finish this year. Obviously winning the state championship will be part of my job for a great team finish this year.” Senior Cade Haberman said. 

With state not following too far behind districts, junior Ryan Zatechka expressed his excitement towards districts. The team looks at this district tournament to seek out their competition and make sure they’re ready for the big tournament ahead. 

“In terms of preparation for state, districts most definitely helps a lot. It gives a little preview of many opponents I’ll see at state. And what makes this weekend really good is I’ll likely be going up against the #1 ranked wrestler in my weight class,” he said. “I’m excited for that match mostly because, despite the outcome of the match, I’ll learn a lot from it. Because you can only become the best by wrestling with the best,” 

Zatechka doesn’t focus on the outcome of the matches he likes to learn from mistakes made. The team continues to prepare for the next few weeks mentally and physically. The coaches want to make sure all of the wrestlers are healthy and are in the best mindset they can be in.

“Make sure that everyone stays healthy.  Continue to be perfect in all aspects of life.  Continue to get 1% better every day that we can. There is always time to get better at something,” Jernigan said. 

Watch Westside wrestling compete at districts in Grand Island this weekend and keep watching as they compete at state next Wednesday and Thursday.