Seward took eight wrestlers to the District B1 tournament Feb. 10 and 11 and will send two to the state tournament starting Thursday, Feb. 16.
Nolan Hill and Dustin Hurley were the runners-up at 170 and 220 pounds, respectively, earning places in the Class B state field.
Coach Bob Core said Hill’s finals opponent, Cade Ziola of Omaha Skutt Catholic is an impressive wrestler.
“He took Nolan down five times and then pinned him in the first period,” Core said.
Hurley also lost by pin in the final to John Balch of Mount Michael Benedictine.
In looking ahead to the state tournament, Core said he likes the draw for both Bluejays. Hill (29-4) will wrestle Sean Stara of Eklhorn (38-9), and Hurley (23-12) will wrestle Adrian Curiel of South Sioux City (25-11) in his first state tournament.
“He’s a hard worker. It’s good to see him be rewarded,” Core said.
Two wrestlers lost in the consolation semifinals, also known as the heartbreak round. Caleb Jackson (138) and Eli Hiser (182) missed state by one match.
Core said the Bluejays responded well to the tough district competition.
“I hope we have one more good week,” he said.
Seward will wrestle in the afternoon session Thursday, Feb. 16, with matches starting at 3 p.m. at the CHI Health Center Arena in Omaha.
