16 Area Wrestlers Earn State Medals at 2026 NSAA Tournament

Wrestlers from O'Neill, Neligh-Oakdale, Burwell, and Plainview bring home hardware from Omaha

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 2026 NSAA Boys State Wrestling Tournament wrapped up on Saturday, February 21st in Omaha, with 16 medalists from the KBRX listening area. Four wrestlers claimed state championships, while others earned runner-up, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth place finishes across Classes C and D.

Why it matters

The NSAA State Wrestling Tournament is one of the most prestigious high school sporting events in Nebraska, showcasing the state's top talent. The strong showing by area wrestlers highlights the strength of wrestling programs in smaller communities and the dedication of these student-athletes.

The details

Highlights included state titles for Grady Welke of O'Neill (Class C 215 lbs), Corbin Hoefer of Neligh-Oakdale (Class D 144 lbs), Brody Jensen of Burwell (Class D 132 lbs), and Drew Dawe also of Burwell (Class D 138 lbs). Burwell finished as the Class D team runner-up, while Plainview claimed the Class D team championship.

  • The 2026 NSAA Boys State Wrestling Tournament took place from February 19-21, 2026 in Omaha.
  • The tournament wrapped up on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Grady Welke

A wrestler from O'Neill High School who won the Class C 215 lb state championship.

Corbin Hoefer

A wrestler from Neligh-Oakdale High School who won the Class D 144 lb state championship.

Brody Jensen

A wrestler from Burwell High School who won the Class D 132 lb state championship.

Drew Dawe

A wrestler from Burwell High School who won the Class D 138 lb state championship.

Plainview High School

The Class D team champion at the 2026 NSAA Boys State Wrestling Tournament.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The strong performances by wrestlers from smaller communities like O'Neill, Neligh-Oakdale, Burwell, and Plainview demonstrate the depth of wrestling talent across Nebraska and the continued importance of high school sports in fostering community pride and student development.