Panthers Medal Three, Discoverers Send Three to Finals

Norfolk High and Columbus High wrestlers compete at the Class A state tournament in Omaha.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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At the Class A state wrestling tournament in Omaha, Norfolk High had three wrestlers - Zaiac Johnson (126 pounds), Drew Galyen (144), and Tanner Wagner (175) - battle through Friday's consolation rounds to guarantee themselves medals. Meanwhile, Columbus High advanced three wrestlers to the finals, with Carter Booze (113), Mason Petersen (138), and Jaeston Delano (175) all winning their semifinal matches. Columbus also had two wrestlers, Chase Jenny (138) and Leitenn Braithwait (144), lose in the semifinals.

Why it matters

The state wrestling tournament is a major high school sporting event in Nebraska, with wrestlers from across the state competing for individual and team titles. Norfolk and Columbus are two of the top wrestling programs in the state, and their performances at the tournament reflect the strength of their programs and the hard work of their athletes.

The details

At the Class A state wrestling tournament, Norfolk High had three wrestlers - Zaiac Johnson, Drew Galyen, and Tanner Wagner - bounce back from quarterfinal losses on Thursday to win a pair of consolation matches and guarantee themselves medals. Meanwhile, Columbus High advanced three wrestlers to the finals - Carter Booze, Mason Petersen, and Jaeston Delano - with all three winning their semifinal matches. Columbus also had two wrestlers, Chase Jenny and Leitenn Braithwait, lose in the semifinals.

  • The state wrestling tournament took place on February 21, 2026.
  • The consolation rounds were held on Friday of the tournament.

The players

Zaiac Johnson

A wrestler for Norfolk High who competed in the 126-pound weight class and guaranteed himself a medal at the state tournament.

Drew Galyen

A wrestler for Norfolk High who competed in the 144-pound weight class and guaranteed himself a medal at the state tournament.

Tanner Wagner

A wrestler for Norfolk High who competed in the 175-pound weight class and guaranteed himself a medal at the state tournament.

Carter Booze

A wrestler for Columbus High who competed in the 113-pound weight class and advanced to the finals of the state tournament.

Mason Petersen

A wrestler for Columbus High who competed in the 138-pound weight class and advanced to the finals of the state tournament.

Jaeston Delano

A wrestler for Columbus High who competed in the 175-pound weight class and advanced to the finals of the state tournament.

Chase Jenny

A wrestler for Columbus High who competed in the 138-pound weight class and lost in the semifinals of the state tournament.

Leitenn Braithwait

A wrestler for Columbus High who competed in the 144-pound weight class and lost in the semifinals of the state tournament.

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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 Norfolk High and Columbus High at the state tournament showcase the depth and talent of high school wrestling programs in Nebraska. These results will likely generate excitement and pride within their local communities and set the stage for future success as these wrestlers continue to develop their skills.