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HARTINGTON — Hartington’s youth wrestling program, the League of Heroes, just wrapped up an extremely successful 2023-2024 season.
The program, led by head coaches Eric Becker and John Freeman, had 18 Heroes participate, with help from assistant coaches Dirk Dailey, Bob Lauer, Austin Kaddatz and Aaron Wiechelman along with CCHS coaches, Justin Bartling and Jerome Boutard.
As a team, they competed in 28 different tournaments.
At several of these tournaments, they would receive team trophies, including: Team runner up LOH, Battle Creek, Pierce girls only and 3rd at Yankton Big buck bash, and Randolph.
“The best part about team awards is the fact that every single wrestler is instrumental in bringing them home. Having more wrestlers compete means more team points,” said Coach Freeman. “Each Hero is an important part of that.”
The wrestling program continues to grow as it has developed a Tots program for kids in preschool and kindergarten.
This shorter season allows Hartington youth to check out wrestling and learn some basic skills.
The League of Heroes is extremely grateful for being able to practice in the Cedar Catholic Msgr. Werner Annex Wrestling Building as it has made practice both safer and more efficient. It also allows the youth wrestlers to connect with the high school wrestlers from both HNS and CCHS.
As the wrestling season has wrapped up, several wrestlers competed March 9th and 10th at AAU State in Kearney. Heroes competing included: Evie Freeman (4th place), Keyan Wickre (4th place), Josiah O’Quinn, Ramsey Heine (2nd place), Cashten Schrempp (5th place), and Brooks Heine (4th place).
Eighteen Heroes competed at USA Wrestling Nebraska State. In order to qualify for state, the wrestlers must compete at the district competition in O’Neill. With over 700 district wrestlers competing on March 2, the League of Heroes had 18 competitors compete at USA state.
As a team, the Heroes finished 16th out of 217 teams, not a small feat for a small town. Eight boys and 10 girls from the League made it to Grand Island.
The Heroes had a record number of state medalists including: Daniel Dailey (5th), Cashten Schrempp (3rd), Brooks Heine (2nd), Riggin Fischer (3rd), Carter Rolfes (2nd), Kyptin Collier (6th), Ruby Freeman (3rd), Corinne Becker (4th), Korahl Wortmann (6th), Brooklyn Dailey (6th), Halle Backer (2nd), Makenzie Dailey (8th), Charla Pick (5th), and Ashlynn Dailey (4th). Zayd Wortmann and Grady Lammers also both contributed to team points. Over 2,600 wrestlers from across Nebraska would compete over the two day tournament.
Two Heroes brought home state titles. Harper Evans, daughter of Josh and Shayne Evans, won the gold in her kindergarten division.
Evie Freeman, daughter of John and Audrey Freeman, won her third USA state championship to finish out her youth wrestling career in the 7th and 8th grade division.
Overall, the League of Heroes continues its streak of successes, both individually and as a team and will be ready to rumble again next season.
