First season ends short of state tournament

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The inaugural season of girls’ wrestling in Seward County did not end as the coaches and competitors wanted.

Seward wrestled in the District A1 tournament at Fremont Feb. 3 and 4, with trips to the state tournament on the line. Seward had four wrestlers in the consolation semifinals, and all four learned why it’s also known as the heartbreak round.

Lauren Frihauf, Mia Cobian, Ava Rediger and Amy Sistek each lost in that round, one match short of qualifying for state.

Seven of the 11 wrestlers won at least one match at districts, which Coach Andy Sistek was happy to see. Six were still in competition on the second day of the tournament.

Coach Sistek said the district competition was tough, with the 235 pound bracket possibly tougher than the weight class at state.

“Overall it was a great season. It sucks that it has to end that way,” he said.

On the bright side, three of the wrestlers in the consolation semis are freshmen. The returning wrestlers now know what it takes to get to the next level, the coach said.

“Our goal was to embrace the journey,” he said. “We all grew as a team and developed the culture. A lot of good happened this season.”

The coach said he also learned how to coach better throughout the season. That, coupled with the experience on the mat in 2022-23, means the goals are higher for 2023-24.