Cedar will compete with large wrestling team this year

HARTINGTON — The long, slow burn of the evolution of the Cedar Catholic wrestling program continues this winter.

After one of its best seasons ever finishing 6-1 in duals and qualifying a record six wrestlers to the State tournament, head coach Justin Bartling will be looking forward to a Trojans roster that has “put on some muscle” as numbers of them competed at state and national competitions on the club circuit in 2023.

Sophomore Maverick Heine was selected as a member of Team Nebraska in the Disney Duals and the Nebraska vs. Maine Exchange as he continues to lead the charge.

Heine went 35-8 at 106 pounds and placed fifth at State, while he is supported by returning State qualifying sophomores Brady Hochstein (138, 32-10) and Hunter Kuchta (126, 18-16), junior Braeden Kleinschmit (132, 36-10), who is already in the school’s Top 10 list for wins, and senior Kale Korth (29-16, 160).

“Our four biggest newcomers are freshmen Bodie Hochstein, Easton Hochstein, Brody Kleinschmit and Ty Opfer,” Bartling said. “Bodie and Easton Hochstein have each earned a State title at AAU State and each were runner-up at USA State last season.

“All four boys bring lots of experience to the table for freshmen and our number one challenge will certainly be making the adjustment to high school as quickly as possible.”

The schedule has changed “for the better,” according to Bartling, as it should be a challenging slate, which includes a week two dual with top-ranked Battle Creek.