Hochstein brothers compete at State wrestling tournament

OMAHA — Last weeks’ trip to the Nebraska State wrestling tournament didn’t turn out quite as well as local residents had hoped.

Cedar Catholic senior Kerby Hochstein drew a tough draw in his 132-pound Class C state tournament opener.

He finished 1-2 at the State tournament after dropping his opener against O’Neill's Ty Rainforth via pin at 2:50. Rainforth’s win launched his path to go on and win the state championship.

He bounced back by putting together a dominating 9-2 consolation bracket win over Tri County’s Zaid Martinez.

Kerby Hochstein finished the tournament with a second consolation bracket match and defeat against Raymond Central’s Logan Bryce, via pin at 1:28.

“Kerby wrestled well this weekend,” Cedar Catholic head coach Justin Bartling said.

Conner Hochstein fell in both of his matches via a pin as he dropped his opener against Steven Menke of Bridgeport - who ultimately finished in third place.

Conner Hochstein then dropped his final matchup against Ashton Schafer of Boone Central in a 160-pound consolation bracket matchup.

“This season definitely had its upside and downsides,” Bartling said. “As a team we continued to improve each week. (Seniors) Kerby Hochstein and Cole Steffensen definitely gave everything they had throughout their careers and they will be missed next season.”

Kerby Hochstein ended the year as the all-time leader in wins, takedowns, and escapes at Cedar Catholic.

Steffensen was eliminated at the district tournament.

Now, Bartling has to look ahead and see his team continue to work hard toward bigger and better things as the program prepares for the 2021-22 campaign, and hopefully with the COVID-19 pandemic put in the rearview mirror.

“Next year we will have a young team,” Bartling said. “Conner Hochstein will be a returning twotime state qualifier. Keegan Carl, Nash Albers, Kale Korth, and Tavious Pinkleman will be back and ready to get to Omaha. We should also add a few freshmen to add to our depth.”

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