Gibbon’s Ila Jurgens named ESPN Tri-Cities Female Athlete of the Month, advances to State

By Peter Rice

GIBBON, Neb. — Gibbon wrestler Ila Jurgens is heading to state with another accolade under her belt.

Jurgens was named ESPN Tri-Cities Female Athlete of the Month for January 2026 after a dominant stretch that saw her enter February undefeated at 28-0.

She is currently ranked No. 2 at 105 pounds in Class B.

“It’s pretty exciting,” said Jurgens. “I haven’t ever really gotten anything like that, and I didn’t really expect to. When I found out, I was just really excited.”

Head girls wrestling coach Courtney Zwink says Jurgens has taken a noticeable step forward this season.

Zwink said the difference has been Jurgens’ confidence and consistency. “She’s worked really hard, and she’s very coachable,” said Zwink. “She’s going into state with only one loss. Her attitude this year has just been really confident, and she wants it. You can definitely tell that.”

For Jurgens, the recognition validates the work she’s put in.

“Probably just going undefeated in my regular season this year was really just eye-opening to me that I could do it,” she said. “I really didn’t think that I could.”

Women’s wrestling continues to grow across Nebraska, and Jurgens hopes her success sets an example for younger athletes in her school.

“As long as I’m doing good, they know that they can do good, too,” she said.

Jurgens will compete at the state tournament in Omaha as she looks to cap off an already memorable season.