OMAHA, Neb. -- At the 2023 Nebraska state wrestling finals, senior Ben Alberts of Grand Island Central Catholic captured the 160 lb Class C Championship at the CHI Health Center in Omaha.  

His win marks the first for GICC since 1995.

Finishing runner-up at state in his junior season, Alberts entered his final year ready to give it his all in search of the title. After getting his draw in Omaha for the tournament, he was certain that he had what it took to top the podium.

"I was taking it one match at a time," he said. "I knew if I stayed focused during each match... I could finish how I wanted to."

Head Coach Zach Schroder said he knew what type of potential Alberts had from early in his high school career and was thrilled to see all his hard work finish with a championship win.

"For him to win a state championship is getting to the top of the mountain," he said.

After coming out on top, Alberts said he was able to soak in the moment.

"It's an experience and a moment you can't really describe," he said. "It was really special for not only me but my coaches and my family."

And his coach felt every bit of it too, especially with the preplanned celebration that upon winning, Alberts could take his mentor to the mat.

"'If I win it, I'm gonna toss you,'" Alberts said to his coach, and he made good on that promise.