Norfolk claims repeat girls wrestling title in dejavu win

NORFOLK, Neb. - One northeast Nebraska town is doing the unthinkable, celebrating back-to-back championships in girls wrestling.

The Norfolk Panthers were in a back-and-forth match against Omaha Westside with a Class A duals championship on the line. For a moment, it looked as if a repeat title wouldn’t happen until a mistake was noticed, resulting in a forfeit for Omaha Westside.

“We originally thought we were going to go for third, and that was the next best thing, but then finding out we were going to get the chance to go for first was even better, and just great to come out on top,” said Rylee Bauer.

Head coach Andrew Stowe noticed a wrestler had moved up two weight classes, which is not allowed to maintain athlete safety.

The second chance to come home with the championship fell on the shoulders of Panther senior Beverly Bobeldyke. Bobeldyks says she’s used to the pressure, as last year she found herself in the same position.

“I kinda forgot that I was the factor of us winning so I stood up and went to the line without thinking about it,” Said Bobeldyke. ” But then I saw everybody freaking out and I was like, oh we won.”

Following their new addition to the trophy case, the Panthers are set for more competition this weekend with an invite tournament in their home gym.