Dominance is contagious

Patriots take home metro tournament title for both boys and girls

Ally Seevers Editor-in-Chief

11 state championship team titles, 7 state dual titles, and 50 individual state champions. A team that has hung up a state championship banner seven of the last eight years, Millard South has been a dominant force in Class A wrestling.

Junior Miles Anderson sets up for a takedown in the home dual against nationally ranked Liberty High School out of Missouri.

Photo by Ally Seevers

After losing Antrell Taylor and Tyler Antoniak, both state champions who now wrestle for Nebraska, the power of the Patriots was doubted. The team, while returning two state champions, was thought to be in a year of rebuilding.

“Losing Antrell and Tyler was hard,” junior Caeden Olin said. “They were really great mentors and two of the best wrestlers I know, but I think with the team we have now, because of their impact and leadership, we can succeed and possibly be even better.”

The Patriots proved their place on top in Class A, putting ten wrestlers in the finals at the 2023 Metro Conference Tournament and walking away with seven individual champions and their eighth title in the last nine years.

“It was a really good feeling to win this year,” sophomore Isaac Ekdahl said. “It felt really good to go out there and dominate Metros. We have worked hard every single day to get to where we are, so it feels really good that we are able to break some records this year.”

“To be a part of this team, especially as a freshman, it’s such a great experience,” freshman Kiernan Meink said. “Winning with the guys is something I’ll never forget.”

For senior Aiden Robertson, who is one of two seniors to have wrestled on the Metro team all four years, this conference team win is extra special.

“It’s really cool to win all four years,” he said. “It feels good to contribute to the dynasty.”

That dynasty the boys team has built over the last 20 years has passed on to the girls program. In just their second official season, the team won their first Metro Conference title.

“They [the boys team] are such an inspiration to look at,” sophomore Rowyn Wiltgen said. “Watching the guys, seeing them wrestle at such a high level, it makes you want to push yourself harder and be the best you can be.”

With five girls in the finals, the team had three individual champions to beat out Papillion LaVista with 38 points for the team title.

“It means a lot,” sophomore Abbey Dannelly said. “I love the girls on my team. They are all so sweet and we all have a great time together, so it’s special to win with this group of girls.”

As the NSAA State Championship Tournament begins later this week, the girls look to live up to the legacy of the Millard South name, qualifying 7 wrestlers for the tournament. “Winning Metros means a lot,” senior Jenah Jacobson said, “but it’s just the beginning for us. I am excited to see what we can do by the end of the season.”