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OMAHA Coming into the Class D state wrestling championships, Trenton Nekoliczak's expectations were as high as they could be.
After following up his sixth-place finish at 103 pounds in 2006 with a state title at 103 in 2007, the Greeley-Wolbach/Cedar Rapids junior knew that anything short of reaching the title match again would be a disappointment. Nekoliczak avoided that fate Friday night in the Qwest Center, downing Ben Kranda of Aquinas Catholic 4-0 in the semifinals to earn a trip to Saturday's state finals at 112.
Nekoliczak's approach to returning as a state champ? Act like he's never won anything before.
"I try to go out there with the same attitude I had the first time I came here as a freshman," Nekoliczak said. "I guess that it helps a little, having been there before.
"It's disappointing when you don't get to the finals, but it would be even more disappointing if you didn't get back there after winning. After winning your goals are higher."
Looking at the big picture, Nekoliczak (39-3) could set himself up to join some very rare company in a tradition-rich wrestling program with a victory in Saturday's 2 p.m. finals. A win would make him a two-time champion with an opportunity to be a three-time winner as a senior.
That would allow Nekoliczak to join the likes of three-time state champion David Nordhues of Greeley (1998-2000). Greeley wrestlers Don Nordhues and Ken Nordhues (1992-95) were both four-time state champs.
"That would be a pretty good honor just to have your name said with any of those guys," said Nekoliczak, who topped the 100-win mark for his career earlier this season. "It would feel pretty good, but I've got to get the second one before I can get the third. I'm not thinking about much more than that right now."
And for good reason. Nekoliczak's opponent in the title match will be East Butler's Devin Zitek (32-0), who defeated him 4-2 back in December.
"He's pretty good on top, so I'm going to have to take him down and work hard on my feet," Nekoliczak said of his approach against Zitek. "I'm probably at my best on my feet and I struggle a little on the bottom, so I want to stay up."
Palmer and High Plains continued their strong showings in the Class D team race. The Tigers enter the final day of the meet fifth with 71 points and have two state finalists in Riley Santin (40-0 at 171) and Jack Wardyn (38-1 at 285).
High Plains also has a pair of finalists in Tanner Kuhn (36-9 at 140) and Clete Vrbka (37-11 at 189). The Storm is seventh in the team standings with 61 points.
Nebraska Christian's Michael Swanson (30-1 at 189) is the area's other Class D finalist. Swanson placed sixth at 160 last season. State Wrestling Mega Gallery 600+ Photos
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