On Monday, Dec. 16, the Lincoln Southeast wrestling team celebrated their past, present and future as they took on the Tigers of Fremont. Before Monday’s dual, future Southeast wrestlers were celebrated as they helped welcome the varsity team to the mat. During the intermission of the JV and varsity duals, Southeast also honored wrestlers from years past who were in attendance. As for the Knights’ current roster, Southeast took control on the mat early and led the rest of the way in their 44-27 win over Fremont.

Southeast initially took the lead early, winning six of the first seven matches. However, Fremont controlled the back half, winning five of the final seven. Wins by pin for Southeast included 106 weight class Jack Reis (10), 138 weight class Taye Hill (11), 145 weight class Cade Kennett (11), 170 weight class John Friendt (11) and 182 weight class Max McClatchey (10).

Last year’s dual however was not as forgiving as Fremont took home the team victory, but Monday’s matchup was a chance at revenge.

“Last year they killed us,” McClatchey said. “This is one team in specific we really wanted to beat this year.”

Beating Fremont wasn’t the only goal for McClatchey this year. As the season continues, he hopes to progressively get better before the state championships roll around in February.

“My goal this year is to place at state hopefully,” McClatchey said. 

So far, McClatchey and three other Southeast wrestlers have put themselves in a good position to complete that goal in a few months. According to NE Wrestle, McClatchey, Friendt, Brogan Zegers (12) and Dyllon Bell (12) are all currently ranked in the top eight of the state for their weight classes.

Coming up, the Knights have a long stretch of out of town duals including this weekend’s Flatwater Fracas tournament in Grand Island. Southeast won’t have another in-town wrestling dual until Jan. 10 when they compete in Northstar’s Wrestling Invitational.