Boone Central freshman added another chapter of history this past weekend, becoming the first Cardinal to qualify for a Nebraska state wrestling berth.
In the first season of Nebraska School Activities Association sanctioned girls wrestling competition, Brodersen won her final two matches in the District 4 tournament at Amherst to punch her ticket to the 2022 NSAA State Wrestling Championships in Omaha.
With no margin for error, Brodersen edged out a 3-1 decision in the consolation semifinals, then pinned her opponent in the 185-pound third-place match.
Boone’s Alee Luna (114) and McKenzye Olguin (145) did not qualify for state competition, but had some district success of their own. Luna rebounded from an early loss to pin two foes before falling in the consolation semifinal round. Olguin finished 1-2 in the tourney, eliminated in the second consolation round.
“It was a fun tournament. All three girls peaked at the right time, with Belle advancing to state,” noted Cardinal Coach Josh Majerus. “Going into the tournament, we did not have any girls sitting in position to qualify. All three wrestled well enough to qualify. Belle made it happen.
“It was one match at a time. In the ‘blood’ round, she only won when her opponent used an illegal move to score her points. In the third place match, we knew she had it in her, as she was wrestling a girl with a very similar record. Belle got it done.
“I’m very proud of the efforts the girls gave to the program, being the first season for the Cardinals. They did well for themselves, and they did well for our school and communities,” Majerus praised. “Nice job ladies.”
The initial girls state tournament will be held in conjunction with the boys competition Feb. 17-19 at CHI Health Center Arena in Omaha.
Complete Cardinal district results in Print & Online editions of Albion News/Boone County Tribune
