For the first time in school history, top-ranked Creighton Prep wrestling took home a state championship this past weekend. The Junior Jays capped their season with a 251-point effort, 81 points above second-place Lincoln East.
“They looked motivated. They looked sharp. Everything just kind of fell into place,” head coach Andrew Fisher said.
The Junior Jays led Class-A with four individual state champions and seven finalists.
Senior Adonis Bonar concluded his high school career with his second consecutive state crown in the 190 lb class. The California Baptist commit defeated Grand Island’s Hudson Oliver by decision, celebrating with a backflip on the mat. Bonar ends his career with an 83-7 record throughout his junior and senior seasons.
Two sophomores, Cole Caniglia, and JT Smith, took an individual state title. Caniglia won the 113 lb class by taking down Lincoln East’s Mathysin Marco. Smith took the 175 lb class by taking down Norfolk’s Tanner Wagner by fall. Caniglia and Smith redeemed losses in last year’s state championship, a major factor in the Junior Jays’ title.
The Junior Jays’ final individual state champion was Cruzer Dominguez. Dominguez took down Omaha Bryan’s Mohamed Mohamed, who entered the bout with a 49-1 record, by fall. Dominguez was the only Class-A freshman to win an individual state championship.
Kameron Green, Myles Sanchez, and Roberto Macias-Sidzyik finished as runner-ups in their weight classes.
Fisher credited the team’s mindset as a major reason for the Junior Jays state title.
“We spent a lot more time on mindset training this year and the guys had faith in their abilities,” Fisher said.“We trusted that this whole process along with their actual technique would get them through the nerves and the excitement of the whole tournament, so they looked a lot more calm.”
Fisher also acknowledged that the experience gained during last year’s state tournament kept the team calm. Bonar, Smith, Caniglia, and Macias-Sidzyik all participated during last year’s state tournament. The team also gained invaluable experience by wrestling throughout the nation in high stakes environments.
This performance marks the end of the most successful season in Creighton Prep wrestling history. The Junior Jays won the Metro Conference Tournament for the first time in 15 years, won the A1 district championship, and took home their first state championship in dominant fashion. In all three, the Junior Jays won by at least 78 points. The Junior Jays’ four individual state champions are the most in school history.
On top of this season’s success, the Junior Jays’ future looks bright. The Junior Jays will return 12 of their 13 state qualifiers, with Bonar being the lone departure. Caniglia, Smith, and Dominguez will all look to defend their crowns. “We’re looking to set every record there is. We’re gonna go for it all. The sky’s the limit.” Fisher says about next year.
This wrestling season will be remembered for years to come. Not only did the Junior Jays win their first state championship, but they cemented themselves as the most successful team in Creighton Prep wrestling history. With a group of star-studded returnees for next year, Fisher says this team isn’t done.
“We’re not gonna stop at the Nebraska state title… we’re gonna try to win some national titles.”
