Kearney Celebrates UNK’s National Championship with Wrestling Camp
KEARNEY, Neb. — Over a thousand wrestlers from five states gathered at the Kearney SportsPlex on Monday, celebrating the University of Nebraska-Kearney’s (UNK) recent national championship and participating in a skill-enhancement camp. The event drew notable figures, including Governor Jim Pillen, who commended UNK’s season and showcased Nebraskans’ talent and determination.
"This victory wasn’t an accident," Pillen remarked, noting that the championship exemplifies the hardworking spirit of Nebraska. Visiting the SportsPlex for the first time, he expressed his admiration, stating, "When people come together to accomplish goals, anything can happen. Kearney’s a beautiful example of that."
The camp, designed for wrestlers of all ages, featured instruction from UNK wrestlers and staff, promoting skill development alongside friendly competitions. Nebraska Senators Dan McKeon and Dan Lonowski both have extensive backgrounds in wrestling over the past 30 years, reflecting the strong ties within the state’s wrestling community. McKeon highlighted the event’s purpose to recognize finalists and emphasize the unity within Nebraska wrestling.
Lonowski pointed out Kearney’s evolution into a burgeoning sports hub, noting the rapid growth of youth wrestling, particularly girls’ wrestling, which he called "the fastest-growing sport in America."
The Nebraska Blue and Gold team camp will run through Wednesday and will include a special appearance by Olympic gold medalist Amit Elor.
UNK’s national title, alongside the impressive new SportsPlex, not only marks a significant achievement for the university but also signifies the vibrant and expanding sports culture in Kearney, fostering a promising future for local athletes and initiatives.
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