Creighton Prep and Skutt Catholic Dominate NSAA Boys’ State Wrestling Semifinals

The NSAA Boys’ State Wrestling tournament continued Friday at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska, with two schools – Creighton Prep and Skutt Catholic – emerging as dominant forces. Both schools have advanced 11 wrestlers to the state semifinals, setting the stage for a potentially record-breaking weekend.

Four-Time State Championship Contenders

Two wrestlers are vying for the prestigious title of four-time state champions: Zaiyahn Ornelas of Creighton Prep (126 pounds) and Tyler Harrell of Skutt Catholic. Their performances this weekend will be closely watched as they aim to etch their names in Nebraska wrestling history.

Record-Breaking Potential

The success of Creighton Prep and Skutt Catholic raises the possibility of breaking existing state records. Currently, Millard South holds the all-time points record at 260.5. The record for most individual state champions in a single year stands at seven, a feat achieved by multiple schools dating back to 1942. Whether either Prep or Skutt can surpass these milestones remains to be seen.

Semifinal Schedule and Coverage

The semifinals kicked off at 6:00 PM on Friday. KETV NewsWatch 7 provided live coverage from the CHI Health Center, offering updates on the action as it unfolded.

CHI Health Center Omaha: A Hub for Sports and Events

The CHI Health Center Omaha serves as the venue for the NSAA Boys’ State Wrestling tournament, alongside numerous other sporting events, concerts, and conventions. It is also the home arena for Creighton Men’s Basketball. The arena and convention center offer a combined 194,000 square feet of exhibition space and over 63,000 square feet of meeting space, with ongoing renovations planned to expand its capacity by summer 2027.

Healthcare Support for Student Athletes

Creighton University has partnered with CHI Health to provide comprehensive healthcare services to its students, including those participating in athletics. The CHI Health Student Care Clinic, located near campus, offers primary and specialty care, as well as a 24/7 emergency department.