Boys Wrestling Earns District Title

The Kearney High School Boys Wrestling team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 MSHSAA Class 3 District 4 Tournament in Belton, thrilling supporters with an impressive display of resilience and teamwork. The tournament, held over Friday and Saturday, quickly became a fierce competition between Kearney and St. Michael the Archangel, with Kearney trailing for much of the event. However, the Bulldogs rallied at critical moments, turning the tide when it mattered most.

Both teams sent eight wrestlers to the championship finals, setting up a dramatic finish. The Bulldogs seized the opportunity, winning six of eight finals matches—including several decisive head-to-head victories over St. Michael—to clinch a tie for the District Championship in the tournament’s final match.

Kearney’s performance was impressive across the board. The team boasts nine state qualifiers, eight finalists, and six district champions. All 13 Kearney wrestlers advanced to the second day of the tournament and contributed valuable team points. The Class 3 State Qualifiers from Kearney are: Tyler Bell (106 lbs, Champion), Brayden Robinson (113 lbs, Runner-up), Landon Westfall (120 lbs, Champion), Phoenix Shelton (132 lbs, Champion), Kendahl Davis (150 lbs, Runner-up), Kale Davis (157 lbs, Champion), Kale Tucking (175 lbs, 4th Place), Carter Temple (215 lbs, Champion), and JD Romero (285 lbs, Champion).

Coach Jake Hill, his staff, and the entire Bulldog team were commended for their toughness, teamwork, and determination throughout the tournament. The community now looks forward to seeing what the state qualifiers can accomplish in the next round as they continue their remarkable season.

KPGZ News – Ray Weikal contributed to this story.