Six Madison wrestlers qualify for state tournament Coach calls it program’s best season in five years

MADISON, Neb. — Six wrestlers from Madison High School are preparing to compete at the state wrestling championships this week, marking what their coach calls the program’s best season in five years.

Head coach Trent Osnes, who has led the team since 2021, said the turnaround has been significant. In his first year, the team hosted districts but did not win a single match. Now, six of the team’s nine wrestlers are headed to state.

Osnes said the success reflects year-round dedication, noting that while the season lasts about three months, much of the progress comes from individual preparation outside of competition.

The team will travel to Omaha on Wednesday evening ahead of the tournament, which begins Thursday and runs through Saturday. Wrestlers who compete through Saturday will earn a state medal.

Osnes said the team and community have shown strong support throughout the season.

“I’m proud of all these guys, even the ones who didn’t qualify and came up short,” Osnes said. “They’ve all worked really hard this year. They deserve the recognition.”