By Marisa Dawson, Courtesy Photos
Bennington High School senior wrestler Ty Thomsen had the opportunity to represent his school and community on a statewide stage last week, competing in the 2026 Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association (NSWCA) Senior All-Star Dual in Grand Island.
The event, held June 13 at the Nebraska Army National Guard Center, brought together 52 of Nebraska’s top senior wrestlers, 26 boys and 26 girls, from all classifications across the state. Bennington had two wrestlers selected for the prestigious event, Thomsen and Brayden Kreikemeier, although Kreikemeier was unable to attend.
Participants arrived several days before the competition, practicing together and taking part in activities at the National Guard Center before the dual meet.
“When I learned I had been selected, I was honestly really excited and felt very honored to get this opportunity to go and represent Bennington,” Thomsen said.
The All-Star Dual serves as a showcase for some of Nebraska’s best senior wrestlers, allowing athletes from rival schools and classifications to join forces and compete one final time.
“All star duals is basically great wrestlers from all across Nebraska who were selected to represent their team,” Thomsen explained. “They team up and come together to compete one on one in a dual.”
For Thomsen, one of the highlights of the experience was building relationships with fellow wrestlers from around the state. “It was a very fun experience to basically team up and bond with other wrestlers who I wasn’t familiar with and to know they were some of the best athletes in Nebraska,” he said.
The event featured a unique setting, with the wrestling mat placed inside a Chinook helicopter hangar at the National Guard Center.
Thomsen competed for the Blue Team and faced Will Rathjan of North Platte in a rematch from earlier in the season. Rathjan, who placed third in Class A this past season, had previously pinned Thomsen during the semifinals of the Higgins Invitational in Lexington.
This time, Thomsen turned the tables, earning a 7-1 victory.
Leading up to the event, Thomsen said he focused on both physical and mental preparation.
“Physically I had gone to a tournament the weekend before and practices the weeks before that,” he said. “Mentally I had the feeling I was going to wrestle someone who I had wrestled before in the season so I was just telling myself that I knew what he was going to do and I needed to defend it.”
Although the Blue Team ultimately fell to the Red Team by a score of 36-31, Thomsen said the experience was about much more than the final result. “I think the main thing I took away from the experience was getting to have the brother bond with guys who I barely knew because of a sport,” he said.
Representing Bennington at the event was especially meaningful for the senior wrestler. “It means a lot,” Thomsen said. “It tells me that I’ve put in the work whether it be in competitions or in the practice room to get to the point today where I’m able to wrestle at the Nebraska all star dual.”
Bennington Head Coach Alan Pokorny said having wrestlers selected for the event is a source of pride for the program. “As a coach, seeing one of our wrestlers compete at this event makes you proud,” Pokorny said. “Not only that they are good enough to compete here but also that they are willing to represent your team one more time.”
The weekend also brought recognition for one of Bennington’s coaches.
At the NSWCA Hall of Fame Banquet on June 12, Bennington Assistant Coach Josh Velasquez was recognized as the Class B Boys Assistant Coach of the Year.
A former standout wrestler for Bennington, Velasquez was a two-time state medalist and a 2016 state finalist before continuing his wrestling career at Hastings College and later at St. Cloud State University.
Since returning to Bennington as a coach during the 2021-22 season, Velasquez (pictured below) has helped develop 31 state medalists and 12 state champions. During his tenure, the Badgers have captured a state championship, two state runner-up finishes, a dual state championship, and two dual state runner-up finishes.
Beyond the high school season, Velasquez dedicates significant time to offseason training and individual athlete development, helping wrestlers improve their technique, confidence, and preparation for future competition.
Pokorny said the honor is well deserved. “My opinion is that he is one of the best assistant coaches in the state,” Pokorny said. “It is great to see him get recognised for that.”
Pokorny credited Velasquez’s work ethic, ability to connect with athletes, and extensive wrestling knowledge as key factors in the program’s success.
“I really believe to have a great program you must surround yourself with great coaches,” Pokorny said. “We are lucky to have several great coaches on our staff and Josh is one of the best in the time he puts in for the kids, how he relates to the kids, and his knowledge of the sport.”
