After a tough match in the semi-finals at the Nebraska State Wrestling Tournament, Eli Hinojosa points to the supporters from Chase County in the crowd which included his brother Abel who can be seen cheering between the ref and Hinojosa. (Johnson Publications photo)
Eli Hinojosa finished with this pin over Treyvon Brooks of Broken Bow to become the newest State Wrestling Champion for Chase County. (Johnson Publications photo)
After the final match was the first time Eli Hinojosa actually let out a huge smile as he celebrated with Head Coach Matt Vlasin and Jeff Rusher, knowing he had accomplished his goal of an undefeated season and a state championship. (Johnson Publications photo)
Eli Hinojosa brings home state championship
Eli Hinojosa was the only Chase County wrestler to qualify for the state wrestling tournament last weekend in Omaha.
Hinojosa made the best of it by winning all four of his matches and finishing with the gold medal around his neck and capping off a perfect 48-0 season.
Last year, Hinojosa made it to the finals only to be denied with a heartbreaking 0-1 loss to returning state champion Jason Hahlbeck of O’Neil.
In the first match of last week’s tourney, Hinojosa met Kolby Johnson (25-16) of Madison. Before Johnson got a chance to realize he was at the state tournament, Hinojosa scored a takedown, rolled Johnson over and scored a pin in just 34 seconds.
That win advanced Hinojosa to the quarterfinals which followed immediately after the first round. Josh Baily (24-5), who had finished in third place at the C3 District Tournament, was the next opponnent.
Hinojosa scored a takedown in the first period, followed by an escape by Bailey to leave the score 2-1 going into the second.
Hinojosa controlled the entire second period and took Bailey to his back and a pin with 14 seconds left in the second.
That advanced him to the semi-finals on Friday night to face the C1 District Champion, Mathew Eilers (41-6) of David City.
Eilers proved to be one of the toughest matches of the year. In the second period, Hinojosa was going for a roll move which Eilers was able to stifle and nearly bring Hinojosa’s dream to an end when Eilers settled back and nearly had Hinojosa’s shoulders flat on the mat.
One could see the burst of energy from Hinojosa as he realized the predicament he was in. He quickly regained control of the position and went on to win a 6-2 decision.
To view more please log in or subscribe to the digital edition. https://etypeservices.com/Imperial%20RepublicanID359/