The South Loup Youth Wrestling Club hosted the South Loup Youth Wrestling Tournament on Jan. 24 at Callaway Public School, welcoming 178 wrestlers from surrounding communities. The tournament featured both boys and girls from PreK through 8th grade, showcasing the growing strength and inclusiveness of youth wrestling in the area.

South Loup was well represented, with 39 Bobcat wrestlers competing on their home mats. Their hard work and determination paid off, as South Loup finished the day as the Division I Team Champion, a proud accomplishment for the club and the communities of Callaway and Arnold.

The South Loup Bobcat Wrestling Club is built on more than wins and medals. Established over 10 years ago, the club is a product of dedication, community pride, and selfless volunteerism. The wrestling board and coaching staff are entirely volunteer based, with the majority being parents of current wrestlers who give their time to support the program.

Practices are held at both the Arnold and Callaway Community Centers, providing flexibility and accessibility for families. The club welcomes wrestlers of all experience levels—from first-time competitors to seasoned state qualifiers—creating an environment built on mentorship, growth, and mutual support.

At the heart of the program is a clear mission: to

Cont. PAGE 8: Youth Wrestling teach discipline, respect, self-control, the value of hard work, how to handle both victory and defeat, and— above all—how to care for others. The club focuses on planting seeds for the future, aiming to develop not only strong athletes but strong individuals prepared for life beyond wrestling.

This season, 48 wrestlers from Callaway and Arnold are competing at tournaments throughout the area, representing South Loup with pride.

The club is coached by Matt Coleman, Bill Svoboda, Bryce Kulp, Dawson Mason, and Parker Liable, with board members Anna Marie Johnson, Tiff Svoboda, McKenzie Kulp, Kayla Berg, and Becky Bellinger providing leadership and support behind the scenes.

The success of the Jan. 24 tournament—and the continued growth of the program—reflects the strength of the South Loup community and its commitment to youth development through wrestling.