Childers Declared First State Wrestling Champion in 20 Years

Eight years of hard work, determination and experience led to Coy Childers to clench the title of State Champion at the State Wrestling Tournament, the first state champion in 20 years.

Childers said he began wrestling in 2017, gaining his first experience at a wrestling club, Nebraska Elite, in Minatare. He began with his father showing him moves and being able to spar with his brother Jett.

“I started wrestling eight years ago, when I was eight,” said Childers. “I’d say the challenge drew me to it, having fun and also being with my buddies.”

Childers claimed his first state title in his freshman year, an experience he defines as the most gratifying in his career so far. He explained that as he was walking into the arena for the championship match, he had a few things in mind to prep for the battle.

“I was just going to free my mind and go out there and wrestle the match, because at the end of the day, no matter what it’s just a match,” Childers said. “No matter what, I was just going to have fun. I was going to try to win my first state title.”

Explaining his influences, Childers said that he draws his inspiration from Spencer Lee. He also offered advice to the future generation of wrestlers, telling them to go out there and have fun.

“He’s always been one of the greats, one of the best athletes out there,” said Childers. “I just want to be like him.”

Childers sticks to a rigorous training regiment, packing in a lot of cardio and spending time in the gym, working on his technique. He explained that his favorite moves in wrestling are the Flying Squirrel and the Spladle.

(Photos by Delaney Childers)

“The Flying Squirrel is where your opponent is on the mat, looking at you and you jump all the way over top of him to score,” Childers said. “The Spladle is where you take a guy’s legs and you basically put them by his ears and pin him.”

Childers has a long road ahead of him for his wrestling career as he sets a goal for the remainder of his high school wrestling career. He finishes his freshman season with a record of 50-2, breaking another school record for season wins, which previously stood at 47.

“I want to be the first Alliance four-time state champ,” said Childers.

Childers said that this wrestling season was a big one for the Bulldogs, with seven people qualifying for the State Tournament in Omaha: Jackson Bailey, Andrew Benzel, Hunter Bridges, Coy Childers, Jett Childers, Wyatt Stabnow and Trini Trejo. Stabnow also brought home some hardware from the state tournament after claiming sixth place.

“Our team really stepped up this year and started wrestling,” said Childers. “I’m really proud of the boys for that.”

Coy’s mother, Katie Childers, expressed how proud she is of both her sons and all of the wrestlers on the team for a great season. She explained what it was like seeing him win the State Championship.

“I’m super proud of him, I’ve watched him grow and develop in this sport since he was eight years old and to be able to witness one of his dreams come true meant the world to me,” said Katie. “Coy is deserving of this title—he dedicates a lot of time to the sport.”