Southwest's Ferguson wins title

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By KEN HAMBLETON / Lincoln Journal Star

OMAHA — The magic shoes were just this side of hideous, but they carried two wrestlers to state championships.

Lincoln Southwest’s Justin Ferguson borrowed the pink-electric green-bright yellow-turquoise blue shoes from his brother, James. And just like James did in 1995, Justin won a title Saturday at the State High School Wrestling Tournament at the Qwest Center.

“I asked to wear those shoes. Really I did,” Justin Ferguson said after he beat Creighton Prep’s David Laughlin 9-2 in the 140-pound Class A championship match.

James Ferguson got the shoes  while wrestling for the U.S. Junior National team in Poland.

“James wanted to wear them to represent the family and to use as motivation.” Justin added, “James said I had to win or else, if I was going to wear the shoes.”

Five Ferguson brothers have competed t state — the first four for Seward.

Justin became the first individual state champion for Southwest and helped his team to a school-best 11th place. Teammate Alex Masilko finished second at 145 pounds. Two-time champion Austin Carmichael of Columbus avenged his only loss of the season with a 13-9 decision over Masilko in the title match.

Lincoln East senior Drew Etherton also finished second. He reached the finals in the 135-pound class after finishing third the last three years.

“Alex and the rest of the team made me able to win this,” Ferguson said. “Alex is my wrestling partner in practice and he made me better.”

Ferguson’s championship victory actually got its start last year when Laughlin eliminated the Southwest wrestler from the tournament, said Southwest coach Aaron Finley.

“I think Justin made up his mind a year ago to work to this year’s tournament and not let anything get in his way. He upset Barry McEwen of Omaha North in the quarterfinals and I think he was on his way.”

Ferguson, a four-time state qualifier and three-time medalist, said he was trying to stay aggressive and safe at the same time in his championship match.

“I knew I could get control early, I just had to make sure I never let up and play it too safe,” he said.

No wrestler took care of business better than Omaha Skutt senior Tyler Sackett, who won his fourth consecutive state title — joining the group of 13 others in state history to win a state crown each year in high school. Six of his teammates won titles to give Skutt an 11th consecutive Class B team championship and to tie the record with seven champions. Skutt’s Quintin Cottle and Tyler Kottas won their third state titles. Zach Cottle, Quintin’s younger brother, Tim Chavez and Matt Katusin won their second titles for the SkyHawks.

Millard South won the Class A team title for the fourth year in a row . Madison claimed Class C for the second time since 2004. Howells claimed the Class D title for the third time since 2004.   

Reach Ken Hambleton at 473-7313 or at khambleton@journalstar.com.