OMAHA - David City senior Travis Worm sat in the south end of the Qwest Center watching the Parade of Champions. But not because he wanted to.

He was there because he had to be.

"That got pretty emotional. Being a part of that the last two years, it becomes a part of you," Worm said. "I just want to be out there. But you really don't want to hurt yourself."

Worm, who won the Class C 140-pound title in 2007 and the 145 crown for the Scouts in 2008, wasn't even allowed to wrestle in 2009 following what he believes was a neck injury suffered during football last fall.

He says pinched nerves inflamed blood vessels in his neck and cause him to "nearly pass out" while working out. Doctors are attempting to repair the damage through rest and a series of shots, three at a time - in Worm's neck.

"I appreciate everybody. They've given me so much support," Worm said. "They've told me it's not worth dying for."

Although Worm was unable to fulfill his ultimate goal of equaling the three state wrestling titles won by his uncle, Scott Starta, for David City from 1989-1992, he still had a rooting interest Saturday afternoon as teammates Chris Pokorny (171) and Lucas Kastle (189) tried for gold.

Unfortunately for Worm, neither were able to win a state title. Pokorny dropped a 15-2 major decision to Jordan Debus of Mitchell. Kastle fell in a 2-1 heartbreaker to Darcy Huffman of Sargent Burwell.

"I hoped the best for them," Worm said. "They're the greatest teammates."