Beatrice Wrestling title-holders honored by board of education

BEATRICE – The Beatrice Board of Education honored two state title wrestlers Monday night….one each in boys and girl’s wrestling.

Merrick Johnson, who has participated in football, wrestling and track…racked up a 51-and-1 record during his junior year march to a state title.

"His only loss was against the state runner-up in a previous tournament. He avenged that loss. He beat him one time early in the season, so it was a true rubber-match during the finals. It was a takedown and a sudden victory and Merrick won.

BHS Activities Director Gus Brown says Johnson is a role model who works hard and does things the right way. He has over 120 career victories. "Besides being an outstanding wrestler, he's also an outstanding leader in our school building."

Morgan Maschmann, Brown says, is a pioneer of the BHS Girls wrestling program. She won the class A 125 pound division with a 10-0 major decision in the championship match….capping a senior season that saw her go unbeaten.

"I had several people come up to me at the state tournament and say probably pound-for-pound, she's the best girl's wrestler in the state. Morgan completed her season with a 51-and-0 record....with 150 career victories. One thing that absolutely just blows my mind is that Morgan did not give up an offensive point the entire wrestling year. That means she let them score by letting them up, so she could take them down again. She did not give up any offensive points."

Maschmann defeated a two-time state champion and a three-time state champ on the way to the individual title.

Also at Monday night’s school board meeting, the district honored as its March District Employee of the month, Paul Kimmerling….a 25-year employee in the district as a paraeducator and also farms. He has worked in several roles for the district….now working with seventh grade students at the Beatrice Middle School.