Steve Jessen Memorial Award Given To Randolph Wrestler

Last month the Neligh-Oakdale wrestling community lost one of its biggest supporters. On Saturday, Steve Jessen was remembered by honoring a great wrestling performance. 

The first-ever Steve Jessen Memorial Most Valuable Wrestler Award was presented to Drew Loberg of Randolph after the Neligh-Oakdale Invitational.

Jessen, who died last month, was a guidance counselor at Neligh-Oakdale from 1992-2010, after spending nearly 20 years at Osmond. He was a part of the Warrior wrestling coaching staff from 1995-2006.

During Saturday's meeting, Loberg defeated Neligh-Oakdale senior Garett Allemang in one of the biggest matches of the day, which ended by ultimate tiebreaker. Tied at 3-3, the match wasn't decided until triple overtime when Loberg rode out Allemang. 

Allemang chose the down position to try for the escape and automatic win, but Loberg held on for the 30 seconds to secure the victory. It was the second time the wrestlers have faced off; they are now 1-1. 

At 152 pounds, Loberg currently is rated second in the state while Allemang is ranked No. 1. The wrestlers potentially could face one another several more times this season.

All 20 coaches at the meet voted on the award, Neligh-Oakdale coach Gary Davis presented Loberg with the award.