The Mojo Grappling Academy (MGA) turned in an impressive performance at the Oklahoma Kids Wrestling Association (OKWA) Southeast Regional tournament, qualifying 15 athletes for the State Championships scheduled for this coming weekend.

Three Mojo wrestlers captured regional titles, while five more finished as runners-up, highlighting the continued growth of youth wrestling in Okmulgee County.

Regional champions included:

• Maesa Brigge, 1st place, 6U Girls, 40 pounds • Tucker Nuckolls, 1st place, 8U, 105 pounds

• Anniyah Bear, 1st place, 10U Girls, 67 pounds Runner-up finishes were earned by:

• Raelynn Traweek, 2nd place, 6U Girls, 52 pounds

• Rikki Olsen, 2nd place, 8U Girls, 54 pounds

• Weston “Gilly Ray” Gilroy, 2nd place, 8U, 105 pounds

• Colton “Colt 45” Tecumseh, 2nd place, 12U, 64 pounds

• Lillian Primeaux, 2nd place, 15U Girls, 155 pounds Additional placers included:

• Huck Olsen, 3rd place, 10U, 67 pounds

• Harper Tecumseh-Sands, 3rd place, 10U Girls, 95 pounds

• Luke Olsen, 3rd place, 12U, 76 pounds

• Mia Brigge, 4th place, 12U Girls, 80 pounds

• Adria Brigge, 4th place, 12U Girls, 75 pounds

• Kaden Decker, 4th place, 8U, 58 pounds

• Autumn Brigge, 4th place, 8U Girls, 62 pounds The strong showing reflects the dedication of the athletes, coaches and families involved with the program, as well as the continued support of community sponsors.

Mojo Grappling Academy expressed appreciation to its sponsors for helping make the program possible, including Doty Concrete Construction, Gilroy Cattle, Loafing Acres, BOOST Athletics Foundation, Hometown Healthcare Solution LLC, Central Perk Coffee Shop, the Okmulgee Indian Community Center, Okmulgee Times, Henryetta Free-Lance, Wilson Indian Community and Mvskoke Media.

With momentum on their side, the qualifying athletes now turn their attention to the State Championships, where they will look to build on their regional success.

— Spring wrestling signups announced

Following a successful regional tournament, Mojo Grappling Academy is preparing for its upcoming spring wrestling season and is inviting new and returning athletes to sign up.

The season will run from March through June, with training offered in Freestyle, Greco-Roman and Folkstyle wrestling at locations in Okmulgee and Wilson.

The program is open to a wide range of age groups.

For 8U and up, athletes will train in Olympic-style disciplines, focusing on explosive movement, balance and mat awareness while preparing for spring and summer tournaments.

Younger participants ages 3 to 8 can take part in the Little Warriors program, which emphasizes fundamentals, confidence, coordination and discipline while providing a fun introduction to wrestling.

The cost for the season is $125, and athletes must have or purchase a USA Wrestling card.

Organizers encourage families to register early, as spaces tend to fill quickly. Those interested can text 918-319-7439 for more information or sign up during practice sessions.

With a growing number of young wrestlers finding success on the mat, Mojo Grappling Academy leaders say the upcoming season promises to be another exciting chapter for youth wrestling in Okmulgee County.