A strong youth wrestling season for the Mojo Grappling Academy culminated in impressive fashion last weekend as the Okmulgee County program qualified 15 athletes for the 48th Annual Oklahoma Kids Wrestling Association (OKWA) State Championships in Oklahoma City – with 10 wrestlers returning home with state medals.
Mojo Grappling Academy ultimately had 14 athletes compete at the prestigious event, as one qualifier opted to attend her brother’s final high school regional competition. Even with the slight adjustment, MGA athletes delivered a weekend full of standout performances, podium finishes and continued momentum for one of the county’s fastest-growing youth programs.
— Silver medal performances headline weekend Leading the way for Mojo Grappling Academy were two state runner- up finishes from Maesa Brigge and Tucker Nuckolls, both of whom battled through challenging brackets to reach championship matches.
Brigge displayed dominant form early, winning her quarterfinal and semifinal bouts by a combined 13-3 margin. Her run showcased both technical skill and composure beyond her years before she ultimately fell in the championship match to earn a silver medal and second-place finish in the 6U girls 40-pound division.
Nuckolls followed a similarly impressive path to the finals in the 8U 105-pound division. He powered through the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds with a combined score of 16-1, demonstrating strong offense and mat control. After dropping a hard-fought championship match, Nuckolls was required to compete in a true second-place challenge bout – a test he passed convincingly with a 20-5 technical fall to secure his spot as state runner-up.
— Olsen’s surge fuels third-place finish
One of the weekend’s most remarkable performances came from Rikki Olsen, whose resilience defined her tournament run.
After finishing day one with a 1-1 record that included a pin, Olsen returned Saturday determined to climb the consolation bracket. She proceeded to go 4-0 with two falls, overwhelming opponents by a combined score of 53-2 en route to a thirdplace finish in the 8U girls 54-pound division.
Her run not only secured a podium position but also highlighted the grit and endurance that have become hallmarks of the MGA program.
— Fourth-place finishes reflect depth of program Mojo Grappling Academy also placed two athletes fourth in their respective divisions, further illustrating the program’s depth.
Raelynn Traweek opened her tournament with a pin before adding a 13-3 major decision victory in the quarterfinals. Despite a semifinal setback, she rebounded with a win in the consolation semifinals to reach the third-place match, ultimately finishing fourth following a competitive final bout.
Anniyah Bear matched that placement after a strong comeback performance of her own. Following a 1-1 opening day that included a pin, Bear surged Saturday with three victories – two by fall and one technical fall – to reach the thirdplace match, where she narrowly fell 5-3 to secure fourth place.
— Trio earns fifth-place podium spots Three MGA wrestlers navigated the wrestleback rounds to earn fifth-place finishes, each showing determination after early bracket losses.
Colton “Colt 45” Tecumseh and Mia Brigge both dropped quarterfinal decisions that moved them into consolation action. Each responded with two victories – including a fall and a major decision – before concluding their tournaments with fifth-place medals.
Lillian Primeaux mirrored that route but delivered a uniquely emphatic response, capturing both of her consolation victories by pinfall to secure her own fifth-place finish.
— Gilroy, Olsen round out podium finishes Weston “Gilly Ray” Gilroy battled through a competitive bracket to finish 2-2 overall, punctuating his tournament with a dominant 15-0 technical fall victory in the seventh-place match to claim a spot on the podium.
Luke Olsen completed the medal count for Mojo Grappling Academy, compiling a 2-3 record highlighted by a pin and a 9-0 major decision to earn an eighthplace finish and podium recognition.
— Season Culmination & Future Ahead For Mojo Grappling Academy, the OKWA State Championships represented both a culmination and a springboard.
The state event marked the official end of the OKWA folkstyle season for MGA athletes, closing a campaign that saw steady growth, increased participation and competitive success across multiple age groups.
However, the program’s schedule remains far from quiet.
Many MGA wrestlers are now preparing for the WOW National Youth Duals in Tulsa in two weeks, where elite youth wrestlers from across the country will gather for high-level competition. The event offers MGA athletes an opportunity to test themselves on a national stage while continuing to build experience.
In addition, Olympic- style wrestling season is set to begin soon, with sign-ups underway and practices scheduled to start March 11 – signaling another developmental phase for the academy and its athletes.
— Community support remains key Program leaders also expressed appreciation for the community support that continues to fuel Mojo Grappling Academy’s growth and opportunities for young wrestlers throughout Okmulgee County.
Sponsors including Doty Concrete Construction, Gilroy Cattle, Loafing Acres, BOOST Athletics Foundation, Hometown Healthcare Solution LLC and Central Perk Coffee Shop were recognized for their ongoing contributions.
Local media outlets and community organizations were also acknowledged for helping promote youth wrestling and celebrate athlete achievements across the region.
— OKWA State Championships Results 2nd Place
• 6UG 40 lb – Maesa Brigge
• 8U 105 lb – Tucker Nuckolls 3rd Place
• 8UG 54 lb – Rikki Olsen
4th Place
• 6UG 52 lb – Raelynn Traweek
• 10UG 67 lb – Anniyah Bear 5th Place
• 12U 64 lb – Colton “Colt 45” Tecumseh
• 12UG 80 lb – Mia Brigge
• 15UG 155 lb – Lillian Primeaux 7th Place
• 8U 105 lb – Weston “Gilly Ray” Gilroy 8th Place
• 12U 76 lb – Luke Olsen -As the medals were packed away and athletes returned home, the weekend’s results reinforced what many across the county already recognize – Mojo Grappling Academy continues to develop young competitors who compete with heart, resilience and pride.
And with national competition and a new wrestling season already on the horizon, the next chapter for MGA athletes is only beginning.
