Bison senior medalist credits wrestling for so much

R.B. Headley/McCook Gazette

OMAHA, Neb. — She’ll likely never wrestle an official match again, but never think this still “new” girls sport won’t play a role in the future of McCook High senior Alexis Steinbeck.

“It’s taught me so much, like how to never stop no matter how tough things are,” the Bison Class A state medalist said moments after her third and final state tournament win on Omaha’s CHI Health Center mats.

“It all really has helped me so much. I’ve gained confidence and grown a lot since my freshman year,” she added.

Alexis did not go out for girls’ wrestling as a freshman, then injuries basically ended her first attempt one year later.

“Yet Steinbeck nearly reached last year’s state tourney before making this goal with a recent A-1 district championship.

Seeded fourth, A.S. stormed through her first two state foes on Tuesday — showing no fear about her first state tourney appearance.

Her semifinal vs. Class A’s No. 1-seeded Omaha Westside opponent did not go so well, but Alexis responded and pinned the next from Omaha Burke to secure her state medal.

Steinbeck finished fourth overall to become McCook’s highest medalist since finalists Makayla Pate (2022) and Ambie Custard (2023).

“And she’s become such a great leader for us,” coach Clint Hosick concluded.

Steinbeck credited Hosick’s mentorship and super teammates like classmate/all-time winner Peyton Cock, cheering from those CHI seats throughout those state matches.

“I wouldn’t be here without her,” she said.