Lincoln (July 14, 2025)—The 2025 Cornhusker State Games kicked off with a thrilling opening weekend featuring 36 sports held at venues across Columbus, Fremont, Grand Island, Lincoln, Omaha, and several other communities in Nebraska.
The Games reached new heights as ESPN’s 50 States in 50 Days tour rolled into town, spotlighting five sports: Track and Field, Armwrestling, Fencing, Powerlifting, and Indoor Volleyball. ESPN SportsCenter anchor David Lloyd didn’t just report on the action, he joined it. From getting bench-pressed in Powerlifting to squaring off in a Fencing bout, Lloyd took part in every event he visited. Highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from the visit will air on SportsCenter on July 15, beginning at 6 a.m. (CT).
One of the weekend’s standout stories came from Lincoln Pius X alum Wallace Dilley, who secured his fifth overall Cornhusker State Games Armwrestling championship on Saturday. Competing at the Big Ten Sports Bar and Grill in Lincoln, Dilley—also a national titleholder—proved once again why he’s a force in the sport.
For the first time ever, shooting sports were held in Grand Island at the Heartland Public Shooting Park on July 12. The action-packed weekend included events in Action Pistol, High Power Rifle, Pistol, Youth Trap, International Bunker Trap, and Plinking Pistol. In Action Pistol, Stephen Tomilson delivered a dominant performance, claiming four gold medals. Youth Trap also brought excitement in the high overall junior boys division. Asher Scott and Jackson Burns both posted scores of 49, forcing a shoot-off. Scott clinched the gold with a perfect 10/10, while Burns earned silver going 8/10.
Curling was another favorite, with a sold-out event at Baxter Arena on the University of Nebraska–Omaha campus. The team of Curl Obscur—Nic Ridder, Meredith Daniels, Isaiah Jacobsen, and Julia Castle—took home the gold medal.
Track and Field was held Saturday, July 12, at Lincoln High School. One of the day’s most heartwarming and entertaining races was the 4×100 family relay. This unique event features teams of four family members. Ages ranged from 6 to 63 this year. Team Hanna earned the gold medal, with Team Thorne taking silver and Team Hassenstab capturing bronze.
Jiu-Jitsu brought the heat this year with a record-breaking 118 participants competing at Papillion Landing in Papillion. With divisions ranging from Pee Wee youth to Blue Belt-level adult competition, there was no shortage of action on the mats. In the men’s lightweight white belt division, Sam Garrett of Ares BJJ Omaha took home the gold medal. Elijah Olsen of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Council Bluffs earned silver, while Cash Sercey of United Kickboxing and MMA secured the bronze to round out the podium.
The second and final weekend of the Games features competition in 38 sports, beginning Tuesday with Tennis and extending into Sunday. Several events remain open for registration at CornhuskerStateGames.com. Complete results, and the composite schedule of events for the final weekend, can be found at the same site under the Sports Info tab.
The Cornhusker State Games is conducted by the Nebraska Sports Council. Platinum partners include Grand Island Tourism, Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and FMNE Insurance. Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.
