Narrowed down to Nebraska

As soon as Ridge Lovett got home from wrestling practice on Monday, the Post Falls High senior sat down and thought about his future.

That future will now include competing at the University of Nebraska starting next fall.

Lovett, who holds a 129-0 record in high school, verbally committed to Nebraska on Monday night after narrowing down a list of offers from North Carolina State and Oklahoma.

“After school, I made a pros and cons list,” Lovett said. “After talking it over with my family, I called the coach around 9 p.m. and let him know I was coming.”

Purdue and Iowa State were also on Lovett’s list.

“All of the schools I was interested in are pretty far away, so location wasn’t really something we thought about,” Lovett said. “I clicked with all the coaches and wrestlers at Nebraska. It really just felt like home.”

“It’s a great opportunity for him,” Post Falls wrestling coach Pete Reardon said. “I think it’s going to be a great home for him. We’re really proud of him and think he made a great choice. Nebraska is getting a unique kid. Not only is he a good wrestler, but he’s smart and a great kid to be around.”

In July, Lovett won a national title in Greco Roman wrestling at the Junior National Championships in Fargo, N.D. He also won a national title in folkstyle.

“I’ve always had a dream of going Division I,” Lovett said. “I’m finally getting to fulfill that dream, and feel like I made it.”