Who knew Howells, Neb., (pop. 635) had a suburb?

That’s what family, friends and fans of Nebraska’s Craig Brester want to turn Qwest Center Omaha into over the next three days as the 197-pound senior makes a final bid for an NCAA wrestling title.

Exactly how many folks from Brester’s hometown will make the 90-minute trip is unknown.

“But I know they’re real excited about it,’’ he said Wednesday. “I’ve been getting phone calls and messages all the time. They’re definitely behind me, and it’s a great feeling.’’

Brester, a former walk-on and last year’s national runner-up at 197, said he wants to put on a show in what likely is the final tournament of his career.

“This is fantastic being here,’’ he said. “It’s a great opportunity. You couldn’t write it any better way.

“Wrestling here on this stage at home is a dream come true. Now, I’ve got to go make it happen.’’

Brester (26-2), a two-time All-American, is seeded No. 2 at 197. The man at No. 1 — Iowa State’s Jake Varner (26-0) — has been his nemesis.

Varner is 5-1 lifetime against Brester, including a win in last year’s title match, though the ISU star downplayed that Wednesday.

“Everything that has happened in the past, that’s the past,’’ Varner said. “That has no factor now.’’

Still, the shadow of Varner shrouds the bracket.

“It’s almost guaranteed he’s going to be waiting there in the finals,’’ Brester said. “I’ve just got to do my work and get there and get that rematch.

“There are plenty of tough kids on my side of the bracket. But this is the match I’ve wanted more than anything.’’

Brester was calm and collected talking with reporters Wednesday.

“I don’t see a whole lot of pressure,’’ he said. “I’m going out there to do what I’ve been doing for 18 years of my life. I’m going to go out and enjoy it.

“Having all those people who have backed you your whole life and through your whole career coming down to watch is going to be awesome.’’

The other of Nebraska’s five qualifiers with a high seed is No. 4 Stephen Dwyer at 174. The senior from South Beloit, Ill., moved up one weight class this season and has gone 24-3.

“I feel better at 174 than I did at 165,’’ Dwyer said. “I feel I have more energy. It’s been an advantage for me.

“Instead of coming into a tournament worrying about getting my weight down, I’ve been more able to concentrate on wrestling the whole time and improving my technique.’’

Contact the writer:

444-1024, lee.barfknecht@owh.com

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