Omaha Skutt's Thomas Gilman, pictured in the 2010 Cadet Nationals finals, is shooting for his third state title this weekend in Omaha. John Sachs photo.

OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha Skutt junior Thomas Gilman is the two-time state champion with the sparkling resume.

He’s won two Nebraska Class B state wrestling titles, won Cadet Nationals in freestyle last summer and already has a scholarship offer from Nebraska.

Central City junior Connor Bolling is the two-time state champion who has flown a little more under the radar.

Bolling will jump into the spotlight on Friday night when he battles Gilman in the 119-pound state semifinals at the Qwest Center. Gilman is 42-0 and Bolling is 40-0 this season.

“I’ve seen him and I’ve watched him wrestle,” Gilman said. “It’s just another match to me. I’ve wrestled high-caliber kids before so this is just another big match.”

The match will carry added significance with Skutt and Central City battling for the team title. Skutt has won the last 13 Class B titles. Central City won the Class C title in 2009.

“Skutt hasn’t lost in 13 years,” Bolling said, “so why not end it now?”

Central City has the lead after the first of three days of the event with 63.5 points. Skutt is second with 56.5 points. The semifinals are set for Friday night with the finals on Saturday afternoon.

“We’ve had a lot of injuries and it’s been a tough year for us,” Gilman said. “We need all the bonus points we can get.”

Gilman is considered the best prospect of the 896 wrestlers competing this weekend and Bolling is well aware of that.

Bolling has won two Class C state titles before his team moved up to Class B this season. Gilman and Bolling will meet in the semifinals instead of the finals because the state tournament is not seeded.

“That’s what I’ve been working for all season, to wrestle this kid,” Bolling said. “All I’ve heard is how I can’t beat Gilman. We will see how it goes. I don’t think more than 10 people here think I can beat him. I will just try to prove them all wrong.”

There have been just 16 four-time state champions in the history of the Nebraska state tournament.

Gilman and Bolling are trying to keep their hopes alive to join that exclusive club.

Three of the 16 four-timers – Kasey Kohl, Todd Meneely and Tyler Sackett – competed for Skutt.

Gilman and Bolling both were dominant in the first two rounds on Thursday.

“Gilman’s real good on his feet and I'm pretty confident wrestling on my feet,” Bolling said. “It’s going to be a battle.”

Gilman also has drawn recruiting attention from Iowa.

“I would love to wrestle for Iowa,” Gilman said. “I love the intensity the wrestlers and coaches bring to their program. And I love the approach (coaches) Tom and Terry Brands bring. They are World class coaches who I think can take me to the next level.”

Bolling also has aspirations of wrestling in college.

“No schools have really talked to me yet,” Bolling said. “Hopefully after tomorrow I’ll have some colleges wanting to talk to me."