OMAHA, Neb. – This has been a trying, stress-filled season for Omaha Skutt wrestling coach Brad Hildebrandt.

Hildebrandt’s 13-time defending Class B champions are in jeopardy of having their long-time reign in Nebraska come to an end after being decimated by injuries.

But Hildebrandt flashed a big smile late Friday afternoon at the Qwest Center.

That was shortly after his prized pupil, junior Thomas Gilman, put on a show with a dominating 12-5 state semifinal win over Central City junior Connor Bolling at 119 pounds.

“I just love Thomas Gilman,” Hildebrandt said. “I just love the way he wrestles. He came out and took control of the match right away. He’s done that all year.”

Gilman’s in-your-face, attacking style led to six takedowns as he won the battle of two-time state champions. Bolling lost for the first time in 116 high school matches.

“He was backing up a lot and didn’t seem like he wanted to wrestle me,” Gilman said. “My game plan was the same as it is for every match. I just went out there and tried to dominate. I was in control the whole time. I could feel him starting to break after a while.”

Gilman, a 2010 Cadet Nationals champion in freestyle, already has a scholarship offer from Nebraska. More offers are expected to follow from top programs. He is ranked No. 2 nationally at 119 by The Open Mat.

“Thomas is all business all the time,” Hildebrandt said. “He’s a great kid and he’s a great team guy. There are only a couple of kids who have come through our program that have had the kind of drive Thomas has. He is constantly working on getting better. He wants as many opportunities in wrestling as he can get.”

Gilman was asked about all the hype surrounding the much-anticipated match with Bolling. Gilman improved to 43-0 while Bolling fell to 40-1 this season.

“They are ahead of us in the team race and a win meant points for us and no points for them,” Gilman said. “I didn’t feel any extra pressure.”

Gilman stood on deck prior to the semifinal bout wearing USA Wrestling sweatpants and a Russian T-shirt.

He studies video of top American wrestlers like Olympic gold medalists Cael Sanderson and Henry Cejudo. He also has watched video of Russian legends Bouvaisa Saitiev, Mavlet Batirov and Besik Kudukhov.

“I love watching the Russians, and I’ve learned a lot from watching them,” Gilman said. “They are the best in the World. I watch their techniques and their mannerisms and how they handle themselves. I want to beat those guys someday.”

For now, Gilman will be matched against unbeaten Trent Mertes of Auburn in the Nebraska state finals on Saturday afternoon. Gilman is seeking his third state title.

“It feels good to be in the finals again,” Gilman said. “One of the goals I wanted to accomplish when I came to Skutt was to be a four-time state champion. So I guess I’m on my way.”

CENTRAL CITY LEADS the Class B team race with 116.5 points with Skutt in second with 100.5 points. Central City won the Class C state title in 2009.

Grand Island has clinched its third straight title in Class A. Wood River is on top in Class C. Amherst is in first place in Class D.

The finals are set for 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Qwest Center.