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Portillo brothers to set to square off

Twins were both state champions at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows

Submitted photo: Twin brothers Josh and Justin Portillo, both Clarion-Goldfield/Dows graduates, stand together in 2019.

KEARNEY, Neb. — Brothers fight and wrestle all the time.

On Saturday, two of the best in the nation will officially square off for family bragging rights when Justin Portillo and Josh Portillo meet during a special meet between powerhouse mat programs Grand View and Nebraska-Kearney.

Both Clarion-Goldfield/Dows graduates seniors who are key members of their respective teams. Justin Portillo is a four-time NAIA All-American at GVU who reached the finals in 2020.

Josh Portillo is a three-time All-American at UNK who advanced to the championship match in 2019.

The dual will begin at 133 pounds, leaving the Portillo twins to meet in the final match at 125.

In high school, Josh Portillo was a three-time state champion for Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, while Justin Portillo captured two titles. They have both found even more success on the national collegiate level.

The brothers went head-to-head once after helping run a camp.

“I’ve replayed this match in my head countless nights,” Justin Portillo posted on Twitter. “About two years ago, (Josh) embarrassed me in front of many kids who looked up to me at this wrestling camp.

“This Saturday, I seek to avenge my honor and regain my spot: Alpha Portillo once and for all.”

In typical brotherly “hate,” Josh Portillo responded, “Expect much, much worse this time around.”

The meet begins at 1 p.m. from the Health and Sports Center in Kearney.

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