Creighton Prep alum Adonis Bonar II wins U20 Pan American wrestling gold medal

Putting faith and family at the center of his success, the Omaha native achieved international glory in Brazil

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Putting faith and family at the center of his success, the Omaha native achieved glory on the international stage after represented Team USA in Brazil

OMAHA, Neb. —

“When he had an opportunity to wrestle, it just stood out,” Adonis’ father Adonis Bonar Sr. said. “You knew that’s what he was meant to do.”

Winning his first-ever wrestling match at the age of six, it was only the beginning for Adonis Bonar II.

“I think this is what I’m supposed to do, and it just took off,” Creighton Prep alum Adonis Bonar II said. “Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always had dreams and aspirations of being a World Olympic Champion.”

Success started to stack up. Winning national titles in high school, the 19-year-old overcame a broken hip to eventually become a two-time NSAA State Champion at Creighton Prep, helping the Junior Jays to its first team title in school history in 2025.

“When you’re doing everything, do it with a purpose and have a reason behind it. I got 10 reasons every single day: my whole family,” Adonis Bonar II said.

The family is a big one.

Adonis has five brothers and two sisters. His older sister Hope played softball at Creighton from 2018-19, and is now married to former Bluejay guard Ty-Shon Alexander.

“One thing that man teaches me almost every day is when it comes down to your sport, say less do more,” Adonis Bonar II said.

A loud statement came in April.

After years of near misses, Adonis placed second at the U.S. Open in Las Vegas, qualifying him for the U20 Pan American Championships in Brazil in July.

“I accomplished one of my lifelong dreams. Now let’s make it into something even bigger,” Adonis Bonar II said.

Representing the Greco-Roman squad for Team USA, Adonis ran the table in Rio De Janiero. He rattled off four straight victories at 192 pounds to capture the gold medal on the international stage.

“I shed some tears,” MWC Wrestling Academy coach Zack Wilcox said. “Winning that gold and hearing the national anthem play while he’s standing on top of that podium, it made everything a surreal moment.”

However, Adonis’ favorite moment wasn’t the glory, but rather the pride for his country and those who’ve supported him every step of the way.

“It was being able to hold the American Flag and run over to my dad to give him a hug,” Adonis Bonar II said.

“That’s what we do it for. We do it for the relationships,” Adonis Bonar Sr. said.

A road to glory— fueled by faith and family.

“There’s a saying that once you wrestle, everything in life gets easy. I’m telling you right now, it’s the truth,” Adonis Bonar II said.

Adonis wrestled his freshman year of college at California Baptist during the 2025-26 season. He is now looking for a new home after the discontinuation of the Lancers program.