VALENTINE, Neb. - Thousands of people traveled to the small town of Valentine, Nebraska this weekend for several big events, including Valentine's Day celebrations and Bull Bash, when the town shuts down Main Street and brings in livestock.

However, a youth event may have drawn the biggest emotions on Valentine's Day weekend.

“It’s some of the most elite wrestlers in five states,” said Robert Joseph.

Joseph is the head coach of the Valentine Wrestling Club, which hosted the Cowboy Clash tournament for Pre-K through 8th Grade.

“500 kids, 62 teams, coming from five different states,” said Joseph.

Nine-year-old wrestler Maverick Potter described the tournament as one of the biggest he’s attended. “I live in Elkhorn, Nebraska. It’s a long drive,” he said.

For 11-year-old Gunner Veskrna from Gregory, South Dakota, the Cowboy Clash stood out for its size. “I go to a lot of tournaments, and it’s bigger than most,” he said.

A unique feature of the tournament is its awards – cowboy hats and custom belts, replacing the traditional trophies.

“These kids are wrestling week-in-and-week-out all across several states. This is a unique experience and a chance to showcase their skills in an environment that looks a little bit more like a state wrestling tournament in high school,” said Joseph.

With thousands of people and hundreds of athletes, this is quite the undertaking for a small town.

“When you get to 550 kids in a one-day-tournament, the only reason it works is because of people like Mark Ormesher and Joni Titus who do the thankless jobs behind the scenes, specifically Track Wrestling,” said Joseph.

Beyond the work and wins and losses, the tournament is also a major economic victory for Valentine.

“They stay the night. They eat out at meals.  They buy gas here. It’s an economic engine in and of itself,” said Joseph.

From wrestling on the mat to livestock in the streets, thousands got a taste of the Heart City this Valentine’s Day weekend.