PANORA — Five members of the Panorama wrestling team woke up Thursday morning knowing one thing for certain: The day they have been so eagerly awaiting had finally arrived.
Seniors Danny Nordquist (126 pounds), Gunnar Grunsted (170), Trevor Carey (182), Dalton Holmes (195) and freshman Wyatt Appleseth (132) will begin competition in the Class 1A State Wrestling Tournament this evening when Session Three begins at 6 p.m.
Grunsted, who was fifth last year at 170, will be making his third appearance at Wells Fargo Arena, while Holmes is back one season after being stopped shy of the podium. The others are competing on the big stage for the first time.
The first order of business is to win twice before losing twice, as doing so will assure a spot — how high will vary by result, of course — on the podium.
Those winning their opening match Thursday will advance, while those dropping their initial contest will return later in the evening with an opportunity to survive by winning a consolation match.
Nordquist (40-9) is pitted against second-ranked Lisbon junior Cobe Siebricht (48-1), who was second at 106 last season. The paired bracket features Sibley-Oheyedan sophomore Trey Schuck (43-3), ranked ninth, against Cascade junior Nolan Noonan (51-5), who is rated seventh.
Appleseth in rated 10th and will step onto the mat opposite top-ranked senior Donny Schmit (41-2) of Wapsie Valley. Second-ranked Logan James (47-3) an Underwood sophomore who was second at 120 last year, faces Lake Mills freshman Cadey Hanson (45-11) in the other bracket.
Fifth-ranked Grunsted (43-4) will battle AHST junior and top-rated Gabe Paulley (52-0), who placed third at 160 last season. The paired bracket features fourth-ranked Denver junior Cael Krueger (44-2) and Iowa City Regina junior Nick Milder (26-4), who is rated seventh.
Carey (42-8) will tangle with Louisa-Muscatine senior Hunter Connor (40-0), who is ranked third. Akron-Westfield senior Christian Wolthuzien (37-8) will duel Don Bosco junior Bryce Schares (33-11) in the other bracket.
Holmes (39-6) is the lone Panther not facing a ranked foe in his opening match as he will square off against Sumner-Fredericksburg senior Brock Meyer (39-7). Brandon Christensen (34-3), a Bedford-Lenox senior, will face fifth-ranked senior Hunter Hagen (40-4) of West Hancock. Hagen was second at 195 last year.
Wrestlers who advance to Friday will compete in either the quarterfinals and second round consolations in Session Five (2:30-5:45 p.m.). The 1A semifinals and third round consolations will be held after the 3A semifinals and third round consolations in Session 6, which begins at 7:30 p.m.
