DES MOINES — Perry left the Wells Fargo Arena with a split decision Thursday in the first day of the State Wrestling Tournament, as one Bluejay advanced and one had their season ended.
Sixth-ranked sophomore Cole Nelson (36-6) moved into the quarterfinals at 113 pounds with a first round major decision while senior Erick Funez (32-17) had his season and career end with a pair of losses.
Nelson, who was 1-2 at the state tourney last season, opened his second appearance on the big stage with a 9-0 win over Albia sophomore Dawson Bennett (19-9).
The Bluejay standout will battle fourth-ranked Spirit Lake Park sophomore Jonathon Burnette (36-5), who pinned West Liberty junior Alex Beaver (30-8) in 1 minute, 28 seconds.
A win would send Nelson into the semifinals against either top-rated Carter Fousek (37-3), a Cresco Crestwood sophomore or Roland-Story senior Joe Hovick (43-6).
A loss would drop Nelson into the second round consolation, where he would face Humboldt freshman Jase Goodell (27-12) for the right to stay alive while also assuring a spot on the podium.
Nelson will compete in Session IV at 9 a.m. Friday, which features both the 2A quarterfinals and second round consolation. The 2A semifinals and third round consolations will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Session VI.
Funez was stopped by Hampton-Dumont-CAL sophomore Carl Barkema by fall in 4:47 to fall into the consolation bracket.
The Jay senior found himself pitted against Bishop Heelan senior Nick McGowan (38-16), who slowly pulled away for a 13-6 victory, ending a solid season for Funez.
