The record will show the Perry wrestling team split a triangular Thursday, defeating Coon Rapids-Bayard/Glidden-Ralston, 40-25, before dropping a 46-16 dual to Carlisle.
However, is was not only team and individual wrestling results that were the source of attention, as the evening was dedicated as “Wrestling For a Cause” night. Seeking to “pin cancer” the Bluejay wrestlers had spent two weeks selling sponsorships of each of the 14 weight classes for donations of at least $50.
A total of 47 sponsorships were sold to a variety of local businesses and individuals, with many donating more than the minimum. Along with t-shirt sales and a bucket brigade held at the event, nearly $5,000 was raised, all of it going to Jake Can, the Jake Cavanaugh Foundation. The funds will be given to a family with a child undergoing treatment for cancer.
Jake’s parents, Curt and Jane (Stewart) Cavanaugh are Perry natives, and were on hand to briefly address the crowd.
Thursday also served as Youth Wrestling Recognition Night, with Junior Jay and other hopeful young mat stars of the future granted free admission. The youngsters were introduced as a group between duals.
Senior Zachary Thompson (26-4), ranked fourth in Class 3A at 120 pounds, scored a 14-2 major decision over CR-B’s Peyton Clipperton, then claimed a 9-3 win over Carlisle’s Carter Logue.
The second win was of historic nature, as it ties Thompson with two-time state champion Kane Seeley on Perry’s all-time career victory list with 156 triumphs.
Kaleb Olejniczak (31-4), rated fifth at 126, received a forfeit before besting Carlisle’s Peter Comer with a 13-4 major decision to finish 2-0.
Senior 138-pounder Zach Stewart was presented a plaque between duals in recognition of his recent eclipsing of the 100-win plateau. Stewart, now ranked second, recorded a pair of pins to move to 35-4 for the season.
The only other Bluejay with two wins was Justin Stammer at 145. He received a bye against CR-B, then scored late to rally for an 8-4 win over Carlisle’s Darek Tingle.
Erick Funez finished 1-1 for Perry at 160 pounds, with his win coming on a fall, in 91 seconds, against CR-B’s Jared Smouse.
Cole Snyder (170) and Jacob Nelson (132) were both 1-1 for the hosts, each winning by forfeit.
In action but unable to gain a victory in two tries apiece for Perry were Riece Graham (106), Bryan Funez (152), Jonathan Silva (182), Alexander Tapia (220), with Jason Zepeda 0-1 at 195. Perry left the 113-pound and 285-pound weight classes open.
Perry visits the Williamsburg Invitational Saturday before returning home Tuesday to host ADM, Boone and Woodward-Granger in a quadrangular beginning at 5:30 p.m.
