By Shari Friedel

Tribune Staff

Perkins County’s only state wrestling contender, 130 lb. Kyle Schulze, came home with a fifth place medal from the state wrestling tournament held at the Qwest Center in Omaha Feb. 18-20.

In the first round of Class D competition, Schulze was matched with Ethan Thies of Winside, who he pinned in 2:53.

Second round matched him with Jordan Shields of Amherst. Schulze won by decision 4-1, which launched him into semifinals and a guaranteed medal from state.

A 1-11 loss to eventual champion Tyler Mathison of Oakland-Craig in semifinals dropped Schulze into the consolation bracket where he met with Dillon Glause of Palmer, who beat him 0-8. 

The final round consolation match again brought him up against Shields of Amherst, who he beat in a 6-4 decision, securing the fifth place medal.

In team points, Perkins County finished 43rd in a field of 61 Class D teams, scoring 11 points. 

Finishing first in Class D state competition was Amherst, with 127 team points.