There were no real surprises on the first day of the 12th annual Colorado Springs Metro Wrestling Championships held at Doherty on Friday.

Pine Creek, ranked No. 2 in 5A in Tim Yount’s On the Mat Rankings, leads the field with 77 points. Fountain-Fort Carson is second with 53, followed by Discovery Canyon (52.5) and defending champion Coronado (51).

The Eagles built their lead on the backs of 13 out of 14 wrestlers advancing to the quarterfinals. The Trojans put nine in the quarters, while 4A No. 2 Discovery Canyon, 5A No. 6 Coronado, Palmer Ridge and Mesa Ridge advanced eight each.

But the annual tournament which defines the city’s best team also serves as a chance for small schools’ wrestlers to shine against top competition. A handful of 3A and 2A wrestlers showcased their talents on their way to the quarterfinals.

Manitou Springs senior Pete Keller, ranked 15th in 3A, won a 10-6 and 10-3 decisions over 4A opponents to reach the quarters. Being able to test himself against larger schools has become an annual highlight of the season for Keller.

“This is one of the funnest tournaments,” Keller said. “It feels way better than beating anyone at our 3A level.”

Colorado Springs Christian School senior Matt Egeler, No. 8, won a tough 6-5 decision over Liberty freshman Josh Hartley at 132. For Egeler the chance to face the larger schools pays dividends at the end of the season.

“This is definitely a tough tournament,” Egeler said. “All it is is mentality that we can beat bigger (school) kids and obviously we can. This is really important. My goal is to do well at state. Facing these tough kids is better preparation for that.”

The Classical Academy senior No. 4 Zach Dillon knocked off two 5A opponents to reach the quarters and fellow Titans Jordan Birch (106 No. 12), a junior, and senior Daniel Register (182 No. 8) also advanced. Egeler had three teammates move on; senior 120 Joey Follett, sophomore 113 Brian Follett and senior 160 Jace Stephens.

Seniors Tyler Hutson (138), Wade Tope (182 No. 5) and Steve Schuelke (285 No. 10) are still alive for 2A Peyton.

For Fountain-Fort Carson senior Seth Wilson, No. 2 at 170 in 5A, Friday’s action was an important step in his return from surgery to remove a torn meniscus. Wilson relished the opportunity to get back on the mat for the first time since early December.

“Every year the past four years I get really excited for this,” Wilson said. “This is like a mini state for me. A lot of state qualifiers and ranked kids. It’s a tough tournament.”