LAKE MILLS — Connor Allison will get to experience the state wrestling atmosphere for the first time next week as a competitor.

Allison, a senior for St. Edmond and the lone district qualifier, placed second at 132 pounds here Saturday at the Class 1A, District 2 tournament to advance.

Allison opened his Class 1A, District 2 tournament with an 8-4 decision over Lucas Garl from Central Springs. He was defeated by top-ranked Chance Throndson of Riceville for the title, but rebounded with a pin vs. Dalton Subject from West Hancock to advance.

Last month, Allison’s brother, two-time state placewinner Cole Allison, suffered an injury. He attempted to return at sectionals, but was injured again and knocked out of the tournament.

“It’s a great feeling qualifying for state, but I’m not doing this for me,” Allison said. “I’m doing this for my brother, coaches and family.”

Allison, who missed the first part of the season due to an injury suffered in football, is 19-8 overall.

“It was a tough hill to overcome (returning from an injury),” he said. “I knew I was far behind and that I needed to catch up.”

Eagle Grove advanced Mark Dawson through, as he placed second at 126 pounds. Dawson advanced thanks to his semifinal win over Saint Ansgar’s Deven Steele after falling to Keaton Hetland from South Hamilton in the finals.

Dawson brings a 35-15 record to state.

Derek Graham and Saxton Lyman were both eliminated. Graham finished his season 33-9, while Lyman was 42-6.