Dalton Perry and Caleb Close found themselves on that doorstep on Saturday, putting together strong state tournament runs and coming one win away from closing out their careers on the top of the podium. But despite great efforts, their doors remained closed come tournament’s end.

“Obviously, it’s disappointing and it sucks,” expressed Perry following the loss. “Didn’t end the way I wanted to, but it’s a sport. There’s ups and downs. It is what it is, and life still goes on.”

In his title bout at 145, Perry matched up with an opponent repping a similar story to his own.

Though Council Rock North senior Eren Sement hadn’t secured a state title heading into Saturday, he had dealt with the shortcomings Perry experienced through his sophomore and junior seasons, finishing two places away from gold on three separate occasions. In the battle to break through that barrier, Sement prevailed.

Caleb Close of BEA tries to grab the leg of Adam Waters of Faith Christian during the PIAA Wrestling Championships in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

An escape out of bottom to start the second was the difference, as the Central Mountain senior struggled to make up the deficit. Sement’s defense prevented him from finding a lane towards a takedown through the second. And each time Perry seemed on the cusp of an escape out of bottom in the third, his opponent had an answer.

“I really just didn’t get to my stuff and let him keep me away on my feet, just didn’t have enough urgency on bottom to get off bottom,” said Perry. “(Sement)’s a great wrestler and has done it at a high level for a long time. He’s committed to Michigan so hopefully we’ll meet again at Big Tens or a dual meet or something.”

Despite the disappointment, it doesn’t take away from how great of a wrestler Perry has been throughout his time with Central Mountain.

In all four of his stints at the PIAA Class AAA Wrestling Championships, he finished within the top three, earning a title as a freshman and seeing time on the Giant Center’s three mat setting on back-to-back occasions. He closes things out third all-time in career wins within the program at 161, suffering just 16 losses through his four-year career.

“I don’t think it was his best performance and I’m sure he can attest to that but to be able to step back and look at the overall work he’s done since his freshman year, he’s a four-time state medalist, state champ, three-time finalist,” said head coach Biff Walizer on Perry.

Dalton Perry of Central Mountain and Eren Sement of Council Rock North tie up during the PIAA Wrestling Championships in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“We didn’t know if he was going to come back for senior year or spend a year training. The decision he made to come back, not just for himself but for our program with our young guys in the room, was super valuable and it’s going to pay off for us multiple years down the road. We’re thankful. He’s a super young man and he’s got a bright future.”

Though the final chapter of his high school career closed on Saturday, the first chapter of his next venture is now set to begin. After committing to Penn State following his freshman title, he looks forward to kicking off his Nittany Lion career.

“I’m just looking forward to all the great people there and the great coaching. It’s a hard place to not get better,” said Perry. “I feel like it’s going to be really good for me to be there batting every single day. It’s the toughest room in the country.”

WATERED DOWN

Heading into his first appearance in the state finals on Saturday, Close faced a daunting challenge, drawing two-time state champion Adam Waters of Faith Christian as his final obstacle to prominence.

Dalton Perry of Central Mountain dodges the shot by Eren Sement of Council Rock North during the PIAA Wrestling Championships in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

The Bald Eagle senior was excited for the challenge but ultimately, Waters proved as overwhelming as advertised. He’d slide behind Close for a single-legged takedown 35 seconds into the match to set the tone. Then, four back points obtained on the outskirts of the mount put the Eagle in a 7-0 hole heading into the second.

From there, Waters would establish his defense, evading urgent shots from Close and only relinquished when it was all said and done, as Bald Eagle’s wins leader fell by 11-1 major decision.

Despite the disappointing end, Close put together an exceptional list of accolades throughout his time as an Eagle, finishing as a four-time state medalist and making the top three in his last two stints.

The American commit won three straight District 6 and regional titles, medaling in all 12 of his postseason tournaments, and set a new mark in career wins to exceed within the program, capping things off with a 171-24 record and 89 falls. On top of that, Close was a greater leader for his teammates.

“I’ve got too much to say about him. He’s been a great teammate to me for the past two years,” said sophomore Tanner Guenot on Close. “I couldn’t really ask for anyone better as far as being a leader for the team. He’s just a phenomenal person and teammate, so I wish the best of luck to him as he heads off to college.”

Caleb Close of BEA looks for a way out of the grasp of Adam Waters of Faith Christian during the PIAA Wrestling Championships in Hershey. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“He’s definitely a great teammate and good role model,” emphasized junior Caden Judice. “He pushes us in the room, he’s someone to look after and he really takes care of us. We hold each other accountable, and it shows off in the end. We all got to the podium, so it’s nice.”

Close now shifts his sights to chasing a title in college, as he prepares to leave his mark at American.