ST. PAUL — Five members of the Albert Lea wrestling team started Friday morning with a chance to call themselves a Minnesota state champion.

Eighth-grader Cam Davis, junior Zach Glazier and seniors Jake Johnsrud, Gavin Ignaszewski and Brody Nielsen began the first round of the Minnesota state tournament, with all but one of them winning their way into the quarterfinals.

Davis was the first up for the Tigers at 113 pounds. He faced off against Regan Schrempp of Apple Valley in the first round, but would lose his match by pinfall in the second period. He moves to the consolation rounds, taking place later today. He will hope for a win over Schrempp, which would earn him a wrestleback.

Johnsrud made quick work of his opponent, Jeffrey Robinson of Stillwater Area, winning by pinfall in the first period. He moves onto the quarterfinals, where he will meet Tanner Kunshier (36-8) from St. Francis.

Ignaszewski would wrestle to a 10-2 major decision over Jon Solum of Bemidji, moving himself into the championship quarterfinals. He will meet Sebas Swiggum (41-7) of Apple Valley.

Nielsen would win his first match of the day by pinfall in the first period, dominating Brendan Dunagan of Mounds View. Nielsen will wrestle Carl Leuer (34-11) of St. Michael Albertville.

Glazier was the final Tiger to wrestle in the first round and cruised to a 19-3 technical fall over Nick Flaskamp of Minneapolis Southwest. Glazier will square off against Wyatt Lidberg (34-9) of St. Michael Albertville.

All five will wrestle again tonight, with the quarterfinals starting at 5 p.m. and the consolation rounds starting at 7 p.m. Follow @altribunesports on Twitter for live coverage and check back to the Tribune for results as they become available.