(Caitlyn Kelley photo) Florence’s Breyson Kelley battles Coleman’s Will Bieber in the 152-pound finals at the WIAA Division 3 Regional in Coleman on Saturday.

COLEMAN, Wis. — The Florence wrestling team was represented by the Bobcat duo of Breyson Kelley and Jacob Smith at the WIAA Division 3 Regional wrestling tournament in Coleman on Saturday, with Kelley earning a ticket to the upcoming state sectionals.

Wrestling at 152 pounds, Kelley had a bye in the quarterfinals and then pinned Crivitz’s Dominic Thoresen in the semifinal round.

It didn’t get any easier in the finals, where Kelley faced Will Bieber of Coleman who is ranked No. 5 in Wisconsin. Breyson fell to Bieber 10-2.

“In the first period, Breyson fell behind 5-0 early,” said Florence coach Ed Kelley. “It’s tough to come back after falling behind against a high-caliber wrestler like Bieber.”

Despite the loss in the championship round, Breyson Kelley’s second-place finish qualified the Bobcat to advance to the state sectionals at Shawano High School on Feb 19. The top three finishers in each weight division will then advance to the state finals.

Smith had a slightly more difficult day at Coleman, losing to Crandon’s Cater Bissonette quarterfinals and ended up finishing fifth place in the 160-pound class.

“Jacob finishes his first wrestling season with a 5-15 record,” Coach Kelley said. “Jacob missed the first half of the season with health issues.

“Jacob had a good year when you considered this was his first time wrestling ever while his opponents where at mid-season form,” the coach added. “He will use this season experience to build on for next year.”

Overall, Coleman won the regional championship.

“Coleman showed why they are ranked No. 1 in the state, sending 13 wrestlers to sectionals,” Kelley said.

Two other members of the Florence team, Caitlyn Kelley and Sophia Wagner, were not allowed to compete Saturday due to WIAA rules that any girls who competed in the girls state championships are not allowed to compete in the boys regionals.

Report compiled by Dennis Mansfield, Daily News sports editor.