Strawberry Crest freshman Ricky Tomlinson Jr. began his quest for a 2009 National Police Athletic League Championships in fine fashion Monday in San Antonio.

He collected a victory over an opponent they were worried about and moved on to Tuesday’s quarterfinal. The good vibes ended following his loss by decision to David Rios, who is originally from Florida, but now lives in Texas.

“We learned a valuable lesson today about computer scoring,” Ricky Tomlinson Sr. said. “He clearly out boxed him.”

Tomlinson Sr. did say they would use this as a learning experience and wouldn’t dwell on the loss.

“It happens,” he said. “You can’t do anything about it.”

The Zephyrhills resident and his dad were approached several times while leaving the arena by those who believed Tomlinson Jr. actually won the fight.

The event, held at The San Antonio Municipal Auditorium, is hosting nearly 600 amateur boxers.