A new beginning is on the horizon at Lourdes University as the Gray Wolf wrestling team is set to begin its inaugural season.
 
Head coach Dock Kelly III has brought in a talented squad of grapplers that are ready to make their mark not only within the program, but also the NAIA.  This year's addition of the Gray Wolves' wrestling programs will set the standard for teams in the future.  The inaugural roster has 19 wrestlers on it, only one of whom has collegiate experience.
 
In the 125-pound weight class, Ray Porter will begin the year as the starter, with Lane Trapp battling him for a spot in the lineup once he concludes cross country season.  Tyler Roberts will wrestle at 133 for the Gray Wolves after arriving from a solid program at Hudson High School in Michigan.  A hard worker, he arrives with a high wrestling IQ.
 
One of the tightest battles in the lineup during the preseason has occurred in the 141-pound weight class.  Jacob Supina, Flynn Hamilton, and Ernesto Quintanilla are all working to represent Lourdes in the season opener.
 
The only Gray Wolf with collegiate experience entering the season is Garrett Carter.  A sophomore transfer from Saint Catherines College who will wrestle at 149, Carter finished third at the NAIA East Regional during his rookie season and was a NAIA National qualifier.  He will be looked upon to be a leader on the team in 2016-2017.
 
Another fierce battle heading into the season occurs at 157, where Mike Andrezejewski, Stefan Bowers, and Justin Butcher are all looking to earn a spot in the lineup.  The final wrestle-offs will help determine the opening day starter.  A 165, Josh Brown arrives from Colorado, and will bring a different style of wrestling to the Gray Wolf lineup.
 
Danny Kruzel and Jasper Gallardo will wrestle in the 174-pound weight class for Lourdes.  Kruzel is transitioning from the Gray Wolf baseball program, where he played for two seasons, so he understand the collegiate athletic mentality while Gallardo will try to learn from the experienced upperclassman.
 
A pair of wrestlers from California, Noah Nuno and Joe Guillory are both looking to emerge in the 184-pound class.  Despite the same home state, both grapplers have contrasting styles.  At 197, Ben Higgins enters the season as a two-time state medalist at Marlington High School in Ohio.
 
Lourdes also has three wrestlers in the 285-pound weight class.  Colin McFarland was a two-time state medalist at Airport High School in Michigan and has a mat-savvy presence.  Drew Hoskinson will also be involved in the battle to wrestle at heavyweight, as will Corbin Ortiz, who is getting back into the wrestling mindset after transitioning from the United State Air Force.
 
The Gray Wolves will open the season on Nov. 5 as Ohio Valley visits the Franciscan Center Gymnasium for a dual match, the first of seven duals on the Lourdes schedule.  The terra cotta and black will four tournaments prior to the NAIA Midwest Region tournament, which will take place in Grand Rapids, Mich. on Feb. 18.
 
A cohesive group with a great deal of youthful talent, Kelly is looking forward to the upcoming campaign.  As the Gray Wolves continue to work hard, and the chemistry grows, a successful season on the mats is around the corner at Lourdes.