Big goals in mind once again for Cardinals

COEUR d’ALENE — The wrestling team at North Idaho College has the potential to do some special things in coach Pat Whitcomb’s 21st season as coach.

And it’s not just about hanging that elusive 15th national title banner, although ...

“Most of them have a shot to be an All-American (top eight at nationals) without a miracle happening,” Whitcomb said. “If they continue to work hard in the weight room, classroom and do what they need to do, they can be really good. We’re deep and have backups that are experienced. Those reserves are going to be pushing those guys. If they can get the job done in the classroom and in the practice room, they’ve got the ability.”

Returning are Damian Trujilo, who was an All-American in 2016 at heavyweight before redshirting last year.

Trey Meyer (165) and Levi Perry (184) return for their sophomore seasons.

“Damian is bigger and stronger than two years ago,” Whitcomb said. “He really took advantage of that redshirt year. He wrestled hard and got into the weight room. He was 225 (pounds) before and is pushing 250 now, and moves around the same. We’re expecting big things from him.”

Brent Evans (149) and Thomas Stevenson (157) also return.

NIC is 15 wins away from 700 in program history, and with 16 on the schedule this year, Whitcomb added it’s within reach for the team.

“It’s going to be one of our goals,” Whitcomb said. “Since we’ve only got 16, we can’t stumble if you want to hit that milestone.”

New freshmen into the lineup tonight when NIC opens against NAIA University of Providence — formerly Great Falls — at Columbia Falls (Mont.) High will include Esco Walker (125), Diego Nunez (133), Nick Hara (141), Jacob Swift (174) and Trager Abatti (197).

Swift, a redshirt freshman from Phoenix, was a four-time state champion with a record of 179-0. Abatti, from Challis, was a three-time Idaho state champion.

“We’re solid with the freshmen starting things off,” Whitcomb said. “It’s going to be a great match (against Providence). They were runner-up at the NAIA tournament three years ago. They’re always solid and have a lot of solid guys.”

The West District Championship — formerly the Region 18 Championship — is Feb. 11 at Clackamas, with nationals Feb. 23-24 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.