There’s no substitute for wrestling experience — especially at the varsity level.

Because of that, Lehighton head coach Floyd Brown is cautiously optimistic about his team this season.

In 11 of the 14 weight classes, the Indians will return wrestlers that posted at least 15 decisions a year ago.

“That bodes well for us,” said Brown. “We have a lot of experienced wrestlers at a lot of the weights. We’re going to count on the seniors and the juniors for leadership. They’ve been around and a bunch of them have placed at districts.

“Half the battle is just filling all the weight classes, and we’re able to do that and still have some back-ups ... Our most inexperienced weights will be the lighter guys, where a freshman and sophomore will be taking those spots. They’ve wrestled before, but it’s their first year on the varsity. We’re pretty strong through the middle, and even in our heavyweights we have some experience back.”

Five of those wrestlers returning earned at least 20 wins a year ago, including four of them who are slotted in the lineup between 126 and 145.

That impressive run will include senior Nate Kemmerer (25-10) at 126, sophomore Lucas Sangiuliano (21-17) at 132, senior Tyler Schock (25-12) at 138, and junior Chris Whiteman (31-12) at 145.

“Like I said, our middleweights are probably our strong point,” said Brown. “Nate is going to be a four-year starter and is close to the 100-win mark. I expect a big season from him. Lucas was a regional qualifier last year, and Chris is coming off a 30-win season. Tyler didn’t place at districts, but he was injured and had to default his first match there. He really had a good offseason, and I expect a big season from him too.”

Senior Cody Scherer is also a key returnee. Scherer was 27-7 and placed fifth at districts. He’s scheduled to start at 170.

“Cody just missed regionals,” said Brown. “He’s one of our seniors, and basically I think all of our seniors should do very well this year.”

Jack Zimmerman (8-24) is the other team’s starting senior at 195. Despite his record, Brown feels he can make an impact. In fact, Brown feels many of his guys with sub-.500 records can greatly improve on their marks.

“Last year we started four freshmen and sometimes five,” said Brown. “I believe only one of them (Sangiuliano) had a winning record, but just getting that first year of experience was huge. All the guys returning are a little older, and they have a whole year of experience. That helps confidence-wise.”

Juniors Kevin Madea (8-14), Logan Pagotto (9-18), and Will Smith (8-20) will be at 120, 152, and 285 respectively, while sophomores Brett Gasker (15-20) and Alex Ziegenfuss (3-12) are at 220 and 182. Filling out the lineup will be freshmen Steven Fritzinger (113) and Richard Frohnheiser (160), and sophomore Mason Ferguson (106).

“We’re pretty balanced,” said Brown, who will be assisted by Brandon Brownmiller, Joe Ellis, Zack Kemmerer, Michael Balliet, Ryan Strohl, Zane Bachert and Terry Smith. “

“As a team, we’d like to be in the top tier of (Schuylkill League) Division 1. We’ve qualified for district duals a number of years in a row, so we’d like to keep that going too ... We need to stay healthy and make sure we have everyone at the right weight. We’re fairly experienced throughout, and we should be competitive in almost every match.”