The Northwestern wrestling team began a youth movement last year.

This year the influx of young, talented wrestlers continues in New Tripoli.

The Tigers started five freshmen in most matches last year, and will do the same again this year.

“This year we’ll have four or five freshman starting, and they’ll all be competitive,” said Tiger head coach Joe Killar.

The Tigers return state medalist Luke Fugazzotto (172/189), along with district medalists Brayden Uricchio and Trent Croll.

Fugazzotto, a junior, went 40-6 last year and finished second in the state after taking second at districts and third at regionals. He’s a two-time state qualifier.

Sophomores Uricchio (19-13 last season) and Croll (25-9) both placed fifth at districts as freshmen, respectively.

This year’s freshman class includes several who placed at junior high district championships last year, led by champ Vinnie Fugazzotto, along with two junior high runners-up in Weston Killar and Nolan Koehler. Classmate Chase Sukanick had an injury derail his run at junior high districts last year.

Those four will all be part of a lineup that could be full for the first time in over a decade. The Tigers might not have a true 215-pounder, but figures to have the depth to move someone up to that position.

Northwestern went 2-6 in league matches last season, but with a full lineup this season, it could challenge for the top spot in the league. The Tigers could also make a run in districts, and even the state team tournament.

“Our team goals are more focused on individuals than team,” said Killar. “But it’s also fun when you’re winning as a team, and you can compete in district duals and state duals. I think that’s realistic for us. And you’re wrestling. If you don’t make district duals, you’re not wrestling for five or six weeks.”

The rest of this year’s roster includes senior Jackson Huber; juniors Hunter Greenawalt and Nathan Geiger; sophomores Noah Griffith, William Turner, Jesse Long, Colby Townley and Ian Zettlemoyer; and freshmen CJ Siessmayer, Logan Uricchio and Elijah McCown.

Huber (5-9), Geiger (8-12), Griffith (9-19) and Turner (12-19) all earned some varsity mat time and will look to pick up where they left off.

“The guys that are wrestling again this year got better from last year to this year,” said Killar. “I think there’s a significant improvement from last year to this year.”

Three of the incoming freshmen, and a few other likely starters, are still competing in the state football playoffs and will join the team after that seasons ends.