With eight returning starters from last year's 13-11 wrestling team, Freedom head coach Brandon Hall hopes this will be a season that sees the team and individuals take bigger steps for the program.

Depth, however, has always been a challenge for Hall and his staff.

Wrestling in the same city as Liberty and Bethlehem Catholic makes the profile of Freedom wrestling sometimes overshadowed, but Hall and company are hoping to make their own mark this season.

With the likes of Dylan Brown (regional qualifier), Jake Young (160-pound, fifth place medal at PIAA 3A championships) and Johnny Callahan (regional qualifier) leading this year's team, there are some options for the Patriots to extend their season into mid March again in Hershey.

"Individually some wrestlers have experienced a certain level of success which we will build upon," said Hall, "but we have yet to have any significant team success. I believe the opportunity is in front of us to have that success. Health will be a major factor to individual and team success."

Junior high district champion Evan Callahan tops the newcomer list for the Pates, while Joe Young and Jake Rugis have also been on Hall's radar.

The Pates failed to qualify for district duals last season and failed to defeat Liberty as well. Those are two major pegs that Hall wants to reverse this time around.

"We will continue to look to improve upon last year's finish at [individual] districts [where they took fourth]," said Hall. "Team districts and, as always, a win over our rival Liberty are always top priority when setting goals for the season. Placing at the Virginia duals is also on our team's goals for upcoming season.

"I think having eight kids back in the starting line-up from last year's team should serve as a strength for this team. "Also, the way these guys support each other in and out of the practice room is certainly a strength and shows the character of these young men."