Freedom’s wrestling team enjoyed historic success last season, but this year will be a different story.

After finishing last season 25-2, including an undefeated 24-0 mark during the regular season, which helped them win a share of the East Penn Conference title, the Pates enter this season with plenty of work to do.

After losing five seniors to graduation, the Pates will also be without the likes of Jonah Zych (transferred to Saucon Valley), Cordell Cotto, Cyrus Thompson and Evan Callahan this season, as they’ve decided not to compete.

That leaves head coach Brandon Hall with a young team, without much experience taking the mats this winter.

“Same as last year, we will try to get better every day and look forward to competing this season,” said Hall. “We have a young team which needs to compete and gain experience.”

Back for the Patriots are Dylan Brown (132), Ben Huber (126), Andrew Youwakim (120), Andy Evans (138), Thomas Bonilla (152) and Jake Rugis (195).

Newcomers include Gianni Palaios (113) and Marco Augello (160).

With a much different team from last season, Hall is just taking things one step at a time.

“We will look to compete the best we can,” he said. “We will work towards advancing more wrestlers deeper into the postseason and getting our new and inexperienced wrestlers the attention they need to progress. Individually, the goal is always to send as many kids to the state tournament as possible.”

Freedom opens the season this Saturday at home with the Bethlehem Duals, followed by next Wednesday’s league opener at Whitehall.