Freedom’s wrestling coach Dante Terenzio is taking a wait-and-see approach heading into this weekend’s District 11 wrestling tournament.

The Patriots will have 12 wrestlers in the mix, with three returning medalists, as Terenzio hopes this weekend will display his team’s potential.

“I expect the team to wrestle an intense six minutes every time they step on the mat and let the chips fall where they may,” Terenzio said. “My personal goals are to push as many guys through to regionals as possible. Once you get past the District 11 tournament, anything can happen at regionals and states.”

Luis Vargas (113), Jared Jenkins (182) and Max Marrero (195) all placed last year, as Vargas took fourth and the latter two finished in sixth.

They should be in the running to advance to regionals with the hopes of moving on as many Pates as possible to next weekend’s regional tournament. The other Pates competing this week include Connor Bevan (106), Connor Huber (120), Chris Nieves (126), Thaddeus Howland (132), Mikey Gomes (138), Shane Storm (145), Chris Jurado (152), Sebastian Gibbs (160) and Darryl Shands (170).

“Those three medalists are all battle-tested and understand what it’s like to get deep into this tournament,” said Terenzio. “I think all three guys should improve on last year’s finish. Also, I think Bevan, Gibbs, and Shands can make some serious noise. All three have the ability to knock off top guys at their weight, and I wouldn’t put it past them to do it.”