Jays looking to learn in tonight's wrestling opener

John Carter of Jefferson City (right) faces James Broderick of Oakville in the opening round of last season's Class 4 state tournament at Mizzou Arena. Carter returns to the starting lineup for the Jays at 285 pounds.
John Carter of Jefferson City (right) faces James Broderick of Oakville in the opening round of last season's Class 4 state tournament at Mizzou Arena. Carter returns to the starting lineup for the Jays at 285 pounds.

One thing is certain for the Jefferson City wrestling team: It has a lineup for tonight's season-opening dual at Lebanon.

After that, little is certain.

That's the product of losing an average of 34 points per dual and three of the most successful wrestlers in school history to graduation.

The Jays open the season with a new-look and possibly changing lineup at 6 p.m.

"We think we have an idea, but we want to see it in play," Jefferson City head coach Phil Cagle said. "I think that's probably the biggest thing. Right now we're probably a big question mark. After this first dual, we have a week to get ready for our next competition, which will help us."

Gone are Jared Johnson (first, 195), Cole Baumgartner (second, 126) and Hunter Neighbors (second, 120) who finished their dominant seasons at the Class 4 state tournament where the Jays finished sixth as a team.