The Helias Crusaders took some lumps last season.
This season, the Crusaders are looking to turn those lessons into success on the wrestling mat.
"We're optimistic on where we're headed this season," Helias coach Jacob Wadley said as the Crusaders prepared for today's opening quadrangular against Fox, Hannibal and Warrenton at Hannibal.
Wadley is entering his second season as head coach of the Crusaders. It was a learning experience for both him and the wrestlers.
"Knowing what I'm getting into during the season is a good thing," Wadley said. "I know things that I need help doing and now I know it's important to ask for that help and where to get it."
One of the changes has come in the practice room. Wadley said he has altered his practice plan in an attempt to keep things fresh for the Crusaders.
"Every day is different and I think the boys enjoy that, they enjoy not knowing what to expect when they get into the room," Wadley said.
Another change will come in the varsity lineup. The Crusaders featured a full 14-wrestler starting lineup for most of last season. But Wadley believes it may have been a mistake to send inexperienced wrestlers out in varsity competition just to fill a spot and he won't do that this year.
"It probably cost some kids some confidence to send them out there," he said. "I think this year, I will try to make it positive experiences and keep them on the junior varsity level."
Wadley believes confidence was sacrificed for experience.
"We had a lot of kids wrestle on varsity last season and that's good, but it probably hurt us in the fact they didn't have a lot of success," he said.
Practice has gone well for the Crusaders heading into today's opener.
"It's been really good," Wadley said. "The kids have a good work ethic."
Jacob Schulte, a senior, figures to be the top Crusader wrestler this season. Schulte was 2-2 in the Class 3 state tournament last season at 138 pounds, finishing the season with a record of 33-14.
Schulte will wrestle tonight at 152.
Among the other starters tonight are Chad Lage at 113, Jacob Frank at 120, Nick Schnieders at 126, Nick Gaines at 132, Cole Hazelhorst at 145, Dane Boravicka at 170, Nick Feeley at 195 and Spencer Ainsworth at 220.
"We're going to have a couple of gaps in the lineup, but I think we will be tough," Wadley said.
The Crusaders will start the season without Drake Winder, who suffered a broken arm during a recent practice. The freshman was expected to hold down a varsity position in one of the lower weights.
"Hopefully he will be able to start his rehab in a couple of weeks," Wadley said. "He's a very diligent worker and if he approaches his rehab like he does his wrestling, I think he will be able to come back strong some time this season."
There are several changes to the schedule.
One is the addition of the Kinloch Classic on Jan. 2 in Springfield.
"It's a tournament where we can get a lot of matches against good competition for us," Wadley said.
Helias has gotten out of the Platte County Tournament.
"It's the same weekend as the Tri-Cap Tournament here at Helias and I want us to be here helping them because they help us," Wadley said.
Helias will also host a triangular with Blair Oaks and Fatima on Jan. 13.
"That will be a lot of fun and hopefully we get a big crowd for three local teams," Wadley said.
The Crusaders will open their home schedule Saturday with the Kickoff Classic.