The Helias Crusaders finished 10th last year with five wrestlers at the Class 3 state championships.
They feel like they can match or better that with four this year as the championships start at 5 p.m. today at Mizzou Arena.
"I think we can place all four, our district was so tough and didn't do us any favors," Helias coach Weston Keleher said. "We entered districts thinking we'd get more, but four is what we got and that's what we'll compete with at the state tournament."
The Crusaders all have the goal of finishing in the top-six and medal in their individual weight classes.
"However many kids we take to state, we expect to place and that's not going to be different any year that I'm here," Keleher, in his second year at Helias, said.
Aleksey Salaz is the lone senior qualifier for the Crusaders after winning the District 3 championship at 138 pounds last Saturday.
"Aleksey handles his business, I don't think there's any reason to think he can't compete for a state title," Keleher said.
Salaz (37-4), who was fifth at 126 last year, will meet Cape Girardeau Central junior Jeremiah Johnson (24-18) in the opening round.
Nikolai Careaga, a junior, will be making his first state appearance after taking third in the district tournament at 152.
Careaga (35-9) will meet Hannibal junior Gavin Morawitz (36-4) in his first-round match.
"Nikolai has gone through a lot this year, you can't question his heart and resilience," Keleher said.
Jack Lage, a sophomore, took second for the Crusaders in districts at 120 pounds.
"I think he would have competed for a state title if he didn't get hurt and I think he will compete for one this year," Keleher said. "He's a stud, I'll take wrestlers like Jack every day of the week."
Lage (39-2) will meet Hillsboro freshman Evan Morris (38-9) in the opening round.
Carter Prenger, a freshman, rounds out Helias' qualifiers. Prenger was third in the district tournament at 106.
"He's had a great season, he works so hard in the room and is so coachable," Keleher said.
Prenger will face Kearney freshman Gage Green (21-11) in his first match today.
The first round and first-round wrestlebacks will be held today. Action in Class 3 will resume at 1:15 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, the third- and fifth-place matches will start at 11:30 a.m., with the championship matches set for 4 p.m.