With about two dozen athletes out for the program, Belgrade wrestling head coach Bryce Weatherston noted numbers are similar to last year. With the inclusion of eighth graders, and possibly some other late additions, he was hoping that number might grow.

“Hopefully our numbers just keep increasing and we can hit that 30 mark here after (Thanksgiving) break,” Weatherston said.

The Panthers lost a key wrestler to graduation in Nolan Brown. He finished as a state runner-up in each of the past three seasons and was 18-4 a year ago at 126. But several other state qualifiers are back.

Leading the way are senior Cody Westlake and junior Carson Worthen, who placed second and third at state last year at 103 and 110, respectively. Westlake is a three-time state placer and boasted an 18-3 record l

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