He has just 22 wrestlers this year, but Free State High coach Darrell Andrew thinks his team might have more determination than many teams with many more wrestlers.

In some cases, talk of work ethic, determination and heart simply could steer onlookers away from shortcomings of talent. But not at Free State.

The defending Sunflower League champions have several standouts back — notably senior Brett Shoffner — assuring that this team could be special despite the lack of depth.

“Although we have a lot of young kids out there, this is a hard-working group,” Andrew said. “We’ve had some extremely good practices — probably the best three weeks of wrestling that we’ve had in Free State history as far as work ethic.”

The Firebird squad is following Shoffner’s lead closely. Andrew said he was thrilled with the “110 percent” Shoffner gives when doing even the smallest of drills. His effort and talent led him to a Sunflower League title and state runner-up finish in Class 6A last year, wrestling in the 152-pound weight class.

A year older and more developed, he plans eventually to wrestle at 160.

“Captains were just chosen, and Brett Shoffner, out of 22 wrestlers, got 21 votes,” Andrew said. “Brett is a huge part of this team. He truly deserves to be a captain of this squad because he works so hard in practice.”

Others looking to make an impact include Jeremy Bustamante, Mike Goble, Jesse Hardy, Cameron Reschke, K.J. Siebert and Matt Somers.

For now, Andrew is looking at the days before winter break as a chance to get to know his young squad and organize the starting lineup. Once the new year rolls around, the Firebirds will set their sights on defending the league title.

Free State's Brett Shoffner, top, and Lawrence High's A.J. Madl will represent their respective schools in the 160-pound weight class this winter. Both city schools open the wrestling season today.

“Where we’re at right now, we have some work to do to get to that point,” Andrew said. “Here before Christmas, we’re just looking for mat time. With the mat time, it’ll tell us where we need to go with our technique.”

Free State opens the season today at Gardner.

Lawrence High

LHS coach Mark Dulgarian sees nothing but good things happening for the next three years.

This winter’s Lions squad is highlighted by a strong class of sophomores. Two of them — Nolan Kellerman and Brendan Halpin — are ranked in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Assn.’s preseason rankings.

Another sophomore, Chris Cates, was a state qualifier a year ago.

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The youngsters will soften the blow left by the loss of Aaron Madill to graduation and Brad Harrell, who is sidelined after suffering an injury during football season.

“The one thing they’re short on right now is mat time,” Dulgarian said of his youngsters. “I’ll live and die by what they’re doing as long as they’re willing to lay it on the line when they step out on the mat.”

So far, so good. As with most wrestling squads, the LHS starting lineup is sketchy right now because weights aren’t set yet. But if wrestlers fall into place, it could be a solid season for the Lions — despite their age.

Among those looking to make an impact include A.J. Madl, junior Pharouk Hussein, and, of course, a bunch of sophomores.

“Hopefully, they’ll come around by the end of the year,” Dulgarian said.

“And all that will do will help us for next year and the year after.”

Lawrence High opens the season today at Shawnee Mission East.