The Lone Peak wrestling team will open the season at home against the Provo Bulldogs on Nov. 28.

The Knights are looking at possibly having 10 returning state qualifiers ready to do battle against the Bulldogs. Lone Peak coach Lyle Mangum said Provo is a good team to go against.

"Provo changed coaches this year," said the Knight mentor. "Their newest coach wrestled at BYU several years ago."

Of the 10 state qualifiers Lone Peak has back this year, Mangum said, "Five are state placers, including Paul Johnson, Blake Mangum, Taylor Van Leeuwen, Christian Stilson and Hunter Smith.

"They have a good work ethic. I'm pleased with how hard they have worked through the summer and during our first two weeks of practice."

Four of the returnees are among this year's team captains. The coach said the five captains are Stilson, Van Leeuwen, Smith, Blake Mangum and Ronnie Cook.

"Ronnie Cook didn't go to State last year because his shoulder got hurt before then," Coach Mangum said.

He went on to say that because of the number of state qualifiers back this year, the team's wrestle-offs are expected to be really tough. Mangum pointed out that in one weight classification, for example, there are two Knights who were both varsity last year.

He said the final wrestle-off before the dual meet against Provo will be at the Maroon-Gold matches this week. He said the winners of those matches will represent Lone Peak against the Bulldogs.

In looking at Region 4 teams this year, Mangum said, "Pleasant Grove and Spanish Fork both have a lot of returning wrestlers. American Fork should be pretty good also. Both Mountain View and Timpanogos have some good individuals back this year."

Lone Peak opens its league schedule at home against Spanish Fork on Dec. 7.

From the first weekend of December to late January, the Knights will be spending their Fridays and Saturdays at invitationals. The tournaments they will be wrestling in this year include Viewmont, Reno, the West Jordan Duals and the Rocky Mountain Rumble.