The Lehi Pioneers will open their 2007-8 wrestling season at the Evanston (Wyo.) Invitational this weekend. Lehi will have the benefit of a lot of experienced grapplers for its initial season in the 5A ranks.

"We have quite a few returning veterans this year," Lehi coach Dan Rice said. "A lot of the kids returning this year have been on the team since they were ninth-graders. They know what I expect from them."

According to Rice, Lehi has about 40 wrestlers coming out for the team this year. Six of them are returning state tournament competitors.

"The guys we have back from state this year include Jacob Sasser, Dylan Stadel, Cam Phillips, Chad Sloan, Zac Holdaway and Ryan Bennion," Rice said. "Sasser is our only returning region champ. He and Phillips are returning state finalists.

"Sasser, Stadel and Phillips were all region finalists," the coach went on. "Stadel is just a junior, but he has been showing leadership on the team."

This year, Rice said the team looks strong in the heavyweight, along with in the 135, 140, 152, 160 and 171 weight classes.

In looking at the Evanston tournament, the coach said, "It will be split into divisions. Freshmen will be wrestling freshmen. No seniors."