Top wrestlers including three medalists from a year ago are set to return to the mat for the Powell High School girls’ wrestling team this season, hoping to make a big impression under new leadership.

“Practices have been going well this far with this crew,” coach Jeriah Horsley said. “They’ve been really receptive to a new coach coming in. We had a learning curve of course, trying to figure out my terminology versus what they knew. But they’re asking questions, they’re eager.”

Leading the way at the top is a pair of runners-up at their respective weight classes, in senior Allison LeBlanc at 110 pounds and junior Eleasah Horsley at 115 pounds, while senior Nalani Jordan returns at 135 pounds having placed fifth at state after winning the Ron Thon in January.

“Nalani is taking on a leadership role within the team naturally. She’s just wanting to be there and encourage people,” coach Horsley said. “Allison is helping coach the new ones, just giving them pointers as they go along. Eleasah is running around pushing everyone … Those three, they’re really pushing.”

Another top returner for the Panthers is junior Caydee Eden at 100 pounds who went 1-2 a year ago at state, who Horsley said is starting to break out for the team.

“I see her breaking out of her shell, and she’s starting to find her voice and lead these girls too,” coach Horsley said. “I see all those ones that are really high up there really taking that role of leadership and leading those other ladies along.”

Another returning state qualifier from a year ago is sophomore Ellidi Joy at 155 pounds.

In addition to those returners the Panthers add some young talent to the roster, including freshman Avery LeBlanc, as well as brand new wrestlers such as Aubrey Blount.

“She’s (LeBlanc) going to be a solid wrestler … She’s not new to wrestling and she’s going to be one to really watch,” coach Horsley said. “Aubrey, this is brand new to her … She’s dying from working out but she’s got a big old smile on her face like, OK, we’re doing this. She’s asking questions and getting into it … It’s fun seeing those new ones come into the program and just fall in love with a sport and be passionate about it.”

The Panthers don’t have to travel far to kick off the season, making the short trip to Cody to start the year with a tournament on Friday and Saturday.

“Coming out of the gate, it will be really interesting to see who we have this year within the other teams,” coach Horsley said. “With the Cody tournament, we’re really just kind of seeing where we’re at, see how well these girls are doing. See where we can improve, and start tailoring them now for their individual styles and stuff. We’ve got a half senior team, half really new team.”

He said he is looking for his top athletes in Jordan, Horsley and Allison LeBlanc as well as Eden to place at the top from the start while also helping the newer wrestlers learn through actual match experience early on.

“That’s what I keep telling them is that you’re going to learn in the match. So don’t beat yourself up, it’s a tough sport, but just keep pushing,” coach Horsley said. “That’s what we’re looking for out of them, is just to really push through those matches and find their success in ‘hey, I was able to get these takedowns. I was able to defend here.’ Just come along as they’re learning the sport.”

In addition to Cody the Panthers will take part in a dual tournament the second weekend of the season before heading into the winter break.

“That’s gonna be fun. Really get us looking at where we need to improve,” coach Horsley said.