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It's a different kind of beginning for the Iowa Central wrestling team.
Usually, the Tritons have a chance to wrestle in an open tournament before the start of the dual campaign.
This time around, head coach Luke Moffitt’s squad open with a home dual. That happens on Tuesday against Iowa Lakes inside Hodges Fieldhouse.
"I love having the open tournaments first, because everyone goes out and competes," Moffitt said. "You might not see the best version in the practice room, but that guy might be a gamer and you’re able to identify that pretty early (in an open event).
"You might also have a guy that looks good in practice, but he may struggle in a live situation."
To simulate a night on the mat, Moffitt – entering his 23rd season at ICCC – rolled out the red carpet in their unofficial wrestle offs. The Tritons had the National Anthem running, and went through a normal dual routine to simulate the atmosphere come Tuesday night.
Iowa Central enters the season with three returning All-Americans, led by defending 125-pound national champion Muhammad Bilal. Chancery Deane is also back after placing eighth nationally and earning All-American status at 157. Zaman Anwar was a fourth-place All-American heavyweight.
Gone are All-Americans Dmaracus Powe and Jarrel Miller, a 2026 national champion at 184 pounds.
With the season quickly arriving on the mat, Moffitt's lineup could be different every time out in the early going. He believes he has the manpower for a strong rotation in the weeks to come, though.
"We've covered a lot of ground, and our guys are from all over the map (recruiting wise)," Moffitt said. "We have 52 guys on our roster.
"They're coming in buying into our system and ready to represent Iowa Central."
The frontrunner at 125 pounds is Jayden Jackson out of Maryland. Bilal will be at 133. At 141 is returnee Xavian Geronimo from Arizona, who was a redshirt a year ago. The 149 spot is still up in the air.
Deane will be at 157. Will Brooks out of West Virginia is likely at 165.
The front runner at 174 is Temuulen Mendbileg out of New Jersey, who is fighting through an injury currently. The 184 spot will be a tussle with a couple of different options. Owen Barton out of Wyoming, who was a redshirt last year, is at 197.
Five Messenger-area wrestlers will don the Triton Blue and White.
Fort Dodge Senior High graduate and former prep state qualifier Hunter Richardson is at 157 and could see the mat in the opener against Iowa Lakes.
Clarion-Goldfield/Dows graduate Linden Phetxoumphone, a four-time state medalist, is at 125. Ex-Cowboy teammate Estuardo Lopez (125) is also a Triton.
South Central Calhoun's Jace Pedersen (197) was eighth last year at state for the Titans. Webster City's Angel Ramirez Trujillo is also on the roster.
"The biggest thing about these guys is their work ethic and team chemistry," Moffitt said. "They're good kids. The preseason was great. They’ve been feeding off of each other."
The athletes know what they will get when they wear a Triton singlet.
"A number of guys have been in the program that haven't seen a lot of mat time, but they still go on and do great things," Moffitt said. "I've had guys come back later down the road and compliment us by saying, ‘where I'm at is way easier than what we did at Iowa Central.’
"They come in ready to work and compete and make everyone sharper. We take a lot of pride in that."
Moffitt will have three assistants under his wing, highlighted by FDSH graduate Brody Teske. The four-time state champion and all-time Dodger victory leader spent time at Division I level competing for Penn State, Northern Iowa and Iowa.
"Brody and I have stayed close over the years and I've watched him grow up," Moffitt said. "The opportunity came along and we got him in here. Our guys look up to him, being close to the same age. He relates to the younger guys.
"He knows the (University of) Iowa style (Moffitt is also a former Hawkeye standout), and can mimic that and try to get more out of our guys. We're on the same page."
Ryan Cokeley and Kit Hovey will also be assistants.