In what was a longer and more competitive season Parkland High School girls wrestling program, the Trojans produced a ton of success last year, including finishing in first place in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference and District 11 tournaments, along with placing first at regionals.

Head coach Anthony Shave graduated six talented seniors from last season, but brings back an experienced group with still a ton of talent.

“I don’t really ever set expectations, but my belief is that the loss of the six seniors will only have a minor effect on our team potency despite how good all six of them were,” said Shave. “I think barring any major injuries, we should be a part of discussions at the end of the season regarding league and district championships.

“We finished last season without [graduates Breanna] Hann and [Emerson] Slaughenhoupt, as well as forfeits at 190 and 235, so I think we are poised to continue to be a roadblock for most teams.”

Some of the top returnees include a three-time state place winner in Ella Hesener, a two-time state place winner in Abbie Taylor and a district champion in Lily Snook. Some key newcomers that will compete for places in the lineup include Payton Ocasio, Angelina Spachman, Leila Palmieri, Sydney Laputka and Chloe Grady.

An uptick in interest level and girls going out for the team have put some excitement in Shave and the more success that can be obtained.

“The biggest thing I see from the team so far is the increase in team size: 22 on the high school team with 2-3 more potentials and 20 on the junior high side,” Shave said. “Last season we started with 32 total and ended with 30, so we are already head and shoulders above that level. Most of them have been working out since the summer so we have a jump start on onboarding. The biggest problem I have is the everlasting logjam of talent between 112-118. I have six wrestlers between the two weights who are varsity capable.”

Liberty and Easton are expected to be top contenders in the conference and district. A potential lineup for Parkland includes 100 - Elysa Lacerda or Courtney Brevik; 106 - Ella Hesener; 112 - Lily Snook or Payton Ocasio; 118 - Saige Rittenhouse or Payton Ocasio; 124 - Leila Palmieri or Saige Rittenhouse; 130 - Abbie Taylor; 136 - Victoria Lasagna; 142 - Angelina Spachman or Carissa Kalmar; 148 - Angelina Spachman or Carissa Kalmar; 155 - Natalie Deutsch; 170 - Lizkarla Vasquez or Chloe Grady; 190 - Lizkarla Vasquez or Chloe Grady and 235 is still to be determined.

Parkland’s campaign began on Wednesday night in conference action at home against Northampton. The Trojans host Pocono Mountain West on Saturday afternoon.