As the season approaches, the wrestling team puts the final touches on their preparation. After months of training, the Mavericks begin their season Saturday at the Cowboy Open in Laramie, Wyo. They’re projected to finish third in the RMAC.

Seniors James Martinez (149 pounds), who was 17-5 last season, Justin Schumacher (157 pounds), 20-5 with 11 falls, and Dylan Granard (174 pounds), who finished at 13-6, lead the team this year and hope to qualify for the NCAA Division II national tournament and make a run for individual championships.

Martinez is looking to become a two-time All-American and improve on his sixth place finish at the national tournament a year ago.

Junior Andrew Schumann, one of the team’s 141-pound wrestlers, showed promise last year before stalling late in the season and falling just short of his goals.

“If I don’t redshirt this season, I’m definitely looking for redemption for my second half of the season last year,” Schumann said.

Nationally speaking, 141 pounds is one of the most difficult weight classes in which all of the top-8 ranked contenders are returning All-Americans from last season.

Sophomore Jonathon Stelling (133 pounds) finished 24-13 last season as a freshman and is looking to put his name on the national radar this year. Stelling is looking for redemption as well, having All-American hopes that came up short.

The wrestlers unofficially begin their season with a Maroon vs. White scrimmage on Wednesday.

krhodes2@mavs.coloradomesa.edu