2017-18 Sunrise Mountain Wrestling Capsule

Head coach: Derek Lopez, fifth season

Returning lettermen: Four

Top wrestlers: Alex Herrera (Sr.), Kevin Orellana (Jr.), Jose Lara (Jr.)

Outlook: Herrera, who went 25-5 last season and is expected to wrestle at 170 pounds this year, had his season cut short for the third straight year due to medical reasons.

“He is an amazing young man whose dedication and perseverance throughout his career has been truly astonishing,” Lopez said. “We are looking forward to an outstanding senior season from him.”

Orellana (220) and Lara (285) both qualified for the Class 3A state meet last year, giving the Miners anchors in the heavier weights.

“We are working on developing a competitive program,” Lopez said. “We have assembled a great coaching staff working to get our kids better. Our team is small but we have a few experienced kids who should be able to compete at a high level throughout the season.

“Our younger kids are progressing nicely and we hope to see them improve over the course of the season.”