Many Cougars are back for more.

Wallowa High School’s wrestling team features several boys returning from strong seasons last winter. Senior Colby Byers advanced to the state’s championship meet. There he lost an exciting semifinal against Jake Nelson of Culver High, a two-time champ. Byers felt his match was the true title bout. Meanwhile, senior Isaiah Buck and junior Cameron Princena both settled for third place in different weight classes at the district tournament. Nine months later, they all want to take another shot at even better results.

“Last year, I really wanted it,” Byers said. “I ran into an old competitor. But this in another chance. That could be a goal for each individual on this team. There’s a lot of talent in so many weight classes. Every guy has their own style.”

Mel Byers, about to begin his fifth season as head coach, has a roster stocked with proven veterans. His son Colby dominates the 112-pound weight class. Each year in high school, Colby has qualified for the state meet. As a junior, he won 28 of 30 matches. He captured the district’s first-place medal. A 140-pounder, Buck overcame a lost in the semifinals at last year’s district meet and won two consolation matches.

Princena, a heavyweight, clinched third place in the district by pinning two opponents in the final period. “If he really puts his heart into wrestling,” coach Byers said, “he could really go places. He’s definitely an athlete, so strong. So, he has the ability. He’s just has this laid-back personality.”

A young team last year, the Cougars welcome back several others. Sophomore Forrest Cox, in the 119-pound weight class, enjoyed some success last year even though he often competed in the same division as Colby. Cox came in sixth place in the district event. At Wallowa’s Crenshaw Invitational, Tyzick Rivera took second place in 130. And Joey Reynolds (heavyweight) was sixth in the district. Senior Davin Payne (152) and junior Jake Schaeffer (189) also return with experience.

Meanwhile, five newcomers join Wallowa’s team. A few have some background. Junior Sean Hunt (171) is another powerful hulk in a high weight class. He wrestled briefly as a freshman. Sophomore Hunter Harvey (heavyweight) and freshman Zac Cherry (130) competed while in junior high. However, Zack Quintaine (103) and Devin Fletcher (215) both will make their debut.

The season begins Dec. 5, when Wallowa wrestlers drive to Enterprise High for the Kickoff. Matches begin at 10 a.m.