MOSES LAKE- The Moses Lake wrestling team looks to be in the thick of things again this season as the Chiefs return three state placers to the roster that finished 17-3 in CBBN competition.

Back for another promising year is Nico Moreno, who took second in the 145 pound weight class, Jonathan

Perales, second at 160, and Beau Gleed, who placed 8th at 119 pounds.

"We lost three state placers to graduation ... two champs in Brian Chamberlain and Kabe Fluaitt, and Herson Rodriguez who finished fourth," coach Jamie Wise said. "But the team should be tough again."

Wise said it may take a few months to get where the Chiefs want to be, but expects Moses Lake to be one of the toughest teams in the district and second toughest at regionals.

The team has several others who are going to be relied upon to help return the Chiefs to post-season prominence. That list includes regional tournament placers  sophomore Fernando Leyva, junior Brad Fox and seniors Derek Fredericksen and Hayden Wise.

"We also have many incoming freshmen that will be expected to contribute quickly," Wise, who is in his seventh season as head coach of the team, said. "We are looking forward to a great year."

The Chiefs host Richland Thursday at 7 p.m.