North Idaho College wrestling coach Pat Whitcomb believes the depth of his team could be as good as that of the Cardinal team in 2003.

And after coaching that '03 team to a 15-1 dual record, as well as a 13th national title and 28th Region 18 tournament title in 31 years - that's saying something.

Back for NIC are national qualifiers Bryce Weatherston (141 pounds), Johnathen Dennis (184) and Taylor Kornoely (285). Kornoely earned All-American honors at the NJCAA tournament in Spokane.

"This group kind of reminds me of the 2003 team," said Whitcomb, who enters his 17th season as coach. "We had that depth back then, but didn't need it because everyone was so healthy. We'll have to work through some early season growing pains, but we're excited to wrestle someone else."

NIC, which finished sixth at the NJCAA tournament last season, opens the season at the Powell (Wyo.) Open this morning on the campus of Northwest College.

Other NIC starters following last Friday's Red-Gray match include sophomore Michael Nguyen (125), freshman Deondre Wilson (133), freshman Dajour Reece (165), freshman Jordan Cooks (174) and freshman Trent Allen (197).

Former Post Falls High standouts James Ost (149), a freshman, and sophomore Tyler Booth (157) are also in the starting lineup.

"James sat out of wrestling for two years, but we're excited to get him into our room," Whitcomb said. "Tyler is a three-year kid for us, and got a lot of action last year after redshirting as a freshman."

Both graduated in 2012 after winning state titles for the Trojans.

"We return some good kids, so we'll see how we measure up in a hurry," Whitcomb said.

If this weekend's tournament doesn't do the trick, they'll get another look when they travel to Kansas for duals against Labette - who NIC tied with for the 2013 title - Northwest Oklahoma, last year's national champion, and Colby College, which finished fourth last year.

"(NIC assistant coach) Keri (Stanley) and I just decided that since we don't see them until the end of the year, why not try to do this," Whitcomb said. "Having the chance to replace the Southern Oregon tournament (in Ashland, Ore.) with this, we'll take our 10 starters and a backup and see where we're at."

"Between us four teams, I can't remember when you've got four teams that have won national titles in the same building like this," Whitcomb said. "It's a great setup for us at the beginning of the year."

Michael Nguyen is the twin brother of Matthew Nguyen - who is the top-ranked wrestler in the NJCAA at 125 at Southwestern Oregon.

"Michael went back home (to Vancouver, Wash.) for a while, then came to our place," Whitcomb said. "Matthew finished sixth in the nation last year, and Michael right behind him in the rankings. It should be some interesting wrestling when the time comes between those two."

Tyler McLean, a sophomore from Mead High in Spokane who qualified for nationals last year, was beaten out in the Red-Gray match. He'll be in the mix at either 165 or 174.

"Nguyen could be as good as (Brock) Banta," Whitcomb said. Banta was an All-American in 2013, when NIC won its last national title. "I think Wilson is going to be a talent, and I think we're pretty spread out. In the past, when we've lost a No. 1 guy, we took a step down. But this year, I think we'll pick right back up."

The West District (formerly Region 18) tournament will be held in Coeur d'Alene on Feb. 13. It is the first time the Cardinals have hosted regionals since 2009.

"I think for fans it's a great chance to come out and see some great wrestling," Whitcomb said. "I think we're set up to wrestle really well. Between Clackamas and Northwest, you don't have to look that far outside our region to find some tough teams."

The top four in each weight class at regionals advance to the NJCAA tournament Feb. 27-28 at the Jacobson Exhibition Center in Des Moines, Iowa.