It’s a job that’s rarely been open since the program began in 1969.

With four coaches — Bill Pecha (1969-70), Les Hogan (1970-1977), John Owen (1977-97) and Pat Whitcomb (1997-2018) — and 14 NJCAA championships to its name, it’s not just any other coaching position that Michael Sebaaly finds himself in.

“This is a really prestigious program,” Sebaaly said. “It’s the crown jewel of college wrestling. With 14 team titles, 50 individual titles, and all the top-three finishes (at nationals), there’s a great deal of tradition with Whitcomb, Pecha, Owen and Hogan. There’s a lot of awesome support within the community and I’m excited to be part of the family and keep it going.”

Sebaaly replaces Whitcomb, who was dismissed in January. Sebaaly, who wrestled collegiately at Buffalo, was coach at NJCAA Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, Kan., for the past five seasons. Prior to that, Sebaaly spent two seasons at NCAA Division III Alfred (N.Y.) State (2012-2014) as the assistant wrestling coach, where he helped develop three All-Americans.

“I’m really excited to get things going,” said Sebaaly, 36. “The guys have been working hard, supporting the other teams on campus and are ready to get to work.”

NIC opens the season Saturday at 2 p.m. against Eastern Oregon at the Yakima Convention Center. The teams are wrestling in Yakima as part of the Washington Coaches Clinic, where Sebaaly is speaking.

Sebaaly said starters for NIC this weekend will be: freshman Isaac Lopez (125 pounds), sophomore Bryce Miller (133), freshman Alex Lopez (141), redshirt freshman Sal Silva (149), returning All-American Jacob Swift (157), freshman Navarro Nanpuya (165), redshirt freshman Alan Bradley (174), freshman Isaac Gomez (184), returning All-American Hunter Gregerson (197) and freshman Cohle Feliciano (285).

“They’re a really fun group,” Sebaaly said. “We’re ready to get out and see some other people and have some fun against other teams.”

NIC opens its home slate by hosting defending NJCAA champion Clackamas, as well as Northwest College of Powell, Wyo., on Nov. 22.

After competing in the Cliff Keen Invitational in Las Vegas for years, NIC opted to compete in the Reno Tournament of Champions instead Dec. 15. The weekend of the Cliff Keen (Dec. 7), NIC will compete in the Battle of the Rockies in Great Falls.

“The tournament in Reno will still have plenty of Division I kids,” Sebaaly said. “We wanted to support some of the other local programs, and see some of those other teams from the Pacific Northwest and midwest that could allow for a transfer opportunity after the kids are done here. We’re going to be intentional about recruiting the Tri-State area and keeping kids around home.”

Sebaaly said Lakeland High product Larry Johnson should return by the end of the semester at 141 pounds. Johnson, who redshirted last year, is out with torn ACL suffered during practice last season.

“We’re really excited about him,” Sebaaly said. “He’s a three-time state champion and local guy that’s going to do a bring a lot of interest with him.”

The West District Championship, formerly the Region 18 Tournament, will be Feb. 16 in Coos Bay, Ore.

The top three in each weight class advance to the NJCAA Tournament March 6-7 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.