COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa — On paper, the North Idaho College wrestling team heading to nationals might seem a little inexperienced, with eight freshmen and two returning sophomores.

Then again, with some cashing in an extra year to the pandemic, that experience from having nationals last April could pay off.

Sophomore Navarro Nanpuya, who was fourth at nationals at 174 pounds, as well as sophomore Cohle Feliciano (fourth at 285) return at their respective weights, as does freshman Brandon Bollinger, who was sixth at 157 in 2021. Bollinger will compete at 149 for NIC, which opens at nationals today at the Mid-American Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Other Cardinals competing are: freshman Jett Strickenberger (125), freshman Brant Porter (133), freshman Sam Silveria (141), freshman Alfonso Martinez (157), freshman Ledger Petracek (165), freshman Devin Winston (184) and freshman Hunter Suter (197).

Winston, who began his career at Minnesota, did not compete before transferring to Southern Illinois-Edwardsville.

Clackamas (Ore.) has won the previous three national championships. NIC last won a title in 2014, the program’s 15th.

Championship finals are scheduled for 5 p.m. PST on Saturday.

Results can be found at www.FloWrestling.com.