Class 4A

East Conference

Sheridan Broncs

n COACH: Corey Hamrick

n LAST SEASON: 12th at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1990

n RETURNING STATE PLACER: Cody McCalla, sr (3rd-215).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Trevor Goss, so (135); Jake Riemers, so (130); Jay Sandvig, so (119); Devan Reilly, jr (145); Levi Stewart, jr (135); Levi Hagerott, jr (140); Arlen Bruce, jr (160); Michael Kirkman, sr (189); Gage Lacek, jr (285); Bryan McIntyre, sr (285).

n OUTLOOK: The Broncs have quite a bit of state tournament experience returning this winter, but McCalla is the only returning placer. The younger wrestlers will have to pick it up a notch as the Broncs try to overcome a lack of depth in the middle-to-upper weights.

West Conference

Green River Wolves

n COACH: Darren Heslep

n LAST SEASON: Fourth at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 2002

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Mark Harris, jr (1st-103); Travis Henderson, sr (3rd-130); Jacob Flores, so (5th-112); Brady Turnbull, so (6th-130); Justin Schumacher, sr (3rd-125); Tommy Thoman, jr (5th-152); Nathan Bayles, sr (6th-215).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Mario Luna, so (103); Luis Flores, so (112); Scott Verner, jr (152); Stevie Jones, so (160); Robert Ross, sr (189); Jorge Alatorre, so (215); Eric Flaten, jr (285); T.J. Ross, sr (145).

n OUTLOOK: A strong group of upperclassmen mixed with a solid sophomore class gives the Wolves reason to be optimistic. Work ethic and enthusiasm are high right now, which may help the Wolves overcome a lack of depth in certain weights.

Natrona County Mustangs

n COACH: Scott Russell (11th season, 87-23, 16th overall)

n LAST SEASON: Third at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1984

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Kris Stenhaug, sr (1st-125); Ab Brown, so (6th-145); Cody Brown, sr (1st-152); Nick Elliott, sr (2nd-285).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Brian Kussy, sr; Brandon Kussy, so; Neil Williams, so; Jessica Brenton, so; Garth Ginder, sr; Bronson Mitchell, sr; Jake Homer, so; Cody Parke, jr; Wilson Sheffield, sr; B.J. Simpson, sr; Ian Hammerschmitt, sr; Tim Garner, sr; Chris Whitten, sr.

n OUTLOOK: There aren't a ton of returning state placers back for NC this winter, but the group that will don the orange and black is dedicated to filling in the spots left open by graduation. Depth still has to grow a bit, but the Mustangs have the ability to do what needs to be done to get better.

Rock Springs Tigers

n COACH: Joe Hamel (10th season, 17th overall)

n LAST SEASON: Sixth at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1991

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Kasey Bertagnolli, sr (2nd-112); Kyle Bertagnolli, sr (5th-119); Andy McCulley, jr (1st-130); Wesley Slaugh, sr (5th-135); Nick Adame, sr (4th-140); Island Richards, sr (5th-285); Zac Haney, jr (6th-285).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Derek Macy, sr; Savoy Bell, so; Zach Gunyan, jr; Cody Bourrette, sr; Christian Johnson, sr.

n OUTLOOK: The Tigers have far more returners than in recent years, and that experience gives Rock Springs some optimism. The team is full of good leaders and athletes who know how to compete, and that could combine to make this one of Rock Springs' better teams in the past few years.

Star Valley Braves

n COACH: Eddie Clark (10th season, 20th overall, 271-69-2)

n LAST SEASON: Second at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 2007

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Hayden Heap (2nd-103); Paul Woodie (4th-189); Lynk Neild (4th-285); Dakota Dana (5th-130); Nick Edwards (6th-171).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Kevin Day (112); Mark VanSlyke (145); Darin Taylor (145); Josh Claye (112); Felix Merino (125); Dalton Dance (140); Tyson Baker (135); Brandon Anglesey (160); Alex Cooper (152).

n OUTLOOK: The 13 seniors Star Valley leaned on last year are gone, so it'll be up to some younger wrestlers to step up fast and fill the gaps. A tough early-season schedule will test the Braves' younger team members, but the hope is that by February the question about experience will be gone.

Class 3A

East Conference

Buffalo Bison

n COACH: Jay Camino

n LAST SEASON: 14th at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1991

n KEY RETURNERS: Trevor Olson, jr (125); Brandon Leis, so (140); Chance Kirkeeng, sr (145); Jace Jensen, so (160); Traven Taylor, sr (171); Andrew Litzel, jr (189); Matt Myrick, so (285).

n OUTLOOK: The first thing that sticks out about the Bison is their age - of the 17 on squad, only two are seniors. Gaining experience throughout the season will be important, but the group is a hard-working bunch and has shown it knows how to work hard.

Douglas Bearcats

n COACH: Bob Bath (24th season, 28th overall)

n LAST SEASON: Second at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1999

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Brady Patterson, jr (5th-112); Houston Falkenburg, jr (3rd-125); Michael Hogan, sr (2nd-135); Pat Lehnen, sr (2nd-140); Steven Stevenson, sr (4th-145); Pierre Etchemendy, jr (4th-152); Colter McNare, jr (4th-160).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Kevin Baker, jr (119); Trent Boner, so (160); Rob Colomb, sr (189); Cody Dulmas, so (285); Joe Lake, so (189); Justin Melton, so (160); Casey Patterson, so (103).

n OUTLOOK: Douglas has talent; the only question is how well it can get spread through 14 weight classes. Most of the Bearcats' best wrestlers are in the middle weights, so developing lighter and heavier wrestlers will be a season-long project. But with seven returning placers, Douglas should remain in the hunt for the 3A title.

Glenrock Herders

n COACH: Cory Yingling

n LAST SEASON: 11th at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: N/A

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Matt Widiker, so (4th-103); Devin Collins, sr (4th-189).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Chris Jablonski, sr (135); Michael Flynn, sr (160); Casey Hoskinson, sr (215).

n OUTLOOK: Thanks to a tough group of senior leaders, Glenrock has all kinds of potential. The team is bigger, stronger, more competitive and more spread-out through all weight classes than last year's squad, which will help everyone gain better experience and hopefully a higher place at state.

Lander Tigers

n COACH: Nick Fulton (fourth season)

n LAST SEASON: Fifth at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1962

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Bret Klopp, sr (1st-160; 56-0); Brode Bullington, jr (3rd-119): Colton Marrow, sr (5th-152); Jake Budd, sr (6th-119); Chris Pitt, sr (6th-125); Dillon Von Rein, jr (6th-103).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: David Miller, sr (285); Mike Jacks, sr (140); Dylan Kraft, jr (119/125); Trent Hulkovich (135).

n OUTLOOK: Klopp is one of the top wrestlers in the state, and with six state placers returning the Tigers are in prime position for a run at a state title. Improving every week and staying healthy will be key, but the Tigers have reason to be excited about their potential.

Newcastle Dogies

n COACH: Shane Peters (10-21 overall)

n LAST SEASON: 13th at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1978

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Matt Gregory, sr (5th-189); Adam Himrich, jr (6th-171).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Stoney Rettinghouse, jr; Matt Hayman, jr; Zach Talbot, so; Jesse Larralde, so; Matt Halwey, jr; Taylor Hespe, sr.

n OUTLOOK: The Dogies are edging close to a full lineup and should be better than the 13th-place showing they put up at last year's state meet. Gregory and Himrich are the clear leaders on the team, but a good core of younger wrestlers surrounds them.

Rawlins Outlaws

n COACH: Kurt Torstenbo (16th season)

n LAST SEASON: 12th at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: N/A

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Isiah Martinez, sr (4th-125); Derrick Penman, sr (4th-112); Ryley Dawson, sr (6th-285).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Jordan Abeyta, sr; Matt Hettchen, sr; Eric Risha, sr; Jason Fleet, sr; Jason Phipps, sr; Karl Fagnant, sr.

n OUTLOOK: The Outlaws have a strong core of senior leaders, and they'll help lead a talented group of youngsters. Although Rawlins will have a tough time filling every weight, they could pull off some surprises thanks to that class of senior leaders.

West Conference

Jackson Broncs

n COACH: Chuck Flickinger (135-59)

n LAST SEASON: Seventh at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: N/A

n RETURNING STATE PLACER: Jake Hanna, sr (4th-215).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Frankie Boda, jr (152); Andreu Luman, sr (152); Trevor Ryan, jr (135); Shane Evans, so (140); Kyle Hogan, jr (130); Dylan Ostdiek, so (130); A.J. Smith, jr (119).

n OUTLOOK: The Broncs had one of their best finishes in recent years at state in 2008, and hopes are high that they can creep up the final standings once again. The squad has a good mix of both weights and ages, and the hope is that the mix will help create a strong core of wrestlers.

Pinedale Wranglers

n COACH: Kendall Horrocks (first season)

n OUTLOOK: The Wranglers are the newest addition to Wyoming wrestling. Competing in their first year, the Wranglers won't be able to compete at regionals or state, but the 12 wrestlers that are out will all be back next year to aid Pinedale's fledgling program. Building the program will take time, but with a junior high program and club wrestling now in place, the program should be strong enough to stir the 3A pot within the next couple years.

Powell Panthers

n COACH: Nate Urbach (34-12)

n LAST SEASON: State champions

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 2008

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Cody Kalberer, sr (1st-145); Trevor Donarski, sr (1st-130); Ren Utter, sr (1st-103); Cory Eden, sr (3rd-135); Dalton Harris, sr (5th-145); Auston Carter, jr (1st-140); Cole Kary, jr (5th-152);

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Tyler Showalter, sr; Monte Nickles, jr; Colt Nix, so; Luke Wozney, so; Jessee Craig, so; Jimmy Seckman, so.

n OUTLOOK: Four state champions and seven medalists are back for Powell this winter, which automatically makes the Panthers one of the favorites for the 3A crown. The team has solid senior leadership, but spreading out the top wrestlers through several weight classes will be the key to maximizing points at state.

Class 2A

East Conference

Burns-Pine Bluffs Broncs

n COACH: Chris Cooper (second season, fifth overall)

n LAST SEASON: 19th at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: N/A

n KEY RETURNERS: Jorey Madden, sr (140); Josh Skelton, sr (145); Frankie Vossler, jr (171); Todd Baker, jr (189); Max Walbridge, so (171); Shawn Cole, so (189); Adan Gandara, so (215).

n OUTLOOK: Burns has established some continuity to its program, and with seven upperclassmen leading the way, hopes are definitely higher for the squad this winter. A strong group of freshmen plus the ability to fill nearly every weight class will help the team improve on last year's finish.

Hulett Red Devils

n COACH: Steve Colling

n LAST SEASON: Sixth at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: N/A

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Curtis Clark (5th-130); Garrett Haberman (5th-135); R.J. Olson (6th-145); Jesse Haberman (6th-189); Dave Dorsett (3rd-189); Leland Pfeifer (1st-215).

n OUTLOOK: The Red Devils have 22 wrestlers out this year and will have the ability to fill every weight class, a luxury they haven't had in the past. Hulett's strength is definitely in the upper weights, so if some of the smaller wrestlers mature quickly, Hulett could improve on last year's state placing.

Lingle Doggers

n COACH: Nathan Jones (first season)

n LAST SEASON: 15th at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: N/A

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Chase Potter, sr (3rd-171); Mike Hill, jr (5th-215).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Brody Serres, so (135); Jesse Duncan, jr (160).

n OUTLOOK: With 13 total letterwinners returning for the Doggers this winter, optimism is high. Of those, at least half a dozen have the potential to place at state, and sustained improvement could help Lingle finish high at state.

Lusk Tigers

n COACH: Ron Nelson (28th season, 39th overall)

n LAST SEASON: Third at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 2002

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Travis Gaukel, jr (5th-103); Lance Hladky, so (4th-135); Ace Thruston, so (4th-145); Brock Hladky, sr (4th-160); Kyle Herder, sr (5th-171); C.J. Risley, sr (2nd-285).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Gary Jordan, sr; Troy Himes, sr; Colton Miller, so; Harley Cushman, jr; Derek Smith, so; Jonn Boussu, so; Jake Spivey, so; Jacob Wasserburger, so.

n OUTLOOK: Led by a big sophomore class and a tough group of seniors, Lusk should be in contention for a 2A title again this winter. There are several state placers back and most of the wrestlers have varsity experience, but many weights will be filled by younger wrestlers.

Wright Panthers

n COACH: Larry Yeradi (third season, 18th overall)

n LAST SEASON: 13th at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 2004

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Roy Winder, so (6th-103); John Ryan Collins, so (4th-112); Juan Rodriguez, so (2nd-112); Jake Smith, sr (6th-160).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Jose Hernandez, jr (140); Trevor Wortman, sr (152); Cassidy French, so (152); Randall Charon, so (152); Holden Fauber, so (160); Allen Hess, so (189); Jimmy Zollinger, so (215).

n OUTLOOK: The Panthers have a young squad (only two seniors out of 17 wrestlers), so mat time will be crucial to Wright's overall improvement. However, Wright is about one wrestler away from filling all its weights, which will give the Panthers a leg up when it comes to the postseason.

West Conference

Big Piney Punchers

n COACH: Cole Clifford (second season, 1-10)

n LAST SEASON: 11th at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: N/A

n RETURNING STATE PLACER: Max Vichi, jr (1st-103).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Ryan Castle, so (160); Casey Dixon, jr (171); Narcizo Duran, jr (189).

n OUTLOOK: Four of Big Piney's 10 wrestles are juniors, so the hope is that this core group of upperclassmen can lead the team. Still, depth and youth are concerns, and with most of the wrestlers bunched toward the lower weights, scoring points in meets could be troublesome.

Cokeville Panthers

n COACH: Martin Linford (eighth season, 14th overall)

n LAST SEASON: State champions

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 2008

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Landon Cornia, jr (6th-112); Chance Maddock, so (3rd-119); Jon Kelly Child, sr (2nd-130); Sullivan Teichert, sr (2nd-135); Hadley Harmon, jr (6th-140); Andrew Petersen, sr (6th-145).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Kalen Hill, jr (103); Derrick Moody, sr (171); Bob Cook, sr (189).

n OUTLOOK: Cokeville has a ton of returning state placers and enough talent to return to the top again this year. Good leadership and a tough schedule should prepare the Panthers for state, but the onus is on the younger wrestlers in the program to fill in and step up when the time is right.

Greybull-Riverside

n COACH: Mark Sanford

n LAST SEASON: Fifth at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: 1994

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Nate Gossens, so (5th-112); Clay Cundall, so (6th-152); Wes Ridgeway, so (3rd-285).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Chayce Goton, jr; Randall Johns, so.

n OUTLOOK: Injuries hurt the Greybull-Riverside squad last year, but now that it's at full strength the team has the chance to be one of 2A's better squads. Experience is lacking at some weights and there is only one senior on the team, but the youth could pay off down the road.

Hanna Miners

n COACH: Lyle Richardson (16th season overall)

n LAST SEASON: 18th at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: N/A

n RETURNING STATE PLACER: James Montez, jr (5th-145).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Wade Houston, jr (135); Jon Borah, jr (152); Curtis Bundy, jr (160).

n OUTLOOK: With only six on the roster this winter, the Miners are shooting for individual accolades. That's OK, though, because there's a solid group of juniors who can push each other to excel.

Thermopolis Bobcats

n COACH: James Newby

n LAST SEASON: Second at state tournament

n LAST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: N/A

n RETURNING STATE PLACERS: Derek McGahan, sr (3rd-103); Kyle Larson, so (4th-130); Josh Pounds, sr (1st-140); K.C. Lahoe, sr (3rd-152); Dan Norskog, sr (6th-171); Tanner Cornwell, so (4th-189).

n OTHER KEY RETURNERS: Josh Materi, so (112); Dylan Balstad, so (160).

n OUTLOOK: The six returning state medalists set the tone for the Bobcats, who should be one of the top teams in 2A this year. Thermopolis has good mixes of both experience and of weights; the only thing questionable for the team right now is the ability to spread its talent throughout every weight class.

Teams not listed did not respond to Star-Tribune questionnaire.

- Compiled by Patrick Schmiedt, Star-Tribune high school sports coordinator