KINGSFORD — The Kingsford Flivvers Wrestling team has seven returning letter winners on a roster of 15 wrestlers.

“We are excited with this group of kids this year, that are led by Regional finalist and U.P. Finalist Seniors Eddie Cardew and Ben Stanish,” said head coach Darren Groleau, who returns for his fourth season.

The Flivvers also have regional finalist and U.P. State placer sophomore Toby Wilcox returning from last season’s roster. Kingsford also has returning juniors Elliot Johnson and Carlie Rundel who is the team manager, along with returning sophomores Michael Hill-Scott and Dodge Porthouse.

“We lost three valuable seniors that had well over 300 wins between them in Ethan Wilcox, August Early and regional finalist as well a state finalist in Trevor Povolo. It will be hard to replace that kind of experience on the mat. But we have a good mix of some veterans and younger guys that we have something to build on for the future,” said Groleau. “We only have two seniors and one junior so we are very young but they are all hard-working and are willing to learn. Our upperclassmen have been stepping up working with the younger guys and pushing them each practice.”

Kingsford is hoping to be battling for top 3 at UP’s this year, noted Groleau.

“We have high goals this year considering the last few years we’ve placed top 5 with only 5-7 kids wrestling. Once we get some mat time and continue to work hard I could see us potentially battling with some of the top teams in U.P.,” he said.

Gladstone, Escanaba, Iron Mountain and Marquette will be tough in the West, St. Ignace and Sault St. Marie will also have some tough wrestlers in the East, Groleau noted.

Captains are Cardew, Stanish, Johnson and Wilcox. Volunteer coaches are Chris Wilcox, Curt Sabey and Trevor Povolo.

Kingsford begins Thursday at Manistique, before traveling to Wabeno, Wis., Saturday. Flivvers return home Tuesday, Dec. 17, for a quadrangular meet, welcoming Iron Mountain, Marquette and Escanaba.

SENIOR: Eddie Cardew (285), Ben Stanish (189-215).

JUNIOR: Elliot Johnson (189-215), Carlie Rundel (Team Manager).

SOPHOMORE: Toby Wilcox (140-152), Michael Hill-Scott (125-130), Dodge Porthouse (125-130), Ethan Gribble (171-189), Troy Janosky (215), Matt Wilson (285), Alaster Johnson (171).

FRESHMAN: Mac Kalcec (119), James Cain (130-135), Angelo “Pierre” Hurtubise (130-135), Trent Maki (145-152), Omer Nevils (189), Jacob Saari (171), Logan Couillard (152-160), Josh Peterson (135-152).