KINGSFORD — As with so many things in 2020, last year’s prep wrestling season was abnormal.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association put down some COVID-19 restrictions, which included not allowing more than four teams at one site in wrestling and volleyball.

Those restrictions are no longer in place and Kingsford head coach Darren Groleau is happy about that.

“We are excited to get back to normalcy with weekend tournaments on the schedule,” Groleau said.

The Flivvers bring back nine wrestlers from last year’s crew, led by senior Toby Wilcox, who finished seventh in the state at 145 pounds, and regional qualifiers Matthew Wilson, Alastair Johnson and Michael Hill-Scott, all seniors.

“We have a solid core with Toby, Matthew and (junior) Josh Peterson that will look to set the tone and be our hammers this season,” said Groleau, who will be assisted by Chris Wilcox. Other returners from last year include juniors Trent Maki, Mac Kalcec and Josh Early and sophomores Elizin Rouse and Aidan Smith.

Newcomers this season include freshmen Reed Degroot, Izayah Reed and Wyatt Westman.

Kingsford’s season was slated to start Thursday with a trip to Manistique where the Flivvers were to compete against the Emeralds and Munising, but the tri-meet was canceled. Instead, the team’s first action might come at one of those weekend tournaments, specifically the Wabeno (Wis.) Invitational on Saturday, which Groleau said is a “solid first tournament with some very tough competition.”

All in all, a new season for the Flivvers beckons with possibility.

“The team has been working hard these last couple of weeks as prepare for our first match of the season,” Groleau said. “We are excited to see what this group can do.”

Jerry DeRoche may be reached at 906-774-2774 ext. 229 or at jderoche@ironmountaindailynews.com.