BRODHEAD — Chris Hoesly takes over the Brodhead-Juda wrestling program, which went 3-5 in the Rock Valley in 2019-20, and 5-6 overall in duals.

The Cardinals graduated four key wrestlers from its lineup in Brian McCullough, Blaine Berget, Jayson Starr and Jacob Miller.

Back for the co-op this season are senior Braden Erb, juniors Cole Hoesly, Jacob Lohmar, Seth Mansfield, Mario Reyes and sophomores Karson Miller and C.J. Streuly. Newcomers include Marcus McIntyre, Joe Lohmar, Brady Rosheisen and Emmitt Allen.

Coach Hoesly said one of the team’s goals in order to compete this year will be to simply fill as many weight classes as possible. Not giving up points to forfeits can be huge for the program, not just in season, but for the future. He said part of the goal this season is “trying to get the program turned around and the kids to buy into” what the coaching staff is trying to do.

“Hopefully we can get kids excited about the program,” Hoesly said.

By not giving away free points, the scoreboard will likely be tighter, which could mean a few more dual wins. Hoesly said the team has set its sights on finishing above .500 — or about in the middle of the conference — and to compete strongly each week in duals both as a team and individually.

“I think our upperclassmen can be great leaders for the younger kids,” coach Hoesly said. “(We have) the belief that everyone has each other’s backs.” He also emphasized that “every night someone different will have to step up.”

The coaching staff expects Evansville to again be the dominant program in the Rock Valley.

“They have a good returning squad with depth and strength,” Hoesly said. “They have been on top of the conference and have a great tradition on their side.”