On results alone, the Lyons Township wrestling team's road to West Suburban (Silver) Conference and Class 3A championships apparently runs through Oak Park, which claimed both of those titles last season. While the Huskies - led by Chris and Nick Dardanes (both committed to Minnesota) and Ben Brooks (North Carolina) - are bursting with talent again, LT can't afford to focus on just one team in the ultra-competitive conference.

Hinsdale Central and Downers Grove North boast top 25 squads, while York, Glenbard West and Proviso West are also eager to mix it up with preseason favorites Oak Park and LT.

"Obviously, I'll put our conference up against any in the state," LT coach Griff Powell said. "We're in for a battle against every team in our conference.

"Our expectations are very high. We have a lot of kids who have been on the mat with varsity experience. We're really excited, and I think that we have a balanced team top to bottom."

Although the Lions (15-6, 5-1 dual match record last season) lost Mike Ryan, who finished third at state last year, plenty of talent returns. Returning state qualifiers Bob Gavrick (112 pound class) and Drew Bates (130), who both won over 30 matches last season, are back in the mix.

At the 103-pound class, sophomores Conor Condon and J.P. Reynolds are vying for the starting position. Sophomore Carter Beebe, who started last season, and senior Ozzie Sandoval are also locked in a battle at 119 pounds.

Senior Kevin Reimer (125) is poised for a strong final run after a breakthrough junior campaign. A plethora of returning sectional qualifiers fills the middleweight classes in Jack Windmoeller (135), Matt Nora (140), Lucas Polka (145) and R.J. Dilcher (152 or 160). All of these wrestlers easily won over 20 matches last year and carry a viable shot at a state appearance this season.

In addition to Dilcher, sophomore Jack Pearson may also see action at 152 or 160. At 171, Mike Rend and T.J. Sullivan are options for Powell, while Kyle Shinall and Frank Dijoia are competing at 189. All four wrestlers are juniors looking to boost an already formidable lineup.

Joe Gonzalez and Blaise Davis (both 215 class) and Wes Ott (285) will also see action. Davis and Ott hit the mat after playing key roles during football season for first-year coach Kurt Weinberg.

"This is one of the hardest working teams I have coached," said Powell, in his fifth season at LT. "It's a group with a lot of focus and discipline. Our ultimate goals are to win to put guys on the [state championship] stand and win a dual match team state championship."

The Lions open the season against Glenbard East and Willowbrook today (Nov. 25, 6 p.m.) at Vaughn Gym on LT's North Campus.