The Excelsior Springs varsity boys wrestling squad, led by coach Cody Beck, has high hopes for this season – and not just on the mat.

Here’s a look at the Tigers, who tied Kirksville for seventh in the team standings last season at the Class 2 state tournament, as they prepare to open the regular season Dec. 9 by hosting Winnetonka. The following breakdown comes from answers to The Standard’s preview questionnaire, as submitted by Beck … Coach’s background in brief: Beck is in his fifth year at Excelsior Springs and seventh year as a head wrestling coach overall.

Assistant coaches: Jake Danneman, Chris Lingle, Shaun Marcum.

Number of returning letter winners: Nine.

Names and year in school of returning starters: Owen Andreasen, senior; Logan Bates, sophomore; Gaige Carr,

senior; Cooper Collins, senior; Vincent Holsey, sophomore; Cooper Lester,

senior; Conrad Purnell, senior; Carson Van Doremalen, junior.

What athletes will help lead the program? What qualities do they possess that will make t…