Cards have new look, similar hopes

North Idaho College’s wrestling room is cramped and sweaty, but the walls are nicely decorated. There, the names of the Cardinals’ 188 NJCAA All-Americans are listed in the respective columns for their top-eight finishes at the national tournament.

In a given year, coach Pat Whitcomb estimates 15-20 team members are veterans of the practice room, which sits upstairs inside Christianson Gym. This season, there are six. Whitcomb typically has several returning All-Americans to lead the team. This year, there is one, and Chris Harris transferred in from rival Lassen College.

Still, Whitcomb expects numerous Cardinals will eventually leave their mark on the program – and their names on the wall.

“I’ve been spoiled the last few years. When I said, ‘OK, this is the drill,’ boom, they were in it,” Whitcomb said. “I have to show more patience, which I’ve never been accused of having.”

NIC wrestling fans might be experiencing a similar feeling. They’ve seen the Cardinals capture 13 national championships, including three under Whitcomb, who is entering his 11th season, but NIC’s last title was in 2003.

“That’s what is on people’s minds – when are you going to get back on top?” Whitcomb said. “But to be fair, that’s what is on my mind, too. If you don’t like it, go somewhere else and coach.”

NIC might need another recruiting class before challenging for a 14th national crown, but Whitcomb called the recent additions “as good as we’ve had.” Six starters from last year’s team went on to four-year schools, including national champs Heinrich Barnes (Oregon State) and Evan Mattingly (Wyoming). Kyle Sand, who won a title at 184 pounds, is working out at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo., near his hometown of Arvada.

Dino May (174) is the only returning starter. Projected starters Lucas Chesher (157), a Central Valley High graduate, Tim Ofield (285) and St. Maries product Ben Lecoultre (184) have multiple years in the program.

There is experience in transfers Harris (141), who placed third at nationals last year, Tim McGoldrick (Rider University) and Spencer Sharp (William Penn).

“We’ve got some talent, particularly in the lower weights. We have talent above, but we have a couple of kids that can’t get hurt,” Whitcomb said.