Juanita High wrestling coach Dan Davis is hoping his experienced athletes have the gas to push the Rebels to contend for a conference championship this winter.

The Rebels have two returning conference finalists on the roster in 182-pound junior Matthew Moehrle and 132-pound junior Dane Garman. Returning sophomore King Kotalas finished third last season, pinning Lake Washington’s Grayson Hayden in the consolation final.

“King probably put in the most offseason work, and it’s really showing already,” Davis said. “He was a really solid wrestler last year as a freshman, and this year you can really tell [he has improved.]”

Moehrle, a team captain this season, lost by decision to Mercer Island’s Donnie Howard in the conference championship and fell one match short of the consolation championship match at regionals.

Garman put on two dominant matches to win KingCo and won his first match at regionals, but lost in the second round of consolation.

The other team captain, John Nascimento, is a heavyweight senior. Senior Kristian Listad, listed at 126 pounds, should also make an impact.

Nate Martin, a junior, was a fourth-place finisher in the 160 pound bracket last year and should move up to 170 pounds this season. Martin missed portions of last season for various reasons, but did well when he was on the mat.

There are holes at 106 pounds and 120 pounds, but Davis said he is happy with having only two forfeits and plenty of wrestlers fighting for the other spots.

“We have some newer faces out there with a lot less experience, but in terms of work ethic they’re putting in just as much effort as the upper-level guys,” Davis said.