The Auburn Mountainview wrestling program reached a high-water mark last season.

In only the program’s fourth year of existence, the Lions snagged a commendable seventh-place finish at the 3A Mat Classic, with seniors Tyler King, T.J. Peretti and Lilia Gudzyuk each grabbing state titles.

Additionally, freshman Tyke Reid finished fifth at 103 pounds, and senior Drew Dacey was fifth at 130.

This season, however, Peretti, King, Gudzyuk and Dacey are gone.

Reid has transfered to Enumclaw, leaving the team with a lone wrestler with state tournament experience in 171-pound Lucas Huyber, who went 1-2 at Tacoma.

“We’re just down this year. There is not really any other way to say that, I guess,” coach Adam France said. “We haven’t established that feeder program yet, which we’ve been trying to do. Because of that, the numbers are down in the middle schools, and it’s hurt our program.”

Without numbers, Huyber, along with co-captains Leo Cicholz and Erik English, will be asked to lead the rebuilding push.

“We just really have to step it up,” Huyber said. “We’ve got to keep them focused, and the work ethic has to be harder. It has to be really focused and on task, especially with the younger guys.”

France has been pleased with Huyber’s leadership.

“Huyber is the big bright spot for us,” France said. “And we’ve got a couple of young kids who look good for the future.

“The biggest thing with Lucas is that he has channeled his focus. He’s matured, he’s quiet. He doesn’t lead vocally, but he works real hard and kids see that.”

The Lions hope to flex some individual muscle. Just how they will finish as a team is uncertain.

“It’s a tossup right now,” France said. “Hopefully, we’ll have a few guys make a run at the end of the season.”

For the girls, Alanna Alegria and Alyssa Aguilar will lead the way.

France remains optimistic about the team’s chances to improve.

“We have some good coaches and a core of wrestlers who are working hard,” he said.

Huyber, for one, is confident about his chances.

“I’m definitely going to do it this year,” he said. “I’m going to win it all.”