With only four returning athletes, the Bakersfield College wrestling team may face an uphill battle this season, as it deals with one of the toughest conferences in the state with a team almost entirely composed of freshmen.

Head Coach Bill Kalivas seems a little concerned over the youth of the team: “We’re a fairly young team, and in seven of the ten weights we’re untested. I’m trying to put in these feelers but I have no idea what’s going to happen.”

The team is further hindered by a lack of time at the mat, having just started practicing in early September.  “There are some new protocols that are in place, and expectations from the administration. We’re trying to follow those protocols and unfortunately it’s put us a couple weeks behind,” said Kalivas.

Still, Kalivas believes that it is still too early to really gage how effective his team will be, but remains confident he can get them ready by their first match against Mt. San Antonio College on September 21. “I’d like to think we’d split and go 500, I’m hoping to win more of our individual matches, at least half.”

Kalivas knows the season will be hard due to the strength of the other teams within the conference including West Hills, Santa Anna, and Cerritos colleges.  While Kalivas is hopeful, he knows the entire season will be hard fought. “Seven of the top ten teams are in the south, so it’s hard to say how we’ll do.”