Wrestling’s young nucleus is looking to gain some much-needed experience in its first live competition of the 2014-15 season.

The Huskies break in the regular season 8 a.m. Sunday in East Lansing, Mich., at the Michigan State Open. The event is only open to first- and second-year wrestlers.

After losing eight seniors from last year’s team, this season’s roster is young and in some categories inexperienced; however, head coach Ryan Ludwig doesn’t think that will get in the way of what the Huskies plan to achieve.

“While you always miss your graduates and appreciate their contributions, it’s a natural progression,” Ludwig said. “As a coach, I’m looking forward to our lineup this season, and I feel strongly that we have some young guys ready to make significant strides. It’s been a great preseason.”

Coming off of a tough year where the Huskies went 7-11 overall and 2-6 in the MAC, they’re looking to turn things around with what is a very different team than last year’s squad.

The 2014-15 squad capped off the preseason Friday at Victor E. Court in the annual Red/Black Dual, which saw the Red squad beat the Black squad, 21-15. Ludwig said the standout match was from freshman Quinton Rosser, who made a big statement when he pinned fellow freshman Austin Repp 59 seconds into the first round of the 184-pound match.

But, the Michigan State Open will be nothing like the Red/Black Dual. Last year, 29 wrestling teams showed up to compete, so the young nucleus on the Huskies’ roster is going to get a lot of action this weekend.

But, the Huskies aren’t only a young nucleus, as there are five seniors on the roster: Tyler Argue, Caleb Busson, Derek Elmore, Shawn Fayette and Matt Smith.

“I’m expecting the men who have been in our lineup and experienced a full season to step into strong leadership roles,” Ludwig said. “They’ve been in the fire and know what to expect in the grind.”