DeKALB | In what can be described as a season of potential, the NIU wrestling team will open up its regular season on Saturday at the Pointer Open in Stevens Point, Wis.

The Huskies return a team on which three players — Mike Grimes, Pat Castillo and Johnny Galloway — were all NCAA qualifiers a year ago. The team also brings in a group of freshmen with experience after being redshirted last year.

Freshmen Duke Burk and Joe Cornejo finished first and second in their respective weight classes at last year’s Pointer Open and look to have a break-out year. Also, true freshman Pat McLemore is expected to see his first collegiate action after going 149-10 during his high school career in Ohio.

The balance of the team has head coach Dave Grant ready to start the season.

“We have outstanding freshmen and redshirt freshmen,” Grant said. “The old meets the new this year.”

The Huskies will be one of more than 30 teams competing this weekend during the all-day affair.

Grant is looking for the same toughness and intensity Saturday that his team has displayed during practice.

“The number one thing is to be aggressive,” Grant said. “We need to work hard toward getting scoring opportunities.”