After losing six seniors from last season, the NIU wrestling team is picked to finish third in the MAC behind Central Michigan and Ohio.

The Huskies return three wrestlers who went to the NCAA Championships last season.

Ben Heizer, an All-American, is ranked as the No. 2 wrestler in the 184-pound weight class.

Sam Hiatt, the defending MAC 133-pound champion, comes into the season as the No. 15 in his weight class.

Josh Wooton is the No. 16 wrestler in the 149-pound weight class. He wrestled in the 141-pound class last year, but moved up this season. He finished second in the MAC last season.

All the individual rankings are from wrestlingmall.com.

“Each of those three guys have all had success while they have been in the program,” NIU coach Dave Grant said. “They have worked hard to get to where they are and they are obviously going to be an integral part of our team.”

Heizer, Hiatt, Wooton and George Kirgan are expected to be starters as all were key components of last year’s team. The other weight classes are still undecided.

“This is one of the more talented teams that we have had here,” Grant said. “However, they are less experienced than some of our previous teams. Out of the 10 weight classes, six of the 10 starting positions will be comprised of underclassmen or individuals without starting conference experience. A major part of our success this year will be the ability to make great strides throughout the season.”