BELLINGHAM

RED RAIDERS

Coach: Tom Hinz

Last year: Finished third in the Class 2A NWC standings and third overall with a 4-1 conference record. ... Placed fifth at the 2A Regional Tournament and advanced four wrestlers to state. ... Finished 18th at the state tournament with 39 points and had Nolan Takemura place second at 126 and Andrew Peterson place third at 132.

Wrestlers to watch: Sergio Torres (So., 120-126); Austin Bavaro (Sr., 126-132); Patrick Anderson (Sr., 138-145); Dylan Hanson (Sr., 285); Riley Takemura (So., 106-113)

Outlook: After graduating state wrestlers Nolan Takemura, Andrew Peterson and Jake Knight, Bellingham's numbers are a little low. Coach Tom Hinz admitted his Red Raiders may not be a strong dual meet team this year, but Bellingham seems to do just fine come postseason. Lower weights will be the Red Raiders' strength this season. Hinz has several holes he's working on filling in the middle to upper weight classes. Seniors Austin Bavaro (126-132), two-time state alternate Patrick Anderson (138-145) and heavyweight Dylan Hanson headline Bellingham's upperclassmen. Sergio Torres and Riley Takemura are strong wrestlers in the lower weights. "The biggest thing is, I think we'll have a strong team, we just have to develop a lot of our young guys," Hinz said, "I think our low weight classes will be well represented.

2012-13 SCHEDULE

Dec. 1 George Yonlick Tournament 10 a.m.

Dec. 7 at Battle at the Border 1 p.m.

Dec. 8 at Battle at the Border 10 a.m.

Dec. 12 at Mount Baker* 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Sun Dome Mat Classic TBD

Dec. 19 at Mount Baker/Justin Compton Invite 9 a.m.

Dec. 29 at North Mason Classic 10 a.m.

Jan. 2 Meridian* 7 p.m.

Jan. 2 Ferndale 7 p.m.

Jan. 5 BEHS Team Duals 9 a.m.

Jan. 9 Sehome* 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 at NWC Tournament 10 a.m.

Jan. 16 Nooksack Valley* 7 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Lynden Tournament 9 a.m.

Jan. 23 at Squalicum* 7 p.m.

*NWC match

Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.