POULSBO — In junior high wrestling, there are 19 weight classes to fill for each meet over the course of the season. On this year’s Poulsbo squad of 25, the margin for error — losing grapplers to ineligibility or injury — is small.

But Panthers coach Joe Power knows the challenge well.

“If we can keep everyone eligible and healthy, we’ll have a better chance to fill all of the weight classes,” Power said. “But I’m always optimistic — the kids that are here want to be here.”

The coach said he has realized that junior high teams in South Kitsap always seem to turn out large programs, making them formidable opponents, regardless of ability. A team might be two to three wrestlers deep in each weight class, where Poulsbo might only have one — or even none.

Having to forfeit weight classes as well as facing competitive teams from the southern parts of Kitsap hurt the Poulsbo grapplers in 2003. The team went 1-7.

But this year, the focus for the Panthers will be on quality.

“This is just a good group of kids that work well together,” Power said. “We’ll press on through the challenges.”

Power said that while he would like to see an increase in the number of wrestlers, he’s pleased with the attitudes and abilities of what he has — the quality side of things. Part of that quality comes from home-grown talent, Power said.

“We have a good pee wee program and that’s really helpful,” Power commented.

One wrestler coming up from the pee wees who has been successful is Justan McCaslin. Last year, McCaslin went 8-0 at the 90 lbs. level.

“I’m hoping to have more wins this season,” said McCaslin, a wrestler of six years. “I also need to be a leader and keep the team focused on what we need to do.”

Leadership and team unity will also be a focus of this year’s Panthers squad.

“One of our goals is that wrestlers have a ‘team first’ attitude,” Power said. “Being aggressive, encouraging each other and staying motivated on the mat are what we’ll largely focus on.”

Another motivated grappler is Eric Hedin, wrestling at the 154 lbs. weight class. Hedin said his main goal is to work harder — on and off the mat.

“I want to try and get better — work harder and win more matches,” Hedin said. “Practice at home as well.”

Coach Power said he is excited to see how the kids prepare for the season — but has no doubt they’ll be ready.

“We’ve got a good group of kids whose attitudes are positive,” he said.