Last year, the lack of a consistent heavyweight hurt the Panthers.

With this years new class, Eastern hopes to turn that around.

“It’s probably Joseph Trinka, a freshman,” said head coach Ralph McCausland. “He’s a two-time placer in the state of Illinois from Crystal Lake and I think he has the upper hand right now. These first couple of tournaments we go to, things will play out. We’ll be able to see more, tell things a little bit better.”

Trinka will get his first chance to prove himself at college level this weekend at the Central Missouri Open in Warrensburg, Mo.

Trinka took fourth place last year at the state wrestling finals in the 215-pound weight class. The year before he took second place.

Junior Greg Perz, who also graduated from Prairie Ridge High School in Crystal Lake, believes Trinka will do good things for the team.

“It’s going to be awesome,” Perz said. “He’s a true freshman, he’s a big guy. He’s from my hometown. He’s just a big guy who wrestles like a little guy. He’ll get bigger and his technique will continue to get better, so I think he’ll be a good asset for the team.”

Trinka held his own against Perz in last Friday’s practice matches.

McCausland said he has been working hard all through the preseason so far.

“He’s just a work horse,” McCausland said. “He’s just one of those guys that loves to work. He’s got a great work ethic and is always in a situation where he’s going to do additional work without being requested or asked to. That’s just signs of someday he’s going to be successful.”

Trinka thinks he has been doing well so far in preseason against some of the upperclassmen.

“I think I’m okay for being a freshman,” Trinka said. “Think I’m doing pretty well against some of these other experienced guys.”

With Trinka filling a vital part of the Panthers lineup, McCausland said the team should be more solidified.

The only spot that he thinks will still be questionable will be the 165 pound spot.

“The other weights we got other guys there that I think are going to be successful, where as last year we were kind of missing a couple,” McCausland said. “It makes a big difference when the guys know who’s going to be where as well.”