It's nothing new to Steve Hluschak Jr. when it comes to the task of filling his Northern Lehigh wrestling lineup each season.

But some years are more challenging than others, especially when it comes to replacing those talented wrestlers the Bulldogs lose to graduation.Hluschak only watched one senior leave the program after his first season, but then followed the next season by needing to replace seven of 14 spots.Now, entering his fourth year, Hluschak had to watch the talented fearsome foursome of Cameron Kates, Colton Rex, CJ Young and Matt Schmall take their wrestling skills with them.All four were PIAA state qualifiers, and Schmall came home from Hershey as a state medalist."We're a small 2A school, and at times, part of the challenge every year is to fill 14 weight classes," Hluschak said. "Just was the case last year though, we have some experience and some talent coming back."We also got some young guys moving up from the junior high program and some coming out for the sport for the first time who are going to need to step up for us. I think ultimately the success of our season is going to ride a lot on how well those young guys and inexperienced guys can pick it up."Ryan Farber (160/170, 34-5) is the lone returning Bulldog that kept pace with those departed NL wrestlers, all of whom won 30 or more matches. Hluschak expects nothing but the best from Farber and the rest of the talented returning Bulldogs mat men that surround him.Seth Fronheiser (120/126, 26-12), Ezra Neff (126/132, 19-14), Brandon Belfonti (152, 16-14) and Jason Shaffer (220/HWT, 20-17) are the wrestlers that the Bulldogs will lean on this year.While Hluschak knows he has talent up and down the ladder, it was tough for him to say what would be the strength of the program."We got some guys down below that are pretty tough," Hluschak said. "We have a 106-pounder in Preston Bauer coming up from junior high, who had a solid seventh and eight grade career down there."Dan Belfonti, who's a senior, will be returning to 113-115. We're going to have somebody new at 120 with either Brent Nierer or Jamail Brooks. It just really comes down to some talent and experience throughout the lineup, as well as young guys and inexperienced guys to work with."Though hopeful that the pieces will fall into place, Hluschak still has his eyes set on big things for the Bulldogs this season."You have to strive for the best every year," Hluschak said. "You work for the best, so why not try to be the best. Obviously, we had two quality seasons in a row, but every year brings new challenges, and this year isn't any different."EDITOR'S NOTE: Steve Hluschak Jr. is quoted in this story as the Northern Lehigh wrestling coach. Recently, Hluschak accepted the position of Director of Athletics & Student Activities at Stroudsburg Area School District, and will no longer be the Bulldogs mentor. Assistant coach Scott Snyder will now be the team's head coach.