Entering his senior season, Noah Gosart is seeking to change his approach from last year — notably how it ended.

“I started my season pretty confidently, but in the end I fell short and was very disappointed,” said Gosart, who finished 18-15 last year after placing sixth at districts the previous season. “I need to work more on my defense. The team is working hard and this team is one big family.

“My goals this season are to work hard and focus on my weaknesses, and to have a good season. The only change I’ve made was my mindset. I have been working on a more positive mentality to help boost my teammates and myself.”

In seeking to create a new landscape on both a personal and team level, Gosart won’t be alone.

The Bulldogs will begin a new era, with two-time state qualifier and alum Ryan Kern taking over the program from Scott Snyder, who stepped down after nine seasons. Northern Lehigh finished 8-11 last year.

Having a strong feel for the program as an assistant in recent years, Kern saw the opening as a natural fit. He was excited to see the athletic department supply the team with new wrestling mats and a TV for the wrestling room.

In many ways, it is a fresh beginning. Kern envisions the team having nearly a full lineup this winter, though he is still working to fill the 107-pound slot.

“We’ll be competitive,” stated Kern. “We have a number of guys coming back, and we’re excited to see what we can do. We had some guys just join us from football, and we had some injuries.

“But we have liked what we have seen in the early going.”

Kern will inherit a team that returns starters Zach Gosart (139), Grady (189), Dawson Newhard (215), Jayden Weaver (139), Jaxon Bower (171), Mason Rothrock (160) and Skyler Loos (152).

After a sixth-place finish at districts last year, Rothrock is expected to raise the bar again following a 22-18 campaign. Kern believes Rothrock can reach the 100-win mark in his career — he begins the season with 43 wins and has two years remaining.

“Rothrock has the potential to finish high at districts, and get a good number of wins,” added Kern. “Grady (Newhard), Noah (Gosart), and Jayden (Weaver) should also have good years.

“Dawson (Newhard) was a freshman last year, and he battled through getting a little beat up.”

Last year, the younger Newhard began to find his footing as the season progressed and persevered through the challenges. He also appreciates the strong team chemistry.

“Wrestling as a freshman was definitely hard in the beginning of the season,” recalled Newhard, who finished 12-19 overall. “But as the season kept going, I got into a groove and really kept getting better. I learned not to give up and keep fighting.

“The team chemistry is really good, and we’ve all been doing this for 10 or 12 years. Having my brother on the team is a really special experience because I get to learn a lot from him, from different moves to being a role model and leader for the younger kids.”

In his first year, Kern will look to build on the foundation already in place.

“We feel we can have some district qualifiers, and do well as a team,” said Kern. “We’ll work to keep our lineup full throughout the season, and keep our overall numbers up.”