The Panther Valley boys wrestling team is still young and developing, but the program’s greatest strides this winter may come from something simple: a full room, a full lineup, and wrestlers eager to turn last year’s lessons into growth.

The Panthers are finding strength in numbers after navigating their first season without co-oping with Marian Catholic last year, and head coach Kris Nalesnik sees signs of progression when it comes to getting the program back on the winning track.

“We’re probably going to have a full lineup,” he said. “That part of the rebuild hasn’t been that hard. As far as talent level in the room, our boys are working so hard. All the vets from last year that came back are just really pushing themselves trying to reach that next level. Last season obviously was not super successful, but they understand that the only way you’re going to get better is if you put in the work to get better, and they’re all working very, very hard.”

Unlike last season, when the Panthers struggled to fill out their lineup each night, they enter this season having no issues with their roster. Not only should the lineup be full for every match, but numerous weight classes are currently being fought for by multiple wrestlers.

To begin at 107, two newcomers in Jason Rodriguez and Ezekiel Matias are already battling for the position.

At 114, Ixsaiah Bracero — moving up from junior high — is contending with returnee Logan Wise.

Bracero’s brother, Emmanuel Andreades, comes in at 121 with some friendly family competition pushing both wrestlers.

Two veterans, Hayden Matula at 127 and Landon Hunsicker at 133, return to their previous classes from last year.

The next three weight levels show the depth PV lacked a year ago.

At 139, either Nathan Rolon or Dominic Brogan — both freshmen moving up from junior high — will get the nod.

At 145, the battle is between Cayden Moore and Jeremiah Smith.

At 152, Cameron Rolon returns looking to build off a solid performance last season, though newcomer Riley McFayden could also challenge there.

The Bracero family appears again at 160, where Ixsavier Bracero enters as the oldest of the three brothers.

Classes at 172 and 189 remain the only question marks before the season begins. Potential candidates include Joseph Zarsky, Ralph Vazquez Matta and Dyllan Gommer.

Last year’s heavyweight, Carlos Maldonado-Rosa, has worked down to the 215 class, leaving the 285 spot up for grabs. Sophomores Nathan Blose and Roman Ascani are currently battling for that position.

Given last year’s winless season, Nalesnik knows improvement won’t be instant — but he believes the sheer number of wrestlers in the room will accelerate that process quickly.

“The first thing you’re going to notice right away with this team is not giving up all the forfeits,” he said. “When you’re not giving up 24 to 30 points in forfeits, it makes it a lot easier to win a dual meet. Not to mention the fact that last year’s sophomores (now juniors) know what it feels like to be out there on the mat to win and lose. They’re working at a level that I’ve not seen them work (before) to make sure that they’re ready to go. We should have some success as a team this season.”

The Panthers open their season Dec. 6 at Brandywine Heights in the Sam Lovello Classic Wrestling Tournament.