Scranton, PA – Circumstances change – with this Saturday's Gulf Atlantic District championship wrestling tournament serving as a perfect example.

Last season, a deep and experienced Garrett College squad claimed a share of the Gulf Atlantic team title in the program's fourth year of existence. This year, head coach John Chambers expects a younger and injury-riddled Laker squad to be more about individual achievements.

"A team title repeat may not be in the cards, but it would be great to get multiple wrestlers to the national tournament for the fifth consecutive year," said Chambers.

Elijah Hunter – one of only two sophomores expected to wrestle for the Lakers this weekend – is the defending champion and likely top seed at 197 pounds. Hunter's 19-8 record includes a championship at the Thunderwolves Open and a runner-up finish at the James Madison University Open.

"Elijah is the prime example of the type of student athlete we want to recruit," said Chambers. "He's a great leader and teammate, and he's had a great year on the mat and in the classroom."

EJ Guy – who also won a title at Thunderwolves and finished second in his weight class at the JMU Open – will wrestle at 133 pounds.

"EJ has battled through injuries all year," noted Chambers, adding that Guy "arguably had his best tournament last time out at the Whizzer Open in Michigan until an injury forced him out.

"EJ will be ready come Saturday," stated Chambers.

Linden Amtoung – who finished third at Thunderwolves despite injuries that kept him out of the lineup until December –will compete at 157 pounds.

"Linden is our most athletic guy and has a good chance to qualify for nationals if he can put everything together this weekend," said Chambers.

The rapidly improving Ethan Doctor will wrestle at 174 pounds after reaching the finals at both JMU and Thunderwolves.

"Ethan has gotten better every week," said Chambers, noting Doctor hasn't lost a match at 174 pounds since the winter break.

Zach Schoch is expected to fill in for sophomore Paxton Wertz – who finished third in the district at 174 pounds last year – at 184 pounds. Wertz was injured at the Lakers' last home dual meet, although Chambers said there "is an outside shot Paxton could return, but we won't know until later this week."

Connor Saladin, the Lakers' third returning sophomore and a 2022 national qualifier, will once again wrestle at 285 pounds.

 "Connor will have to be at his best to qualify this year," said Chambers. "The 285-pound division has many quality wrestlers."