The Trapper wrestling team is set to open its home schedule this weekend, with duals against Western Wyoming at 6 p.m. Friday, and against the University of Providence at 9 a.m. Saturday.

The Northwest College squad opened up its season on the road on Tuesday against the University of Montana Northern Lights, who were ranked No. 18 in the first NAIA national poll.

Heading into this season, the Trappers feature their smallest roster in program history, with only eight student-athletes on the roster. In the dual against MSU Northern, the Trappers were forced to double forfeit at 149, 157, 165, 174 and 184 pounds.

NWC was also met with stiff competition, dropping matches at each weight class.

Sophomore Ryker Blackburn, 197, one of the few returning wrestlers from last year’s team, matched up against No. 1 ranked Isaac Bartel. Blackburn dropped the match by technical fall with the match at 18-3.

Avery McSpadden, at 133 pounds, took on nationally ranked No. 11 Nick Kunz and was defeated by technical fall 16-0.

Ivan Lee, 125 pounds, dropped a tight contest against Kaleb Frank by an 8-4 decision.

At 141 pounds, Kendall Cummings lost to Martin Wilkie due to a fall at the 4:50 mark.

Traycee Normal, competing in the 285-pound division, pulled double duty as he lost a close decision to Rylan Moldenauer 8-4, and by technical fall to Mathias Holen, 18-3.

Before the season began, Trapper wrestling coach Jim Zeigler said the team’s main focus coming into this season would be on individual success as opposed to team success due to their lower roster numbers.

This weekend’s matchups will be the team’s only home contests until the last weekend of January, when the Trappers will host the Apodaca Duals.