With five Olympic gold medals, eight NCAA team titles, 44 NCAA champions, 131 All-Americans and 934 dual victories, the ISU wrestling team is preparing for another run through history.

All-Americans Nate Gallick, Trent Paulson, Kurt Backes and NCAA qualifier Jesse Sundell lead the charge for a Cyclone team that received devastating losses to its roster, both because of graduation and injuries.

With standouts Scott Coleman, Trevor Smith and Nick Passolano having graduated, Iowa State’s roster had already taken a hit.

Then, 125-pound wrestler Grant Nakamura sustained a season-ending injury during the offseason, adding an even bigger hole to fill.

“We’re going to be filling a lot of gaps,” said coach Bobby Douglas. “You hate to start a freshman, but we may be in a position where we have to – we’re walking wounded.”

Gallick, who suffered just one loss last season, is a co-captain with Backes and Paulson. His one loss came at the NCAA championships, where the Cyclones finished in 10th place.

“To have the type of team that we had last year and finish 10th was disappointing for us as a team, and us as a staff,” Douglas said.

“I take full responsibility for that. I don’t think I got them psychologically prepared for the tournament.”

With powerhouse Oklahoma State seemingly head and shoulders above the rest, it may be tough for the Cyclones to contend for a national championship this season.

“I think we have a lot of talent, sitting on the bench this year with redshirts,” Gallick said.

“Because of that, our lineup’s going to suffer a little bit. If the guys on our team in the lineup that are inexperienced can gain that experience before March, then we can end the season successfully.”

Assistant head coach Cael Sanderson said the team should still be able to compete in the Big 12 this season, and future seasons appear to be even more promising.

Although the team is not expected to contend for a national title this season, Sanderson fully expects Gallick to have a great season and compete for his own national championship.

“He needs to win a national championship,” Sanderson said. “He’s not only trying to win a national tournament, but he’s trying to be the No. 1 guy in the United States, and he’s really close to both of those.”

Gallick and Backes were both Big 12 champions last season and hope to continue the charge throughout this season, both leading and teaching the relatively young team.

As for Gallick, he said his one blemish from last season won’t affect his performance this year.

“It’s nothing that I’m dwelling over. If anything, it’s motivation,” he said.

“I come in every day to earn an NCAA title – that’s what I’m here for.”