The Iowa State football team’s slogan may be “It’s a whole new ballgame,” but the Cyclone wrestlers have done them one better. Their new slogan is “We’ve got a new attitude,” and you can see the conviction in their eyes.

“This is the most important year for Iowa State wrestling as far as Bobby Douglas is concerned,” said head wrestling coach Bobby Douglas. “We’re going after the national title. We don’t have the experience to be a front-runner, but there’s a bunch of guys working hard and making an all out effort.”

The Cyclones are ranked fifth in preseason polls.

“If they think that much of us there has to be a reason,” Douglas said. “If we get above fifth, we’re going to be a tough team.”

Helping ISU stake their claim are returning All-Americans Dwight Hinson and Chris Bono. Hinson finished third at last year’s NCAA tournament while being named Amateur Wrestling News’ Freshman of the Year, and Bono finished fifth.

“We should have been in the top two or three last year,” Bono said. “We should have no problem this year.”

Looking to bounce back after a disappointing finish last season is senior Derek Mountsier. He’ll see action at 142 pounds and is looking forward to the start of the season.

“Obviously I was very disappointed [last year],” Mountsier said. “It’s funny how when you’re a senior, things start to gel together. I’m just thankful that I have one last year; I don’t want to have any regrets after this season.”

Douglas said he feels that Mountsier is capable of being in the top three.

“It’s up to him. [He’s] been here four years with me, [he] doesn’t have an excuse,” Douglas said.

Also returning for his last season is 118-pounder Jason Nurre. Nurre wrestled varsity two years ago and saw a little action last year.

“This is my last year and I’m going to give it all I’ve got,” Nurre said. “I have a lot more confidence in myself; I’ve brought everything to a higher level.”

“You gotta’ have a full tank of gas when you get out on the mat with him,” Douglas added.

The first level that the Cyclones will climb is the Cyclone Open on Nov. 12. This is the second year for the event, and Douglas is excited.

“You asked for a tournament and you have one — a first rate one,” Douglas said.

From there the Cyclones will travel to two tournaments before hitting the home stretch in December and then the meet that has the whole state talking. The Iowa- ISU extravaganza on Jan. 13.

“If we’re going to beat Iowa, we have to do it in the next six matches,” Douglas said. “We have a chance of meeting them four times this year. The countdown begins.”

With a new attitude and a new lineup, the Cyclones are looking to climb into the upper-echelon of wrestling.