By Russell Korando
Saturday, November 22, 2008 3:22 AM CST

With four state championships, the Francis Howell wrestlers were the team of the 1980s. Head coach Kevin Stroh won a state title for Howell at 189 pounds in 1995.

With just one year before the first decade of the 21st century closes, Stroh is intent on bridging a three-generation gap and building the Vikings back into a team that can compete at the state level. Just competing in the Gateway Athletic Conference is hard enough, as the Vikings' sixth-place finish in the South last season attests to.

"Our team, we're young and still in the rebuilding process but we'll be better than last year," Stroh said. "We return eight starters from last year."

And picked up another one from CBC in the off-season. Junior Sam Melson had a record of 32-8 at 125 heading into state, but lost his first two matches and was eliminated from medal contention. He's at 130, and Stroh likes the intensity he's added to the team's middle weights.

"He's a new kid coming in to prove himself," Stroh said. "He's a tough kid and when he gets into the lineup he'll do some good things."

Stroh brought in two coaches to help the Vikings. Brandon Lococo was an undefeated state champion at 160 for the Vikings in 2006. He'll work with the team's middle weights. Josh Sampo joins the Vikings after being part in multiple NAIA championships at Lindenwood. He'll work with the lower weights.

"Both are doing a great job," Stroh said. "We've needed a light guy to work with the little guys and he's doing an awesome job. Brandon is a great work out partner. This is the most intense they've been since I took over. They know what it takes this year."

Senior Nick Baker and junior Kyle Chebela are the Vikings' two returning state qualifiers. Both were also medal winners in the GAC South tournament.

Baker won 39 matches at 103 last year and has moved up to 112. Stroh said it's easy to see Baker's hunger to move up to the state medal stand.

"I expect a top three finish out of him," Stroh said. "His older brother winning a medal made him hungry."

Chebela moves up from 112 to 125. Stroh said adding his name to the Vikings' wall of fame at Howell High is a big incentive for him this winter.

"He wants to add some paint to the wall," Stroh said.

Sean O'Leary was unbeaten at 103 at the freshman-JV level last season. The only reason he wasn't on the varsity is because he was stuck behind Baker. O'Leary has won his spot on the varsity at 103.

After posting an all-GAC South first team performance on the Vikings' offensive line, Malach Radigan is Howell's heavyweight. Stroh said Radigan is finally healthy after sustaining an injury playing football.

Alex Lankford is a hard worker who lost in the match to go to state last year. Lankford will wrestle in the 145-152 range.

At 160, David Shipley returns after missing last season with an injury. The senior had a good football season and Stroh thinks he's going to surprise some people this season.

The Vikings had their weight certifications done Tuesday and had wrestle-offs on Thursday. They're ready to open the season Tuesday night at home against GAC South rival Fort Zumwalt South.

"We're all good to go," Stroh said.