EAST LANSING, MICH. - Appalachian State University wrestling begins its season on Sunday, as they will compete in the Michigan State Open for the first time in school history.

The Mountaineers return nine starters from last season's squad and also have brought in several freshmen that have been impressive in the preseason.

ASU returns two wrestlers with NCAA championship experience in senior Frank Celorrio and redshirt sophomore Austin Trotman. Celorrio won the SoCon Championship at 133 last season while Trotman earned an at-large spot as a freshman.

Dylan Temple returns for his third year as a starter and his second at 184 pounds while Kyle Blevins is looking to improve on a successful freshman season in which he led ASU in wins with 24.

Mike Kessler earned SoCon all-freshman honors last season and had perhaps the best off-season of any ASU wrestler. Savva Kostis took over at 149 midway through last season and Chip Powell made a successful jumpt to 157 where he took third at the SoCon Championships.

The tournament will begin at 9 a.m. with the preliminary rounds and will be followed with medal round matches and finals at approximately 6 p.m.