The freshman group includes 149-pounder Dominic DeNunzio, younger brother of Crimson assistant coach and former star Dustin DeNunzio; Matthew Button (157); and Jonathan Butler (174)—all grapplers Weiss expects to contribute down the line.

“I’m very pleased with our young guys,” Weiss said. “We’re building something very strong that’s going to be here for a couple of years.”

Harvard will also receive a major boost from returning sophomore Robbie Preston, who missed last season while suffering from concussions, and the skill and tenacity he injects into the group at the 125-pound level.

“He’s healthy and ready to go,” Baria said. “He’ll be a really big addition for us.”

But Weiss acknowledges a slow and difficult road inevitably lies ahead for the green group.

“They have to hang in there and not get discouraged,” he said. “Because it will be discouraging. But I think we’ll be a hell of different team come February.”

Until then, the team will work towards improving itself, setting its starting lineup and ushering in the new nucleus of wrestlers that will each strive to replicate Jantzen’s epic title.