As head wrestling coach for Illinois, Mark Johnson rewrote the record books and was named National Coach of the Year in 1995.

But after 17 seasons as the leader of the Illini, Johnson retired last year, leaving some big shoes to fill.

Now, insert new head coach Jim Heffernan, Johnson’s top assistant during his entire tenure.

Heffernan takes over a squad that begins the year unranked, despite finishing 13-2 in duals last year, including a 6-2 record in the Big Ten and an eighth-place showing at the NCAA Championships.

“We’ve set a pretty high standard. That’s the standard we’re going to try and meet every year, and our goal is to be in the top 10 every year, or higher,” Heffernan said.

However, this year’s Illini squad may have a tough time repeating last year’s success. Two of last season’s All-Americans were lost to graduation in Mike Poeta and John Wise. A third All-American, senior Jimmy Kennedy, will likely redshirt this season while preparing for a change in weight class. The Illini will also be without Roger Smith-Bergsrud, who graduated following three seasons of being an NCAA qualifier.

These departures leave openings for some new faces among this year’s expected starters. Three redshirt freshmen are expected to contribute, with Daryl Thomas, Conrad Polz and Pat Walker all expected to get the starting nods in the 133-pound, 165-pound and heavyweight weight classes, respectively.

Seniors John Dergo and Patrick Bond both return a year after having strong showings at the Big Ten Championships and qualifying for nationals. They are joined by junior Ryan Prater and sophomores Jordan Blanton and B.J. Futrell, all of who will look to make return trips to the NCAA Championships, as well as returning sophomore starter Eric Terrazas.

“I’ve got pretty huge expectations, I think the highest you can get. I’m going for a national title,” said Futrell.

The Illini will face what should prove to be a tough schedule.

The nonconference slate will prove to be no easy task, as the team is set to take on preseason-No. 2 Iowa State and No. 8 Missouri.

And it doesn’t get any easier during the conference schedule, as this year’s Big Ten boasts seven of the preseason top 25 teams among its ranks, including three of the top five in No. 1 Iowa, No. 3 Ohio State and No. 5 Minnesota.

“I think it’s good competition. It’s definitely going to be good practice for the Big Ten Tournament and leading into nationals,” Bond said.

“And throughout the season, just remembering it’s practice and just trying to get prepared for that February and March part of the season.”

Fan support was an important factor for the Illini last season, when they finished 15th in the country in attendance.

Heffernan thinks that support will be important once again this season.

“The atmosphere in Huff (Hall), obviously, is a very good thing. The fans are close. They’re excited. I think it really helps our guys,” Heffernan said. “The sooner we can fill that place, the better.”