Even as Marshfield’s six state-qualifying wrestlers prepare for the Class 5A meet in Portland on Thursday, coach Kris Davis and company are looking toward the future.

“Experience. We want experience at the state tournament,” Davis said. “It was a rebuilding year for us. ... We’re not expecting any state champions, but we do have some kids who could make the top eight and get onto that podium.”

The Pirates are taking three sophomores, two juniors and a senior to state on Thursday: Sophomores Tyler Nixon (112 pounds), Jesse Moore (145) and Kody Campbell (160); juniors Nick Roderick (119) and Cody Shipp (189); and senior Coty Cook (135).

Alex Ware, another Pirate senior, qualified for state but won’t compete because of a torn muscle.

For Marshfield’s underclassmen, the tournament berth provides a valuable look at the state’s best competition. The Pirates hope the lessons and skills learned in Portland over the weekend will translate to future success.

“Next year, I’ll know a lot more about what I’m looking forward to and what I can expect coming in,” Moore said, adding his goal is to place in the top six this year.

Either way, Moore plans to relish the competition of a sport he loves. Friendly competition, that is.

“(Wrestling) is the kind of sport where you can beat up the person across from you, and when it’s all over you can still be friends,” he said.

It’s Moore’s first trip to state, but three Marshfield wrestlers are returning after state appearances last year.

Shipp is hoping to improve on a two-and-out performance in 2008. He knows the meet will be intense, but he has a special way of preparing for the pressure.

“I try to think of my best matches I’ve had all year and try to do what I did in those matches,” he said. “I’ve been working hard all year. I’m really looking forward to the state meet.”

Nixon lost his opening-round match then advanced to the second round of consolation wrestling in 2008 after a 1:10 pin, but fell to Cleveland’s Spencer Pottebaum in a 7-2 decision.

“My goal this year is at least to place in the top five or six,” said Nixon, adding he’s excited to get a preview of the competition he’s going to see for the rest of his high school career. “You get to see who all’s there, who’s the best in the state for years to come.”

In 2008, Cook lost to eventual runner-up Nikita Piatkoff of Woodburn in the opening round, but won two consolation matches before falling to eventual seventh-place finisher Rodney Smith of Madras.

Cook wasn’t available for comment because he wasn’t at practice on today.

If a few Pirate wrestlers can post good tournaments at state, Marshfield hopes to use the success to bolster the program for years to come.

The Pirates will lose two seniors, but Davis looks at his juniors and underclassmen and sees the potential for a bright future.

“We’re real young, but these kids can do well. I think we’ve got a good future ahead of us.” he said. “These younger kids need to see the state tournament, for what it’s worth, so they can get some confidence and carry that into next season.”

Notes: The Class 5A wrestling meet starts Thursday at 9 a.m. at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland, with the opening two championship rounds. Ticket Prices, set by the Oregon School Activities Association, are $8 for adults and $5 for students for individual sessions and $9 for adults and $6 for students in the semifinals and finals. Two-day tickets (Friday and Saturday only) are available for $30 for adults and $20 for students and season tickets, good for the entire tournament, cost $45 for adults and $30 for students.