PLATTSBURGH -- Section VII, which consists of just five teams, held its own at last year's NYSPHSAA Division II Wrestling Championships by finishing sixth out of 12 sections with 119 points.

With 10 returning wrestlers out of 17 headed to states this year, Section VII is looking to build on that success.

The states will be held at Rochester's Blue Cross Arena on Saturday and Sunday, instead of the usual Friday and Saturday.

"We finished sixth last year as a section and I think we will do fine again this year," said Peru co-head coach Mike Hogan.

"We're returning five state place-winners and other wrestlers who got experience last year. And, for the first time I can remember, every team in our section is represented by at least one competitive wrestler who is capable of placing this year."

Leading the way for the area contingent will be AuSable Valley senior standout Dustin Frederick, who took first in the state a year ago at heavyweight.

Frederick, who will be a serious threat again at 285 pounds, recorded a 2-1 win over Highland's Brad Serini in the semifinals last season before a 51-second pin of Holley's Demetrius Mendes in the title match.

"I have to keep my head into it -- I have a bull's-eye on my chest this year," Frederick said. "I'm treating this like a business trip, and I've been focusing on this since the summer.

"This is my fourth trip to the states and I don't care who is in my bracket. I'm focused on the match at hand.

"It was a great feeling when I won last year and it took a couple of days for it to sink in."

Champlain Valley Athletic Conference and Section VII team champion Beekmantown will be represented by seven matmen.

Sectional champions for the Eagles this year include: Jesse Daniels (103); Pete Avellaneda (112); Koby Barcomb (135); Paden VanWeort (152); and Josh Nephew (171)

In addition, for the first time, two Section VII wrestlers -- Beekmantown's Andy Anderson (125) and Joey Roberts (140) -- were awarded at-large berths for their past and present success. Anderson was a sectional champion at 125 last year and Roberts at 130.

"Andy is a three-time sectional champion and Joey has won the sectionals twice," said Beekmantown head coach Lenny Gadway.

"They both have won over 100 matches in their varsity careers and it's nice to see them get at-large berths. It's good for our section to start seeing our kids get what they deserve."