For the first time in his Cornell University wrestling career, Gabe Dean heads into a season without fear and with an overwhelming sense of peace. Well, not too peaceful. He still plans to use the faces of his opponents to mop mats.

Dean, a native of Lowell, Mich., enters this season as the defending NCAA Division I national champion in the 184-pound weight class. He begins his title defense on Saturday afternoon when the Big Red hold their first dual meet of the season at 12:30 in Newman Arena against Drexel University. The Big Red also will host the New York State Intercollegiate Tournament on Sunday at Barton Hall.