He often is overshadowed by Iowa State's Cael Sanderson.    But Stephen Abas still is in position to be considered among the best college wrestlers ever.    Abas enters his senior season at Fresno State with a pair of NCAA championships to his credit.    Winning title No. 3 is not expected to be much of a problem for Abas, who landed a spot on the U.S. World freestyle team this past summer in  Cincinnati.    Fresno State heavyweight Billy Blunt, fifth in the nation last year, has petitioned the NCAA for a sixth year of eligibility this year.    Even if Blunt returns, Fresno State likely will not be the strongest team in this five-team region.    Northern Iowa, under second-year coach Brad Penrith, is looking to emerge on the national level this year after the Panthers had the nation's top-ranked recruiting class two years ago.    "We can do well if all the factors work out, if we stay healthy, if our young guys mature, and if we maintain the right attitude," Penrith said. "We have a great schedule. It will be a very challenging season."    Northern Iowa won the West Regional title last year. The Panthers return All-Americans Paul Hynek (sixth at heavyweight) and Kyle Hansen (eighth at 184).    UNI's Dylan Long moves up to 141 after just missing All-American honors last year. Nate Lawrenz (165) and Jason Payne (197) also are back after qualifying for nationals.    Promising newcomers Tyler Hubbard (125) and Dustin Brewer (133), a pair of top-rated recruits, are expected to make an immediate impact for the Panthers.    Wyoming was third in the West Regional last season, but returns only one national qualifier in Levi Provost at 157.    The Cowboys also will rely on seniors Kelly McConville (133), Mark Hamrick (141) and Justin Christenson (165).    Veteran Air Force coach Wayne Baughman welcomes back two national qualifiers in Scott Frohardt (149) and Kevin Hoy (heavyweight).    Air Force also has veterans back in Heath McKim (125), Andrew Peters (133), Terry Parham (174) and Sam Sheretz (184).    Eastern Illinois won just three dual meets last year. The Panthers do return their lone NCAA qualifier, 174-pounder Louis Taylor, who finished second in the West Regional last season.    Seniors Kyle Bracey (184) and Joe Gleissner (heavyweight) provide experience for Eastern Illinois in the upper weights.    The West Regional was reduced to five teams this year after Marquette dropped its program.