The opening couple of weeks to the season have been tough on the scoreboard for the Salisbury wrestling team. The Falcons weren’t dealt any favors as they were paired against some of the top teams in the Colonial League.

First it was a meeting with Catasauqua for Salisbury’s home and season opener, but unfortunately it was the Rough Riders who came away with the 65-12 victory. Then, Salisbury hosted Saucon Valley a week later, with the Panthers rolling to an 81-0 victory.

Salisbury’s record might read 0-2 early this winter, but head coach Juan Garcia is pleased with how this group is coming along thus far.

“I was very impressed with the way we wrestled,” Garcia said following the Catasauqua match. “We are young, but the kids wrestled tough. They are working hard and improving day by day.”

Shane Simononis and Bailey Marcks were responsible for Salisbury’s 12 points against the Rough Riders. Simononis, at 182 pounds, pinned Jacob Latsch in the second period. And Marcks, who wrestled at heavyweight, picked up a fall over Catasauqua’s LaVonte Bouie to get Salisbury within 24-12 after six bouts.

“This was the first time I had seen them compete, and they both put on a good show,” Garcia said. “We have room to improve, but they are tough kids and I’m going to rely on them this season for the bonus point wins.”

From that point on, Salisbury could not get back on the scoreboard. After a double-forfeit at 106 pounds, the Falcons forfeited the 113-pound match to help Catasauqua take a 30-12 lead. Salisbury forfeited five matches on the day, which will be an obstacle to overcome on a daily basis.

“Going into each match down by 16 points is difficult to overcome,” Garcia said. “Our coaching philosophy is score and score more points [and] attack every second of the match. In order to overcome the deficit, we need bonus points.”

Despite losing 11 of the 14 bouts, Garcia was impressed with all of his wrestlers that competed on opening night. A few in particular that left a lasting impact on the first-year Falcon coach were Xavier Ramos, who opened the match at 160 pounds, and Jonah Niesenbaum at 195 pounds.

“Xavier Ramos was doing a great job until he ran out of gas,” Garcia said. “He is a hardworking first-year wrestler, and I expect to see him improve throughout the season. Jonah Niesenbaum is another first-year wrestler who I see improving each day. The whole lineup impressed me with their toughness. We can teach them technique, but toughness can’t be taught.”

Up next for Salisbury is a trip up to Jim Thorpe for its holiday tournament on Thursday. The following teams will also be in Jim Thorpe along with Salisbury: Williams Valley, Southern Lehigh, Wilson Area, Berwick, Daniel Boone, Harriton, North Schuylkill, Phil-Mont Christian, Montgomery, Danville, Cedar Crest, Crestwood, William Allen, Wissahickon, South Williamsport, Bloomsburg and New Hope-Solebury.

The Falcons also have an upcoming quad meet scheduled for February 11.

“We have high exceptions of the team,” Garcia said. “I’m not the type of coach who is going to accept kids on the team just to increase our numbers. I want to rebuild this program with student-athletes who have a great work ethic and are willing to go above and beyond. I’ll take nice kids who are willing to put the time in over 20 who are not committed. We have a great bunch of kids and I’m looking forward to seeing them grow individually and as a team.”