Over the years, Catasauqua’s wrestling program has been successful due to a number of reasons.

However, one major one has been their feeder system. The Rough Riders’ junior high program recently again proved its worth.

Catty placed five wrestlers among the top four in their respective weight classes in the Colonial League Junior High tournament.

Eighth-grader Donovan Bonilla (115) and freshman Dylan Kalynych (250) both gained first-place medals, while eighth-graders Myles Melendez (155) and Chad Beller (190) were second and third respectively, and freshman William Bear (122) was fourth.

At the District 11 Junior High tournament, Kalynych was second and Bonilla, Melendez and Beller all finished fifth. The team finished 17th overall from the field of 42.

As a team, the Roughies lost just two matches during the regular season. It has been a true transition on all levels in the program.

“I thought we did pretty well this season,” said head coach Mike Rusnock. “There will be a lot of kid who will be coming up to varsity next year.

“Over the years, we always have had a good number of guys move on to the varsity and be successful. We have about 10 varsity wrestlers now who have come through the program.”

Rusnock is a 1989 Roughie grad who wrestled anywhere from 98 to 119 pounds during his time. His best finish was a sixth place at districts.

But he has been inspired by his younger brother Kyle, a state champion who previously guided the varsity team for three seasons.

“It’s awesome,” said the older Rusnock about his relationship with his brother. “He (Kyle) still stops in to see me and the varsity. We still talk a lot about the program, and with him being a teacher, he knows all the kids.

“We supported each other growing up and that hasn’t stopped.”

Rusnock also appreciates the support from current coach Joe Russo, who has long ties with the family.

“Joe (Russo) and my brother wrestled together when they were younger, and then he was Kyle’s assistant,” said Rusnock. “It has been such a smooth transition as Joe (Russo) took what Kyle left him and build upon it.

“Joe has been great and he has continued to improve the program.”

Rusnock also credited ex-Roughie standout Jonathan Reed, who has worked with the youth program.

Overall, it has been a fluid pipeline.

“A lot of what is learned at a high level thanks to what the kids are taught at the lower levels,” added Rusnock. “When the kids reach us, they have a good idea about what we are trying to show them.

“We have youth nights to get to know the kids, and we have done a good job at moving every body forward. We have been able to compete well at all levels.”