Catasauqua’s cross country team was anxious to open its season Tuesday with a home meet against Northwestern, Southern Lehigh, and Palmerton.

They’re also optimistic for many more due to a charged optimistic outlook.

“Right now, we’re really going day-to-day,” said head coach Kyle Rusnock. “We’re hoping to finalize our schedule and see what happens.

“But we feel we are in a great position. Our kids are looking good and working hard.”

Senior Lexi Rushatz, who has been a district qualifier for the past three years, returns to anchor the girls’ unit along with fellow senior Breonna Brinkley.

She’ll be joined by juniors Lucy Brubaker, Bronwyn Pacchioli, Ashley Ritter and freshmen Kaylee Weidaw, Olivia Bear and Delaney Popa Nina all will form a solid core.

“We have a number of girls who have been running for years,” said Rusnock. “The senior and juniors came up together and know each other out there.

“Kaylee Weidaw, Olivia Bear, and Delaney Popa Nina are young runners who definitely will continue to lower their times and get better.”

Seniors Luke Colon, Dorian Hoagland, Angel Fort and Matt Ritter spearhead a rising boys group of Cole Brown, Edward Popa Nina, Gavin Fehr, Jayden Reynolds and Jared Schneck among others.

Freshman Zachary Bear, Mikhail Hartranft, Alex Sasdi and Myles Melendez also should make an impact.

“Our boys have really made strides in the past few years,” said Rusnock. “They should have a good year this season. We have a good core of upperclassmen.

“Our freshmen have looked good and they should run well throughout the season.”

Due to the COVID-19 situation, the Roughies only will be allowed to enter nine runners in each race. Rusnock sees the move as a possible detriment, but also as a possible motivation.

“When we told the kids, there were some who were obviously frustrated,” he said. “Cross country usually allows everyone to participate, and that’s a good thing for many kids.

“Now, they will have to work for their spots, and it can create some competition. I believe our kids will respond, and we will be in good shape.”