Northwestern is like most small-school wrestling teams when it comes to building a challenging schedule that prepares its wrestlers for the postseason.

The Tigers find some decent competition in the Colonial League, but getting out to tournaments like Panther Valley’s Coal Cracker or the Bethlehem School District Holiday Classic affords them extra opportunities to square off against other teams’ top grapplers, including some from far off locations.

This year, with COVID-19 prompting the cancellation of both tourneys Northwestern was scheduled to compete in, the Tigers will have to look for competitive dual meets to fill out their schedule. Add in the fact that the Colonial League voted Tuesday to delay the start of league matches until January, and the Tigers have plenty of openings throughout December.

“Our schedule has obviously been affected as all the tournaments are canceled,” said Northwestern head coach Jim Moll. “And now our league schedule has been pushed back, so we are scheduling some independent matches to supplement our schedule. The biggest challenge is going to be getting quality, high-level competition to help prepare our guys for postseason. This is something we would normally get at the Holiday Classic and the Coal Cracker.”

Moll, who is in his 12th season at the helm, became the program’s all-time wrestling coaching wins leader last year with his 105th victory.

He should amass several more this year with a lineup that includes a few returning district qualifiers, along with some newcomers who could make a big impact on the program.

Ben Griffith could be the only senior in the Tigers’ lineup this year, as he moves up to the 152- or 160-pound weight class after competing in districts at 138 last year.

Junior Mason Brensinger will compete at 152 or 160 as well.

Sophomore Lucas “Buck” Miller returns after taking fifth place at districts last season at 152. Miller is slated to wrestle at 172 this season.

Junior Eli Dellicker took sixth place at districts last year at 113. He will likely be in the 138-pound spot this year, where the strength of Northwestern’s lineup could begin.

The Tigers could be a bit thin in the lower weights. Freshman Ryan Bergenstock will be the team’s 113-pounder, followed by sophomores Josey Wehr and Katie Brensinger at 120 and 132, respectively.

Newcomer Daulton Clymer is expected to occupy the 145-pound spot for the Tigers. He is the younger brother of Tiger state champs Ben, Scott and Caleb Clymer, as well as state qualifier Bobby Clymer

Sophomore Dart DeLillo is slated as the Tigers 189-pounder.

The Tigers went 5-3 in the Colonial League last season to qualify for the league tournament, where they lost to eventual league champ Notre Dame (Green Pond) 66-14. Northwestern fell to Wilson in the first round at district duals.

This season, the Tigers could certainly be in the hunt to get back to both tournaments, but right now they’re just focused on getting better each day.

“Goals for a lot of our guys are going to be skill development,” said Moll. “We are really slowing down some of our technique sessions to make sure we get things right.”