This wrestling season was always going to be different coming into the year thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, but with the news of the East Penn Conference delaying the start of the season last week until January 15, it’ll leave plenty of down time for programs that are currently gearing up for the winter season.

Bethlehem Catholic head coach Jeff Karam is the lone team in the city that is currently preparing for the season, as the Hawks have gone about their business as usual.

With Liberty and Freedom barred from practicing in all sports until January 11, Becahi has kept at it in the meantime.

“We try and approach everyday as normal as possible,” said Karam. “I know we preach to the guys everyday about the importance of being smart in and out of the room, that we have goals for this season and it’s on all of us to keep everyone safe and healthy. It’s a challenge, but when we’re in here [the practice room], our guys are dialed in.”

The pandemic has brought extra precautions for Karam and his staff, as all wrestlers get temperature checks before entering the room, and masks have become the new norm in practice, outside of live wrestling.

An added emphasis on disinfecting the mats each day is now common, but all the safety protocols are part of the new norm.

“Our team managers do a fantastic job making sure the mats are scrubbed everyday,” he said. “We have safety guidelines in place the school has put forth and we just go day-by-day. That’s all I can really plan for right now.”

The Hawks are now looking to schedule matches throughout December with the EPC conference schedule news coming out last week.

So far, the only official competition date on their calendar is the Powerade Tournament on December 28-29 in Monroeville, PA, which is located just outside of Pittsburgh.

The Hawks have a dual meet scheduled with Notre Dame-Green Pond on January 5, but Karam has already inquired about getting a second dual set up in December.

“I’m not sure what the Colonial League schedule might look like, or if Notre Dame will have any openings this month, but I’ve reached out to coach [Matt] Veres to see if there’s something we could work out.”

While the Hawks are practicing and preparing, Freedom head coach Dante Terenzio can only sit back and wait.

“We’re in a tough position because some other teams are still getting practice and mat time, and we are not,” said Terenzio. “At this point last year, most of our guys had 30-40 offseason matches, which would‘ve been extremely beneficial for us this year due to our youth. A postponed start to our season doesn’t help matters because the bulk of our team are underclassmen with a strong need for development.

“What makes it tougher is knowing this year’s team has a solid work ethic and they want more than anything to be on a wrestling mat right now. It’s hard to stay optimistic, but there’s no other choice.”

While Terenzio is disappointed his team isn’t on the mat, he knows the factors leading the way are more important.

“I understand the precautions because the kids health is most important,” he said. “I definitely feel for these kids. I can’t imagine being a teenager and have sports taken away in any capacity.”

Liberty head coach Brandon Hall wishes his team was able to practice right now, but shares similar sentiments to his Terenzio.

“I think everyone who cares about the sport is frustrated right now,” Hall said. “We all want to get in the room and scrap. That frustration is multiplied knowing other teams are out there working out, but our staff has a great deal of respect for this administration and the difficult decisions they have to make. I trust they have the best interests of the school and community in mind.”