Jake Nye understands his wrestling season is the waiting game. He knows it worth waiting for something that has been an integral part of his life.

The senior has watched his program become ravaged with injuries and COVID-19 cases and precautions that have left the perennial powerhouse a shadow of itself.

The Rough Riders are hoping to be back on the mats for the first time in two weeks when they host a tri-meet with Salisbury and Northern Lehigh Saturday, a match that was originally scheduled for Thursday.

For the 113-pound Nye, who has a 2-1 mark this season, it will be a feeling of satisfaction.

“We have had a lot of injuries, and it has been a very hard year,” said Nye, who posted a 21-14 record last season. “We had a good two weeks and then we had some COVID issues. It is good to finally get back to practice, but this is just a weird feeling.

“I just want to try and make the most of my senior year. I am happy just to be able to wrestle and am looking forward to districts.”

Head coach Joe Russo is relieved that this team has the opportunity and he believes they will make the most of it.

“I feel like when these kids get back on the mat they will wrestle like mad men,” beamed Russo. “They have been sidelined for so long, and we have been together off and on since November.

“At most, these kids wrestled four bouts and some of our guys even less. Now we are down to our last match, and our coaching staff is prepared to put everything into helping these guys make a strong postseason run.”

Nye has enjoyed a special bond with Russo, who is his stepfather.

“I definitely would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for him,” said Nye. “He coached me through Midget and helped me through junior high. He made me have goals and pushed me.

“When I started I didn’t like it. I was the kid who was behind everybody else. Joe helped me through it. It wasn’t until eighth grade that I realized what my potential was.”

Russo reflected on Nye’s beginnings.

“He started when he was six and his brother was four,” remembered Russo. “I stopped coaching at Whitehall and started coaching them and most of the other guys we now have on the team. He never really wrestled varsity at that level.

“We had a mat in the basement, and his brother would get the best of him most times, but Jake was better at the big moves. He’s a fighter, and I always tell him to stay dangerous because I’ve seen him losing matches and end up pinning his opponent.

“He’s always in it.”

Nye likes his chances in the postseason, but he may make the move to the next bracket for districts.

“I’m good where I’m at, but I am thinking about moving up to 120,” he said. “I’m around 114-115 pounds, so I have to see what is the best option for me.

“I want to be in the bracket that will give me the best chance to get to regionals.”

Nye, who also played soccer all four years, would like to pursue a degree in early childhood education, and sees himself beginning next year at a community college before making the transfer.

“In middle school, I began to like what teachers do and their schedule,” recalled Nye. “I would like to work with and help younger children. I would like to work in third grade.”

Nye plans to cherish the moments ahead.

“It has been hard for us to all be together,” he said. “It could have been worse than it is, and we’re all appreciative. I am just happy to have anything we can in the next couple of weeks.”