Austin Brett was anxious to wrestle, and districts would be his first stage of the season. An elbow injury for the football team’s leading receiver would sideline him for the Rough Riders’ shortened regular season.

When the senior finished third at the Class 2A district tournament last weekend, it was an anti-climactic feeling. In a normal year, the top-four wrestlers would advance to regionals, This time around, only the top-two would advance, making Brett’s season even shorter

“It wasn’t bad, but I was hoping for a better outcome,” said Brett, whose season ended at districts last year due to an ankle injury with a fourth-place finish. “It was great to get back, but the ending was bittersweet.

“I felt a little right when I started, but my coaches told me I was more fluid as I went on. I felt better as I wrestled further.”

The Roughies finished sixth at the tournament in the 20-team tournament field. Junior Jaryn Hartranft lost a true second-place finish bout. Freshman Mikhail Hartranft (106) and sophomore Gavin Fehr (132) both were fourth in their respective weight classes.

Senior Jacob Nye (113), the lone other senior on the roster, lost in the semifinals.

Catasauqua took to the mats for the first time since Jan. 20 when they dropped a 48-18 decision to Southern Lehigh.

“It was a long time since we were out there,” added Brett. “We had been wrestling each other in the room, but we were all looking forward to matches.

“We had a couple of COVID cases, and we had to be shut down. We thought we were going to come back with a match against Northwestern, but it didn’t happen.

“But we did have a good showing at districts considering what we have been through.”

Brett praised the younger wrestler who can form a solid foundation.

“Our young guys did well,” he said. “Christian Fye, Miles Melendez and the others looked good at districts.

“They all have a bright future.”

Brett plans to play baseball in the spring, and he will continue to search for a home next fall.

He has managed to put everything in its proper perspective.

“I have looked at some colleges, and they can be either close or far away,” he said. “I do want to wrestle, and see who can give me the best offer.

“I was working toward having a good postseason, but it didn’t happen. I know I have to move on, and stay positive.”