Emmaus wrestling took fourth place last Saturday at the nine-team Dallastown Duals, held at Dallastown High School.

The Hornets defeated Catasauqua and lost to Cumberland Valley and Kennett to go 1-2. The team uses tournaments such as this to measure progression toward coach Thad Smith’s season goals. Two traits which have defined Emmaus throughout the season has been the wrestlers’ dedication to their craft and desire to improve.

“This group of wrestlers work extremely hard and want to get better and compete with the best teams around,” Smith said.

The team continues to pursue excellence although you could argue two of them have already achieved it. Senior Nick Velde and junior Marco Albanese have been awesome, each winning their three matches at Dallastown and each improving on the season to 17-1.

Jared Groller also has served notice that he is a fine wrestler. The senior won two of three 215-pound matches at the tournament, which raised his season mark to 16-4. Heavyweight Trevor Gitski likewise took two of three matches at the 285-pound level, losing only a 2-3 decision Kennett’s Bailey Shindle.

Freshman Jesse Scott, who does not know the meaning of the word quit, won two of his three matches at 126 pounds last Saturday to bolster his overall record to 13-4.

Earlier in the week, the Hornets bombed Dieruff in a home match, 72-3. Emmaus was the beneficiary of no less than eight Husky forfeits, but still received strong performances from Caleb Baldwin, Jake Gross, Aidan Horn and Groller who won their matches. With the win Emmaus improved to 8-3 and 4-1 in league action.

Heading into this week the Hornets were in seventh place in the District 11 Class 3A rankings with matches remaining against Stroudsburg, Nazareth, Cocalico and Whitehall. The top 12 teams qualify for team districts, which begin Thursday, Feb. 5 and conclude Saturday Feb. 5 at Freedom High School with quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.