Head coach Joe Russo is watching everything fall into place.

His Catasauqua wrestling team recently finished 14th out of a 45-team field at the prestigious Coal Cracker Tournament at Lehighton High School. The Rough Riders also are still in contention to receive a first-round bye in the upcoming district duals, and they have placed themselves in good position for the Colonial League tournament.

At the Coal Cracker, senior Jaryn Hartranft took top honors in the 145-pound bracket with a fall in 1:42.

Sophomore Mikhail Hartranft took sixth at 113, junior Gavin Fehr was seventh at 138, and senior Cole Brown finished eighth at 132.

The Roughies also took advantage of a JV section of the tournament. It was for wrestlers who were knocked out Friday night or simply for JV wrestlers.

Freshman John Cordon Pinto took first at 126, and junior Christian Fye was second at 172. Sophomore Miles Melendez was third at 152, juniors Vinny Limandri and Trevor Regits were fourth at 138 and 145 respectively.

“I thought we did pretty good,” said Russo. “We finished ahead of the other local schools except for Stroudsburg, Parkland, and Freedom, who all have very good programs.

“It was nice to have a JV option. It was a long weekend for everybody, as it seemed like we never left the gym. But the kids stayed with it.”

Russo is excited about the prospects for Jaryn Hartranft, who was aiming for his 100th career win in the Roughies’ final meet at home against Northwestern Wednesday. Russo stated Northwestern’s coach noted there likely will be a forfeit at Hartranft’s weight.

Hartranft began the week with a 29-2 record with 19 falls. He also likely will break Luke Garner’s record of 40 seasonal wins.

“This is great for him,” said Russo. “We expect him to have a strong finish to his season. Jaryn is one of the hardest workers in the room, and he has earned everything along his way.”

Russo also has been impressed with the work ethic of his two female wrestlers, freshman Caroline Rodriguez and senior Juliza Rodriguez. Caroline recorded a pin in the first round of consolations, and both girls made it to the second round of consolations. Caroline also will wrestle at 108 for districts.

Caroline has a 2-4 record, while Juliza is 2-6.

“They both go about their business, and they both are one of the first ones in the room,” said Russo. “They both are hard workers and have done everything we have asked of each of them.

“Caroline helped us fill the 108 bracket, and Juliza will see some time.”

The Roughies have an overall 10-5 record with a 4-0 slate in the Colonial League West and an overall 6-1 league mark.

“We’re right behind Tamaqua for the fourth spot,” said Russo. “We’d like to get one of the top four to get a bye.

“But we have a full lineup, and knock on wood, we’re healthy. We like our chances in the individual district tournament as well.”