It’s crunchtime for the Catasauqua wrestling team, and the Rough Riders are confident heading into this week’s District 11 individual Class 2A championships at Freedom High School this weekend.

“The team is working real hard right now to prepare for [this weekend],” said Roughies’ head coach Joe Russo. “Among some other things, we really have focused on getting stronger in the weight room over the past three weeks.”

Catty has a solid lineup from top to bottom beginning with freshman Caroline Rodriguez (4-9) at 108 pounds followed by sophomore Mikhail Hartranft at 113. Senior Carlos Cruz (8-20) will go at 122 and freshman John Cordon-Pinto (17-15) has the 128 slot.

Senior Cole Brown (22-11) will open at 134 and junior Gavin Fehr (29-8) will be at 140. Senior Jaryn Hartranft (34-3) rounds out the middle at 147.

Russo believes the trio will have a good showing. Hartranft was third, and Fehr was fourth respectively in districts last season.

“Jaryn, Gavin, and Cole have the best chance to advance,” he noted. “They have been consistent and have the experience.”

Sophomore Miles Melendez (10-15) holds down and senior Luis Del Rosario (14-14) will be at 174. Sophomore C.J. Beller (14-12) has the 191 spot and senior Dom Melendez (5-13) will be at 215.

“Mikhail, Jon Cordon-Pinto, and Luis Del Rosario could make it,” added Russo, “They need to keep the momentum they picked up at the end of the season.

“We feel all of our guys are in a good spot.”

The Roughies also notched some high finishes at the district JV tournament. Cruz and junior Vinnie Limandri brought back third and fourth place in their respective weight classes. Rodriguez, senior Juliza Rodriguez, and juniors Trevor Rigits and Zach Rizzo also participated.

“That was a tough tournament because you had the AA and AAA teams in the same bracket,” said Russo. “But our younger guys have been battling all year.”

The Roughies finished with a 7-0 dual meet record, and they were fourth in team duals.

“We were pleased with our progress throughout the year,” stressed Russo. “We have been basically healthy all year, and we have been working toward this stage.”