Catasauqua’s’s cross country teams recently began their campaigns with some early season success.

Head coach Kyle Rusnock was pleased with the girls’ and boys’ showings in both the Moravian and Northampton invitational meets that kicked off the year.

“Our girls have been doing well,” said head coach Kye Rusnock. “They have been running very strong, and they are poised to have a good year.”

Rusnock noted the contributions from Alivia Bear, Ava Smith, and Caroline Rodriguez. Bear was the Rough Riders top finisher at the Moravian Invitational, as she finished in 57th place across the line in 23:19. Ava Smith was second in a time of 27:04.

On the boys’ side, Jacob Dove led the pack in 21:23.

In the Northampton Invitational, Bear again was the Roughies top finisher, clocking a 21:28 in 53rd place. Ava Smith was the second Roughie followed by Caroline Rodriguez.

Gavin Cunningham was the top boys’ finisher in 21:35, and he was followed by Mikhail Hartranft, Jaydon Reynolds, Jonathan Rizzo, and Jack Brubaker.

Rusnock sees Bear as a potential district and state qualifier this season.

“She had a fantastic run at Northampton,” said Rusnock. “She ran a 21, which was great.

“Alivia is going to have a great season, and I believe she has a real shot to get to states. That’s very difficult, but she has the ability.”

Rusnock likes her support cast.

“Ava Smith is a young runner with a lot of potential as well,” he added. “I believe she can be very good. Caroline Rodriguez is a great athlete and a real competitor. She has a lot of drive. Madelyn Gonzalez is running hard, and she will have a good season.”

Rusnock noted that Dove and Trevor Rigits missed the Northampton meet, and he sees the duo as heading the boys’ unit this fall.

The Roughies began their meet season at Bangor this week.

“We’ll have a better feel for things this week,” said Rusnock. “We like what we have seen so far, and we can be optimistic.”