It’s another wrestling season and things don’t really change for Bethlehem Catholic.

The Hawks will again be one of the best teams in the state this winter and Jeff Karam’s crew will look to defend their PIAA championship from last year’s 17-0 season.

“I’m very optimistic about this year’s group,” said Karam. “They have been working extremely well together and I feel they have the potential to accomplish the goals they set for themselves individually and as a team.”

The Hawks have plenty of depth at their disposal this season with a deep lineup of wrestlers. This year’s depth chart is as followed: Keanu Dillard (106); Nate Desmond (113); Cole Campbell (120); Ashton Campbell/Marco Frinzi/Shane McFillin/ Ryder Campbell (126); Cael McIntyre (132); Kollin Rath/George Pavis (138); Charlie Scanlan/Riley Hughes (145); Jake Dailey (152); Andrew Harmon/Landon Muth (160); Luke Thomas/Dario Cruz/John Hulse (172); James Deluise/Auggie Warke/Jacob Lance (189); Nicco Spezza/Mario Pastrana (215) and Elijah Thompson/Chris Reyes (285).

Desmond returns for his sophomore campaign ready for an encore off his district, regional and state championship run a year ago. Cole Campbell was a state runner-up last season, while Rath took third in Hershey a year ago.

The Hawks have plenty of talent outside of their three returning PIAA placewinners, as McIntyre, Harmon and Thomas were all regional champions. Dailey and Muth were regional runners-up last season.

One name that won’t be back for Becahi this season is Tyler Kasak, who is foregoing his senior season to train at Penn State RTC. He’ll be home-schooled this season and train before wrestling for the Nittany Lions next year.

“We have a bunch of guys that can make a jump from last year or will see varsity action more consistently this year,” Karam said. “We just need continued growth and compete for team and individual championships.”

The Hawks get their season underway this week with a home matchup against Northampton Wednesday night followed by a trip to Ohio this weekend for the rigorous Ironman Tournament.