Freedom’s wrestling team is entering a new era with head coach Anthony Marino stepping into his first season at the helm of the program and the goal isn’t just to hang around with the top tier of teams in the district, but to be able to beat them.

That’s the mentality Marino is trying to instill to his group coming off an 18-5 season from a year ago with plenty of experience coming back to the fold.

“Team goal this year is to break into the top three,” said Marino. “I really want to not just compete with the top teams but beat them. I think my guys have been working hard toward this goal and they understand what they have to do as far as scoring bonus points in as many matches as possible.”

Returning for the Pates this season include Evan Moretz (121), CJ Horvath (127), Cameron Wickemeyer (145), Joey Bodnar (152), Noah MacIlroy (172), Jared Karabinus (189) and Nick Farrel (285).

Newcomers are Logan Charboneau (114), Anthony Crisafulli (133), Keenan Ray (139) and Jacob Hauze (215).

Horvath enters his senior year as a three-time district medalist and took fourth at regionals last year. Karabinus comes into his junior year ready to improve upon last year’s district runner-up finish and third place finish at regionals. Both wrestlers didn’t get medals at states, but those are certainly goals for both.

The Pates got off to a good start over the weekend at the Battle of Bethlehem Duals, going 4-1 in the tournament.

Freedom knocked off St. Joe’s Prep, Honesdale, Southern Lehigh and Neshaminy before dropping their only loss of the day to Abington Heights 65-12 in the championship round.

“I want my guys to constantly be on the attack and looking to score points,” said Marino. “We really need to look to chain wrestle and wrestle out of every position. I think the team is looking solid as of now and will really surprise some teams.”

The Pates open EPC action Wednesday night against Dieruff.