For the first time in three years, Catasauqua head wrestling Joe Russo can face the season without any preseason anxiety. Gone are the days having issues with COVID and a rash of injuries.

The Rough Riders began their regular season Friday night against Wilson with a solid lineup and depth as well. The following day, they hosted their annual Rough Rider Invitational tournament that featured a field of 16 teams.

“Yea, it’s a good feeling to have a lineup in place,” said Russo. “Going through what we did the past two years was hard, and we still managed to have plenty of good things happen. We have 20 kids out, and we have some backups. Barring any injuries, we should have a good season.”

Senior Gavin Fehr, and juniors Chad Beller, and Miles Melendez will set the space for the team. Fehr, who will open at 145, was a state qualifier last year with an overall 37-13 mark with 13 falls. Beller (215 this year) had a 16-14 record with eight pins, and Melendez (160) was 12-17. Both Beller and Melendez were one win away from medaling at districts.

Sophomore Caroline Rodriguez (114, 4-9) is back, as well as sophomore Jonathan Cordon-Pinto (133, 19-17) and senior Vinny Limandri (139, 8-11). Junior Mikhail Hartranft (121, 20-18) had a breakthrough season last year. Senior Brendan Nye (121-27) returned to the program after he played basketball the past two years.

Seniors Trevor Rigits will open at 152 and William Bear will backup at 152-60 after they both battled injuries last year. Sophomore Braden Bartholomew will also see time at 152-60. Senior Zach Rizzo, who also had injury issues, should vie between 160-72.

Freshman Evan Reed should begin the season at 107, but fellow freshman Gavin Hacker will challenge. Senior Evan Bargher (107) and sophomore Jon Rizzo (121) are both newcomers as well as senior Javier Sobrado (215-285), junior Josh Rodriguez (215-285) and sophomore Jacob Ramos (215-285).

“We can move some people around at the higher weights,” added Russo. “We have three guys at heavyweight, who are wrestling for the first time. We have a number of flexible spots in the lineup.”

Russo understands that everything has to fall into place soon with the impending season. He expects his team to be on the heels of perennial Colonial League power Notre Dame and Saucon Valley. The Roughies were 13-8 overall and 7-1 in league play.

“The day after Thanksgiving we had the football players in practice for the first time, and they looked good,” he said. “We’ll be right there with Notre Dame and Saucon Valley. We managed to eBay everyone else, and we should do that again this year.

“We’re looking forward to a good season.”