Through the opening weeks of the wrestling season, Catasauqua has been off to a solid start.

The Roughies placed fourth of 18 teams in their annual Rough Riders Invitational, and they have posted wins over Wilson (39-24) and Bangor (43-24).

“We have wrestled well,” said head coach Joe Russo. “We haven een able to fill all our spots, and we have some extra time now to work on things.

“We have had a number of guys who have been impressive.”

Senior 145-pounder Gavin Fehr, a state qualifier last season, recently remained undefeated with a pin in the Bangor match to raise his mark to 6-0.

“Going out to states last year has really helped me,” said Fehr. “Now I know how to go through this season. My goal is to get back there and earn a medal.

“We have a good team this year. We had some rough years lately, but we will have a good year.”

Russo likes what he sees from Fehr. He began this week with 78 career wins, and should be on track to reach the 100-career mark.

“Gavin should be able to get there,” added Russo. “He looks really good out there.”

Fellow senior Brendan Nye – the coach’s son - returned to the mats this winter after spending some time on the basketball hardwoods. Nye (127) recorded a pin against Bangor and has a 3-3 record.

“It’s great to see Brendan progress and remember how to wrestle,” said Russo. “He looks more comfortable every match.”

Against Bangor, senior William Bear (172), junior Mikhail Hartranft (121), and sophomore Jonathan Cordon-Pinto (133) all registered falls. Senior Javiver Sobrado (285) posted his first career victory, and junior Chad Beller (215) gained his sixth win of the season (6-1) with a major decision.

Senior Trevor Rigits also recently accepted a scholarship to Lehigh University.

“Bear has an aggressive style and has had big pins in each of our first two wins,” said Russo. “C.J. Beller has grown so much physically and mentally and had a decision over one of Bangor’s best wrestlers.

“Mikhail Hartranft is tough, and has two pins in his first dual meets.”

The Roughies met Southern Lehigh Wednesday and will meet Salisbury Dec. 20 before they participate in the Jim Thorpe tournament Dec. 27-28.